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Purchasing a bus can be daunting, but we’re here to let you know that it really doesn’t have to be. In fact, purchasing a bus can be a lot of fun as well as a great learning opportunity. To prove our point, here are some fun facts you probably didn’t know about buses.

History of the Bus

The first bus was introduced in Paris, France by a man named Blaise Pascal in the year 1662. This bus wasn’t like the buses you see today. This bus was drawn by horses. The tickets were so expensive, however, that it only lasted a total of about fifteen years. The next horse-drawn bus made its appearance on the scene in 1812. It was during this time that the bus got its name. It derived from the Latin word, “Omnibus” which means “For all”. Interesting, huh? By the 1830s, buses were steam powered. It was sixty-five years later in 1895 that the first internal combustion engine bus was invented. In today’s era, buses are a safe and convenient way to travel.

Keeping It Safe

Did you know that buses are actually more environmentally friendly than cars? It’s true! The more people ride the bus, the less they use their cars and this means that we’re reducing the amount of gas use and pollution! In addition to reducing pollution, buses are actually a safer way to travel. Think about it! If more people rode the bus, there’d be fewer accidents because there’d be fewer cars! Now isn’t that something?

“Where’re the Seatbelts?”

Government officials took a “passive protection” approach to bus seating. Buses are designed with high padded backs and seats. Even the windows are designed to provide protection if there is ever an accident. It may seem that buses are not as safe due to the lack of seatbelts, but in fact, they’re much safer than most types of transportation.

Some Additional Fun Facts

Did you know that the largest bus in the world holds 300 passengers? This large bus can be found in China, and it had to be redesigned with three separate sections in order to be able to make turns around tight corners. Cool, huh? We think so.

You may find it interesting to know that before the 1920s, buses had curtains instead of glass windows!  The longest, unchanged bus route can be found in London and was established in 1920. Neat, right? It runs from Hampstead Heath to Pimlico.

We wish you luck on the incredible adventure of purchasing a bus and we hope you’ve enjoyed learning some of the wonderful fun facts about buses. And just think. Now you can impress your passengers with a history lesson dating back to the creation of the first bus in 1662!