Buses provide transport for many people in towns, cities and across the country. Some buses can accommodate up to seventy people. Some towns and cities have a network of bus stops when people can catch a bus. This enable people to move around quickly without having to drive their own car. A efficient bus service frees up the roads enabling large numbers of people to use one vehicle instead of many cars.

The first buses were horse drawn carriages. In order to pack in more passengers some carriages had two levels. These buses could travel on any roads providing cheap travel for passengers. Steam powered buses eventually replaced the horse drawn types. In some areas a limited electric bus service was provided. The electric buses need overhead wires so they could only travel on the set up network. The petrol engine made operating buses much easier.

Fast Facts:

• some buses used hydrogen as a fuel source
• a London two deck bus can carry up to 90 passengers

Most modern buses are similar in design, however there are some that are instantly recognizable.

 
Double-decker (The UK)

The School Bus (The USA)

Greyhound Bus (The USA)

In some cities special traffic lanes are provided for buses. This ensures that the buses can travel faster at peak times.