A transit bus (also known as a commuter bus) in the United States is usually operated by an urban-suburban bus line, a governmental public transit agency, or a contractor. A transit bus is normally used on public transit routes. It is typically equipped for city or frequent-stop suburban service, and features usually include a farebox, multiple doors, and efficient and spartan seating, as opposed to more comfortably appointed intercity buses or "express" buses, (although all would be considered mass transit). As of 2004, an increasing number of operations are using articulated buses on routes with heavy ridership. However, many experimental uses of double decker buses have not proved them to be practical in U.S. operatons other than for special sightseeing services in a few large cities (with the exception of Las Vegas, Nevada where is currently running The Deuce strip transit service, which is part of Citizens Area Transit). In the United States, operations of most public transit services are financially subsidized by local and state governments, who provide small amounts of matching funds to receive 80% capital grant aid from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation. This agency administers programs which provide funding and support services to state and local agencies which operate a wide range of public transportation services. Organizations which utiltize FTA funds are generally not allowed to use their buses to operate charters or university campus transit services in competition with non-subsidized companies and organizations. They generally must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Hybrid electric propulsion is becoming an increasingly popular option, with New York City, San Francisco, Toronto, Seattle, and Chicago, Minneapolis/St Paul snd other places.
See also
- Bus
- Highway Bus
- Public transport
- Transit authority
External links
- Hybrid Transit Buses
- http://transit.metrokc.gov/am/vehicles/hy-diesel.html
- http://www.cleanairnet.org/infopool/1411/propertyvalue-17735.html
| Types of buses |
|---|
| Articulated bus – Double-decker bus - Dual-mode bus – Guided bus – Gyrobus – Low-floor bus – Midibus – Minibus Motorcoach – Party bus – School bus - Transit bus – Trolleybus |
