Whats the difference between a Bus and a Motor Coach

Buses and Motor Coaches. Are they the same thing?? Why are some buses called Coaches?
In this video I will explain where the word Coach originates from and how a certain type of buses got named the Coach.
Some of the clips I used in this video are from other KZbin channels.
Video of Kids getting out of bus restroom
• How many people can yo...
Articulated buses
• ARTICULATED BUSES BUS ...

[@josephbrenz5394]

I wish there's more and more bus enthusiast and drivers out there that share their content to the world like you sir

[@RipRoaringGarage]

sits here awkwardly...

[@stevedavenport1202]

I think James is the only one.

[@RipRoaringGarage]

@@stevedavenport1202 what am I chopped liver? Im doing a city bus restoration on my channel...fml ((angry noises))

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Check out Heavy Metal Mechanic. He has a cool channel! Love his personality! kzbin.info/door/b1nnlMU2mNn9LtHsh2UaOQ

[@RipRoaringGarage]

@@MotorcoachWorld Thanks! I just discovered City Bus Driver too. He commented on the..lets all not hate each other comment lol. I subbed to him. Hes got his own unique take on this. So we're out there. THanks for the kind words though! Means a lot.

[@Trashman702]

Hi James. I was a Class A trucker for 24 years. Now I drive a trash truck. I’ve always been fascinated with trucks, trains, buses, heavy equipment. I always loved riding transit buses as a youngster and Greyhounds on summer trips. I don’t know how I found your channel but I genuinely enjoy it.

[@dappergander]

Our Scout troop rented a school bus once. I was quickly reminded that the suspension of a school bus is definitely designed for short trips. 😩

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL! yeah very true. I Almost mentioned the suspension in this video however I wanted to keep the comparisons to a minimum to avoid sounding like I was talking bad about other types of buses. Newer school buses today are coming out with better suspensions although I don't know if they can compare to the motor coach.

[@counterfit5]

My college jazz band had to charter a school bus on short notice because our booking for a coach got "lost". A 2+ hour trip with a bus of college students and no supervision leads to shenanigans.

[@ThePinkPanth3r]

We took the school busses on the PA interstate for a few field trips, people behind the wheel seat could hit their heads off the ceiling.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

@@moredetailsinmessage7969 sorry you don't like the music. Viewers usually ask me for the name of the song and they seem to enjoy it. But to each their own.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

@@moredetailsinmessage7969 gotcha. Thanks for the feedback. Sinsierly.

[@videoKILO]

As a hungarian subscriber/ex-coachdriver, i am happy that you mentioned Kocs and Hungary in this video! Your videos are great and very informative for outsiders of this industry. Have a nice a day!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thank you for you comment! I always love hearing from people in our industry from other countries! Appreciate the kind words. Stay safe!

[@Корней_Корнеич]

Hi from Russia! I am learning English language and meet the coach word, so I’ve searched for it in the internet. Thank you for your broad explanation 😊

[@joshlangenberg663]

Found your channel from recommended, definitely not disappointed! I'm a class A driver so I normally watch content on the trucking side of things but I must say its been interesting seeing another part of commercial transport. Your knowledge and format makes it genuinely worth watching!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Josh! Thank you for your Kind words! Really appreciate it. Comments like yours give me the drive to keep making these. Stay safe out there!

[@samuelitooooo]

This is the video I didn't know I needed. Was always curious about the origin of what I called "carriages" (but, as I now see, are actually coaches). Also no one I know would call confidently motorcoaches "coaches", but now I can. Thank you! I definitely live in a city with many commuter coaches (among thousands of city buses), as well as various intercity coaches.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thank you for the kind words 😊

[@Andrew-qx6wj]

“The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name.” ― Confucius

[@ericanderson7059]

Google 4 million mile bus driver , my Dad is a legend in the industry , glad I found your channel would like to correspond .

[@lrander]

In Denmark they are just called a bus. If you do need to make the distinction, the coach is called "turistbus", which tranlates to (you guessed it) "tourist bus".

[@buss8009]

Hi there! I don't know if you find this interesting, but I'll tell you anyway. In Norway, the city buses are also those we use as school buses. Most school children use the ordinary city routes, all though we also drive special school routes with the same city buses... And when we talk about buses driven on longer routes, usually from smaller cities, to bigger cities, we talking about express buses... And, of course, we also have tour buses, usually transporting passengers on longer trips, often for several days. If you ever do come to Norway, send me some words, and I'll be happy to show you some of our buses! Stay safe my fellow bus friend...

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Loved reading this! I love reading your comments! Such great information. You definitely should try to do a video on your own! You have a lot to offer!

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

Not Just Norway, we do this as well in the USA

[@truckingwithdom]

James, as always your videos, bloopers, and information have been priceless. I’m 24 from New York City and I can tell you you are spot on!! I got my CDL when I was 21 and I’ve been able to drive all 3 types of busses, MC, transit, and School bus and I’ve done it in rural and urban environments!! Again you are SPOT ON!! Due to the pandemic I’ve been trucking but I can say once I accomplish my goals I will certainly be going back to the motor coach world in the new year, also I’ll be turning 25 so I’ll be able to work for private companies opposed to only being able to work for greyhound. Dude, your content and enthusiasm has attracted me from watching your private page as well. Stay well and safe travels? Hopefully we may meet on the interstate one day! Best regards, Dominic

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Dominic. Thanks for your kind words. I really appreciate it. Wish you well In your future endeavors. Have a happy 4th! Be safe!

[@TakingTransit]

6:47 I live in an area that operates double decker transit buses (the same place shown in that picture, actually - Seattle) and I love riding them, especially if you can get front row seats on the top level

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thank you for your comment! Much appreciated!

[@coover65]

Another informative and entertaining video. We were looking for something suitable for a motorhome conversion. Here in Australia they use normal city route buses as school buses, not purpose built ones like American yellow ones. So we have a choice of just city buses and coaches like Greyhound coaches. We found that the coaches had huge luggage bins and were able to sit on the freeway speed limit comfortably. The city buses had minimal storage and almost scream back at you if you do over 50mph. So we bought a 40 foot coach. And get this-it was built by Motorcoach Australia. A subsidiary of you perhaps? Haha.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

That is very interesting thank you so much for this bit of information. I would love to see some pictures of your RV. Have you finished it yet? I think the US is the only country that has purpose built yellow school buses I have yet to see these in any other country. Thanks for your comment good sir be safe. if you want to email me a picture of your RV I would love to check it out. [e-mail]

[@crystalfields3054]

Aye James im a bus operator from new jersey i just saw one of the bus I drive D45CT new jersey transit 45 foot 😂 im really enjoying your videos sir stay blessed 🙏🏿💯

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Crystal! Thank you! I appreciate the comment and kind words

[@crystalfields3054]

Thank you CDL family Bless bless brother 🙏🏿

[@mattbalboa1349]

I am a first time viewer, and I am impressed. You know your stuff. I worked for over 25 years a a city bus driver, driving GMC TDH New Look fishbowls, AMG disasters, Gillig Phantoms, etc., and now am just retired after 11 years driving school buses - IC, Bluebird, and Thomas. I have some time on MCI hybrid motor coaches with the city transit business, and in the late 70's I got some stick time in early Trailways Eagle buses. I generally preferred the Eagle ride over the MCI, and wonder why they have disappeared?

[@johnmartin2079]

James you forgot me the 39yr luxury coach technician, During my time with coaches I worked for bluebird. On the north side of the road. We were bluebird wanderlodge, again saying luxury motorcoach. I didn't want to feel left out, all the Prevost, mci,wanderlodge and vanhool conversions were luxury. Thanks for any bus nut for your time.

[@davidperry4013]

Motorcoaches have more powerful air conditioners than school buses not just comfortable recliner seats. A motorcoach rides like a Lexus. The ice-cold air helped me fall asleep on long-distance rides. I rode in motorcoaches on long-distance field trips. I also used to ride motorcoaches in Summer day camp in my childhood and early teen years. The school bus has a place in my heart because I do not have to walk to school whenever both my parents are at work, get to socialize with classmates before school, it's fun, it is safer than riding a car, and it's less burden on my parents. I wished my high school had an activity bus so I do not have to wait for my parents after I was doing orchestra rehearsals or after-school tutorials in my days before my driver's license.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

lol well said David. Thanks for the comment!

[@Brittany.Anderson]

Thank you for explaining the different types of busses out there because i didn't know that there were different types until now.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hi Brittany. I'm glad you are enjoying these. Thank you for your kind words Britney. Stay tuned for more.

[@NatesRandomVideo]

There's always so much to know in each of our specialties. I'm fascinated and won't ever own or operate a coach. Cheers. Fun stuff.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL thank you for your comment! I am glad you like it! Appreciate the comment!

[@sleepybear5574]

School bus yelling kids motorcoach well behave kids adults ac smooth trip travel the lower 48 and vancouver maybe a clean restroom Good channel man

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL! Thanks you my friend! Appreciate the kind words.

[@rabbytca]

I recall one luxurious coach ride from Mexico city to Taxco where at the start of the 3 hour trip one was greeted with cookies and a cola by the host/hostess. Each seat had a side arm table with drink holder. The seat reclined complete with foot rest!

[@berylwhite2983]

Comfort is great! And a coach is a coach because it has large luggage capacity. LOL because I leave with less than I come back with. And the air conditioning wonderful as long as it's working. It's amazing how fast they can get a coach repaired. We got dropped off at a location we were supposed to visit. Slightly over 2 hours and amazingly it came back and it was cold as ice in there. These people can work miracles and I bet you that is the way most All coach operators are. They are really super at taking care of their customers. Can't wait until we can start traveling again. Thanks again for everything including your wonderful videos

[@MotorcoachWorld]

As always, thank you for your kind words Beryl. Very true in what you said. I hope things turn around for our industry! Stay safe my friend!

[@joshk4843]

I have driven all three including old London double-deckers in Canada and currently drive school buses and may be returning to transit. You pretty much nailed it. Naturally I loved the comfort of driving coach, I have a bond with my students and co-workers in school busing but I prefer the randomness of the public and shift options in Transit. And transit buses has certainly come a long way in driver comfort. I had to push just to add an LED route sign for my school bus as I'm always covering difference runs. Liked the history lesson there too. Also the word bus is shortened from omnibus, and I think the term bus has become a verb for moving or shuttling things or people like how the FDNY refers to an ambulance as a "bus" for patients or a bus boy/girl for shuttling dishes.

[@t0cableguy]

I've always called a Motor Coach a Charter Bus, and a Motor Coach is what I call a Luxury RV.

[@geraldmiller6679]

Enjoyed your comment. We often use all three names, Motor Coach, Bus, Motor Home or just Our Coach. I would be interested in how James would respond to this area. I am referring to Prevost, etc.

[@nostalgiakarlk.f.7386]

Wow. I had no idea there even was a bus community out there. I'm more of a railfan myself, but I like your videos as they have shown me that the world of buses and motorcoaches is more interesting than I thought. Keep up the good work!

[@charlescontreras4135]

I remember the first and only time that I rode in the center section of an articulated bus in Chicago, that was bumpy! I still have a soft spot in my heart for the Gruman Flxible bus from around 1980 which we had in the Chicago suburbs, I thought they were cool looking.

[@cindywinkler2441]

I enjoyed this so much, James! Thank you for showing so many PCC in your photos. Keep up the great work! You are a gifted guy.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Aww thanks Cindy!!! Appreciate the kind words.

[@josephheston9238]

PCC, as in the streetcar?

[@cindywinkler2441]

@@josephheston9238 Peoria Charter Coach

[@phatphuk2761]

I drove all 3. Started with school bus (Greenwich bus), then the motorcoach (Coach USA and Campus Coach Lines), lastly the transit bus (40 and 60ft) MTA NYCTA. In that order, is who usually pays the least, to whom pays the most.

[@Papascoffs]

Nice picture of your SEPTA bus in the beginning of your video!!! That’s the agency I work for.

[@DvjLuna]

I love your Star Trek Refferences to get your point(s) across! Good videos too. :) BTW School Bus Driver here.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks you!

[@TimothyEBaldwin]

In British English a coach is usually called a coach, unless it is replacing a train. What Americans call a "city transit bus" is just called a bus, or local (service) bus if needed to distinguish it from a coach. Calling such vehicles city buses is rather silly as they are widely used outside cites and towns. On some of the longer local bus services (not city routes) the buses are fitted with features such as more comfortable seats and extra luggage space.

[@arolysantiagosuarezdiaz2905]

your program is very interesting ,I’m an airline transport pilot but after motorcycle accident they amputee my left leg above the knee, for now I’m driving motor coach. family tradition, but honestly I never thought that I will be back to the bus transportation .

[@josephdipalma5989]

Love your channel, I love all buses but the old ones are my favorites. My all time favorite is the fishbowl. It reminds me of living in NYC as a young child. Keep the videos coming.

[@maclairetx]

James I am so glad to have discovered your KZbin pages. And seeing you at the 2023 convention in Orlando makes me want to get involved again ( I was a coach driver for 20 years) perhaps in a media capacity. Would love to chat with you some time. Your knowledge has no limits.

[@JWimpy]

Very interesting, I didn't know the difference. A small town near me received some very plush motor coaches as a donation for use as school buses. Because coaches are so difficult to sell around here it made more sense to donate than scrap them. The school kids ride in style there. Also, a local graphics company decided to step in and put the school logos and lots of flair on the coaches. They are very impressive looking.

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

Very nicely put together video and very entertaining as well. Thanks for posting this.

[@tshava]

i always learn something new from your videos, thank you. from Zimbabwe

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thank you for your comment! Appreciate the compliment! Stay tuned for more!

[@albing1397]

Would like to get a "tour" of the drivers compartment/dash. Also, what are the CDL requirements? How about some "war" stories on long distance runs - weather issues, how to avoid accidents, funny happenings.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Al Bing! I will definitely add these to the list. Appreciate you taking the time to write!

[@kylepesely]

interesting fact about school charters: in CA, if a school charters a motorcoach, it is governed by a specific set of rules set out by the Dept of Education, and is known as a School Pupil Activity Bus(SPAB). any drivers on a SPAB move have to hold a special certificate issued through the DMV, which requires additional training, background check, etc and is just one step below a school bus certificate(school bus requires 5 extra hours of classroom instruction). we also need to have 10hrs of recurring classroom training every year to stay current. one of the biggest differences from what you described is that on a SPAB move, NO pax are allowed to stand while the bus is moving, PERIOD. this includes chaperones. just like a school bus. if they have to pee, they need to let the chaperone know, who will let me know, and i will pull over at a safe spot. winding mountain road and about to throw up? hey if you gotta run to the lav go for it, but the second i see you get up i’m pulling over until your done. rules are rules. all of this regulation stems from the school bus accident in Martinez, CA in 1976. as someone who holds a SPAB certificate, i will say that you feel quite accomplished once you have it. it’s a feather in the cap, for sure. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuba_City_bus_disaster?wprov=sfti1

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Wow this is a interesting read! Loved this. Thank you for this bit of info!

[@sewing9434]

8:57 is indeed a city transit bus...it happens to be a New Flyer electric trolleybus in Vancouver, BC (the interior looked familiar, so I had to rewind to confirm). I've ridden all kinds of buses and coaches over the years...your channel is fascinating. Keep up the good work!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Wow you have quite a good eye there.

[@sewing9434]

@@MotorcoachWorld The fleet number (2200-series) and "Macdonald St" (a major cross-street) on the "Next Stop" display gave it away :)

[@juniperwinters3277]

I drive the D4500's regularly in my company. Love the videos.

[@YesterchipsMIG]

That is interesting. In Germany we only have one name: "bus". At best, one uses "Reisebus" (Coach) or "Linienbus" (Citybus) to distinguish between them. I don't know any dedicated school buses in Germany at all. Usually simple regular buses are used here and a special school bus sign is attached to them. In rural areas, small private companies often provide public transport. These often have simple regular service buses and a few large coaches in their fleet. When I was still at school, it was a great puzzle every morning as to which bus we were going to take today. The old rattle box, or the ultra-modern Mercedes 404? Thank you very much for this great video!

[@tonkafiredepartment]

Honorable mentions: Crown Supercoach, a school bus that had a three axle option, Provost H5-60, a single floor articulated coach that was short lived, the Neoplan Jumbocruiser, a double decker articulated coach, and the Krown-Ikarus articulated transit buses that used the middle axle to drive and had the engine behind the front axle like the Crown Supercoach mentioned above. The Krown Ikarus also used its rear non drive axle as a tag axle.

[@anthonybyrne7121]

The capital city of the state I live in has some tag axle buses on regular city bus runs and also has some articulated buses. I am a school bus driver in Australia. This is my first job in the transport industry.

[@Neoprene00]

I always wondered about commuter coaches. Thank you.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey I am so glad to hear my videos actually answer peoples questions! Thank you for the comment! Really appreciate it!

[@ayathabit5899]

Thank you for this informative video. It’s very helpful

[@castletransport]

I always enjoy watching these videos. I always learn things about my new trade. Thanks James!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks Andy! Much Appreciated!

[@gccgomes]

. Wow James, I really appreciate your video and your point of view and respect about all kinds of buses. You are focused on passengers. Tanx from Brazil.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thank you very much! Always a pleasure to meet people from other side of the world

[@paulineclaflin2934]

My next adventure. Really nervous and excited thinking about it!! :-)

[@RipRoaringGarage]

Sounds like somebody had a run in lol. I remember going all over the world with saved up money and taking bus pictures. I took them on airports even in foreign countries. I used to keep a stack of my better pics in my camera bag, and the cops would invariably show up, and Id explain. And when I got that "you like buses?" look, Id go "Here, check these out," and go on with details, and ramble, knowing Id bore them to tears and theyd leave lol.

[@RipRoaringGarage]

PS tomorrow Ill record the legos lol. Im waiting for a nicer day! Now Ill go watch the video...I actually didnt know that the etymology of Coach is from the town Kocs! Nice!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL I was trying to get a good sound file for a New Flyer D40LF once to mod a game i have so I followed the bus around while holding a sound recorder out of my window. Ended up getting talked to by the bus driver. I was freaking him out LOL!

[@RipRoaringGarage]

@@MotorcoachWorld OH, yeah, that would do it. The closest for me was at JFK, when you could get right up to the terminal, and you could and spit on the tail of parked aircraft...me with a huge camera with my new telefoto lens. This was before planspotting was a thing too. So here I am, catching the oddball charter, the still running MC8s and MC9s for Airport Shuttle of NY, and those Hertz Gillig Advantage buses without a front door, and just the middle door. So here come to feds, in an unmarked cruiser, cheap suits, shades, no smiles. Yup. Brick, expelled. But, I did my spiel, showed them the photos, and gave me the strangest look. THey did not see it coming lol. The other time, I was flying out of Romania, back when they didnt have the gate boarding arms, so they used buses. And two of them were assigned to our flight. A brand new Setra city bus, S300NC, which I still think is one of the most beautiful desssigns of a city bus ever, and a classic Mercedes O 305 G, first gen, that looked brand new and sparking. So Im running around the tarmac taking pics of these things, from all angles, and the stewardess was waiting, tapping her foot, and eventually screamed at closed the door. Yup. I freaked ran up the stairs. I was done lol. She was just messing with me, but we did have a take off time LOL. So yeah, all of them came up to me during the flight and asked me what gives. Why buses?

[@greghuang2314]

I rode a MCI D45 CRT LE when it was demonstrated at the MTA in July 2018! I really love the innovative low entry vestibule in the center of the coach, since it makes express buses in NYC so much more accessible to wheelchair-bound users. Our current fleet of commuter coaches have wheelchair lifts, but it can take up to 5 minutes to load an ADA passenger. The downside, however, is that the D45 CRT LE has lower passenger capacity versus a traditional commuter coach (52 or 53 seats versus 57). Unfortunately, the MTA has decided against ordering these coaches for now, opting for the more traditional Prevost X3-45 commuter coach. Also, although MCI has a near monopoly on the commuter coach market in North America, they are not the only makers of these buses. The MTA in NYC has ordered only Prevost X3-45 commuter coaches since 2014, but they are also the only operator of these buses. Reportedly it's because Prevost outbid MCI on every contract in the last few years. Also, Neoplan USA built the AN340 and AN345, and New Flyer built the D45S "Viking" back in the 1990s. As far as I know all of these commuter coaches are now retired. To further blur the lines between bus and coach, a number of cities in the US and Canada order transit buses with "suburban" specifications, such as soft, reclining seats, overhead luggage racks, and only one door instead of two. A lot of times these are ordered alongside true commuter coaches and the two are almost interchangeable, except for much better ride quality on a commuter coach versus a "suburban" bus. These were common in NYC until the late 2000s, when they were either retired or retrofitted with transit-style seats for use as transit buses. Today, Foothill Transit in California still orders almost all of their "transit" buses with suburban specs due to their massive service area, and NJ Transit still has a large number of suburban spec transit buses for use on routes going directly into NYC from New Jersey.

[@sduff7027]

In the UK we start at mini bus (basically a van with windows and seats in the back) typically up to 16 seats for hire or reward you must take a D1 test. Then we have a midi bus typically about 39 seats 23 standing passengers normally around 8 meters to 11 meters this requires a D test and licence (all buses over this size requier the D intitlement regardless of size and axle number) then we have single deckers between 11 meters and 14 meters around 49 passengers seats and 27 standing. Bendy buses (we don't have many of these) around 18 meters and a they take 49 seated passengers 100 standing. Double deckers around 10 meters to 12 meters 78 seated 23 standing (standing can only be on the lower deck and not on the stairs or top deck) them buses are typically used for public transport over that we have coaches between 10 to 12 meters single axle (rear axles) around 55 passengers all seated. Double axle coaches between 13 and 14 meters 65 seated passengers triple axle coaches between 13 and 15 meters 65 seated passengers. Double deck coaches between 10 and 11 meters 78 seated passengers and 21 standing.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Great info here! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this! Loved reading it.

[@sduff7027]

@@MotorcoachWorld I have enjoyed watching your videos, I'm currently in training for my licence for public transport so left you a few comments to hopefully learn about American ways over us in the UK. As typically we have either eu regulations or uk domestic rules each a lot different.

[@victord5868]

Coach busses can carry/accommodate 48 -52 seat passengers with belts can be reclined and usually have higher center floors due cargo cabins and heavier. Charter and school busses operates on schools trips and regularly stops. Transit busses can carry 78 - 102 passengers (depending on configurations of design) with fixed seats and can be lowered, it have low floors for convenience e.g. ramps and operated route services.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks for the comment!

[@narglefargle]

In pre-pandemic times, I used to commute an hour and a half each direction, usually on one of the MCI D4500s you mentioned. If that route was done with some city bus with hard, plastic seats and no sound insulation, the commute would have been absolutely unbearable.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

I've never actually been on one but They have always fascinated me. Its like a in between link to the two worlds. They definitely serve a purpose.

[@narglefargle]

I remember when Sound Transit (Seattle area) started using them back about 15 years ago. I heard some people say "You know those are just old Greyhound buses that are like 20 years old, right? Do they think we're fools?" (Insert pic of Picard's facepalm here)

[@MotorcoachWorld]

@@narglefargle lol 😆

[@Techno-Universal]

Sometimes coaches chartered as event shuttles may be running longer distance metro train replacement bus service routes within cities or be replacing trains on closed regional train lines! Often in that scenario the state public transport authority charting the buses will be leasing the buses and have their own drivers operating them as most state public transport organisations also have large fleets of versatile bus drivers who can be reassigned to different routes when required! :)

[@robinpayne125]

In the UK, in normal everyday language, people only use "bus" for a city bus, and "coach" for, well, a coach (as well as the horse drawn variety). After your recent misfires video, I'm impressed with your bravery in stating the only 3 axle buses are the double deckers or articulated buses. While I don't know of any, I'd be willing to make a small bet that if I scroll down in the comments I'll see a "what about city x with it's [rare bus design] with three axles". I will be "that guy" to make the point that although most modern articulated city buses are third axle drive, so that they can have low floor for accessibility, in the old days of high floor city buses, second axle drive with an engine in the front section were common. One reason for this was to allow for a steering rear axle meaning the rear section can be made to follow more closely the track of the front section. The 3-section articulated trolleybuses in, for example, Zürich (Hess "LighTram"), use this kind of steering axle on their rear section as without it a three section bus is very difficult to handle on the kinds of narrow streets. The electric drive means that you can get a 100% low floor design without the need for the diesel engine.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks for your comment. I am ware of the center drive artics as well as the high floors. I guess I should have added the term Modern day artics. At least in the US there are no more center driver artics in service. All of them are low floor rear drives now.

[@robinpayne125]

@@MotorcoachWorld leaving out extraneous detail is probably a good decision to keep the script tight. It also encourages engagement, which is fun for the audience a d probably good for the KZbin algorithm too

[@MsJamiewoods]

James, if you haven't done a show yet on this, could you please do one on bus rapid transit? It's not like an average city transit route or an express route. The express routes simply space stops out a bit more than regular routes. BRT uses pre-board fares, dedicated bus lanes, sometimes green light priority and stops at stations, not traditional bus stops. We've had BRT running in Milwaukee for more than a year now.

[@VidClips858]

San Diego MTS has a handful of MCs they use to provide business class service on a couple of their commuter routes.

[@JPlum2261]

When My school did our myig trip to Lansing in 2023 we had to charter a bus as our school bus operator under contract with aaps my district cancelled on us a few weeks prior to the trip and we chartered from Bianco a operator 20 miles from my school and for most of the people on the trip it was their first trip on a coach!

[@LegoWormNoah101]

Also, Gillig offers a "Commuter" model, based on the Low Floor chassis, with the front facing seats, middle door removed, and possibly a higher top speed

[@mrandmrsfreeman236]

Great history lesson. I would simplify that bus is for Public and coach is for Private hire...

[@WaynesWorld999]

"...A coach has a toilet". I said this to a Coach driver in Palm Cove (Qld, Aus) many years ago. He told me off.

[@reecejones7412]

I've driven both coaches and buses, and when asked what the difference was, I usually say "One has a toilet, the other just smells like one"

[@pwhnckexstflajizdryvombqug9042]

In Australian especially not all coaches have toilets. Australia also doesn't have proper school buses with most "school buses" just being coaches with downgraded seating and no toilet. Also Australian buses are normally 12.5 metres long with just 2 axles (and can be as long as 13.1 metres with two axles). 3 Axle buses are in the range of heavy 12.5 metre buses to a max of 14.5 metres rigid and up to 18 metres for bendy buses. That generally means Australian buses are longer with only 2 axles.

[@Cliffdog01]

​@@pwhnckexstflajizdryvombqug9042 Yeah same in New Zealand we never had "School Buses" like America has we just had hand-me-downs when they got to old for bus/coach work it'd turn into a Secondary School bus and when they got too old for secondary schools they'd go to primary schools.

[@Dannny29]

Finally got around to watching. Great video and information! Can't wait for the next! Keep up the good work James!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Danny! Thank you for watching! Much appreciated!

[@RipRoaringGarage]

I cant help it but I must... Motorcoach World: "Ive heard schoolbus drivers hate on coach drivers, coach drivers hate on city drivers, city drivers hate on schoolbus drivers. Please dont hate each other" ME: Yes, hate the PASSENGERS INSTEAD!

[@BusDriverLife]

🤣🤣🤣

[@RipRoaringGarage]

@@BusDriverLife Oh, you're city. Yeah, you def hate the passengers LOL.

[@BusDriverLife]

@@RipRoaringGarage They normally hate me first lol!

[@RipRoaringGarage]

@@BusDriverLife Around midtown, theyd hate Monsey Tours first. Those guys drove like maniacs back then

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL!

[@captain.john.]

I didn't know you had another channel. Glad I found it.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

haha! Always love seeing your comments! Your Channel is doing well man! Congrats! Be safe my friend!

[@actemple3282]

Great job been out here since 87

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Wow I bet you have a lot of stories. Would love to hear some of them!

[@57629589]

For over 60 years I've been calling Trailways and Greyhound "buses" . Not ready to call them coaches, old habits die hard.😎

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL I hear you! to each their own! LOL

[@grampatoymaker6107]

Drove both for many years and the main difference is that coaches are built for comfort , school busses are built to be tough,, insanely tough one of our districts busses that had a rusted frame was donated to the local fire dept. For practice the cutter on the jaws of life won,t cut a front window pillar.

[@geraldmiller6679]

James, enjoyed your description between bus and coach but it leaves me with a problem. I own a Prevost Featherlite, Coach?, Bus? or Motor Home? Actually different ones of us call them each name and as myself I often mix these names according to whom I am speaking with!? I wonder if any of your subscribers would be interested in you comparing the names used in a Coach World and your discussion describing our differences. When fully loaded I probably weigh as much or more than you do with a loaded Coach. Especially when I leave out headed across the country with full water and fuel tanks. By the way, I enjoy all your driving courtesy suggestions and do my best to adhere to your advice. Our Coach? is so comfortable that you have to constantly remind yourself that you are driving something that large and heavy towing a car which makes me 73’ long. I really enjoy your videos and think that I have seen close to all of them by now.

[@alblua]

Very in depth video as usual! All kinds of buses are my favorite :D

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Thanks Albert as always! So kind of you!

[@maxboya]

I have a great idea for a video for you! Make a video regarding which motorbus has the highest top speed! Best conversions for RVs from fleet units and etc!

[@Adamdaj]

One of favorite hobbies in life is travilling, whether it's by Motpr Coach or Rail. There's so much to see that anyone can't see from the friendly sky. That's were the sky isn't so friendly.

[@BusDriverLife]

Very informative video! Loving the channel!!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Thanks for the kind words! I subed to your channel too! I am so glad you wrote to me or I would have never found it! I Love your videos as well! Hope we can meet some day! Stay safe buddy!

[@nikolaospeterson2495]

I noticed that on the all the pictures of artics, they were ALL DIESEL! There are in this world single and DOUBLE articulated TROLLEYbusses! You should include trolleybusses in your videos. Now in the beginning of this particuar video, you had shown a former Sdoda San Francisco Muni trolley bus. These are now since 2019 replaced with low floor single (12 m) and single articulated (18 m) trolley busses from New Flyer in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (However due to Trumps steel tax, New Flyer contracts out their busses (both diesel and trolletbusses) to Detroit, MI as to be built in the States under licence or contract). I am pleased with them they also in the forward roof part of these busses, there are lithium-ion backup batteries that have a range (to what I have been told by a Muni operator) is two hours! In Vancouver they have both single (2 Axle) and single articulated (3 Axle) trolleybusses in their fleet which is the largest TC fleet in North America. They also have linear induction driverless trains three lines called Skytrain as well. TransLink has 262 trolleybusses in its fleet. They plan on getting newer TCs in 2027. Yes, San Francisco does call theirs 'trolleycoaches' or TCs for short.

[@Trucker316]

Great video! Just now got a chance to watch it...

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Trucker316 How have you been??

[@Trucker316]

@@MotorcoachWorld I'm doing ok. I just wish I was back in a motor coach instead of a truck.

[@joshualewis522]

Oh my lord i actually been on a number of buses in this video my grandpa use to drive for Champaign Urbana mtd buses for 20 years

[@dant4802]

When I was a kid in the 80s I would hear the 2 way radio on the city busses (MTA Maryland) and the dispatcher would refer to the bus as a coach

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Dan T. Yeah I hear people call School Buses and city buses coaches a lot. Especially those who work with them. Always confused me a bit.

[@dant4802]

They were referring to Flxable Metro 40 footers fine busses in my opinion but far from a Coach

[@czbbflier]

My old driving instructor at now defunct Gray Line of Vancouver used to say that the difference between a “bus” and a “coach” is that the “coach” has a bathroom.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

And he would be right! Love this comment! Appreciate you taking the time to write.

[@robleeg]

I was a City Bus Operator, College Shuttle Bus Operator, now I'm a Motor Coach Operator. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Congrats! I hope you are enjoying it! Safe travels.

[@robleeg]

@@MotorcoachWorld Thanks, I'm with Academy Bus

[@P7777-u7r]

Now I see where the term stagecoach comes from. Rather then being luxurious and for one person multiple people would pay for a ticket to ride but the design is the same. In a way the bus lines are the closest modern successor to stagecoaches.

[@martinbalmforth2665]

Here in the UK we had the bizarre Wright Commuter on the Colvo B7 RLE low floor chassis, they looked like an over inflated single deck, and they later launched the Street lite, which gained the name Lamp posts, and were badly made, shedding rear axles regularly

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

Very informative.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Appreciate the comment! Thank you!

[@BKDarkside90]

I personally have driven a school bus, commuter coah and a motorcoach (which I currently drive) and I prefer to drive a motorcoach it is way more comfortable for me. My personal favorites are the J4500 and the H3-45

[@MotorcoachWorld]

I am the same way! Great minds think alike! Thank you for the comment!

[@guineapiglady2841]

I wonder if we have more hotel buses around. They are cool! Popular in Europe.

[@MsJamiewoods]

City transit buses usually have low floor designs today and wheelchair ramps. These are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. To secure wheelchair or scooter, the driver has to flip one or two seats up. The drawback to the low-floor design is less seating space as some seats are lost to wheel wells.

[@MsJamiewoods]

Yes, I have a thing for city transit buses.

[@thegaminglounge.2502]

@motorcoach world. Fun fact greyhound is owned buy a company called stagecoach they were founded by a man called Brian Souter and his sister Ann glocge they were founded In Falkirk I’m Scotland. Scotland is where I’m from. And the Alexander Dennis are a company based in Falkirk the only bus manufacturer in the uk.

[@TechReviewProduction]

I'm a Banana... I mean School Bus driver lol but I've been wanting to drive a motor coach. Love your content, Keep it up!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL Thank you Maruader Patrick! Do you live near Champaign IL? I would love to take you on board!

[@TechReviewProduction]

@@MotorcoachWorld I live in Hawaii, so I'm way too far haha, but maybe one day!!!

[@jolietpinball7439]

@@MotorcoachWorld A Shampoo-Banana, indeed!

[@merrittvillekid]

The big problem I find is with a school bus licence you are qualified to drive a motor coach and there is so much more to know, I feel should be a separate licence class with available training for anyone wanting to pursue motor coach operation. I found an online course through MCI that was very informative for anyone wanting to move up from school buses to motor coaches.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hi Brian! Very true. Thank you my friend! Hope you are well.

[@suprPHREAK]

Woot GO Transit D4500 at 12:43! Great bus to drive! Though the Windows frames give away it was an older model (they all have flush glass now). Don’t much like the new Enviro 500 SuperLo, too much transit bus not enough coach, especially on the highways.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks for that bit of info! I did not know that! Loved reading this. Appreciate you taking the time to write!

[@I_am_Allan]

At 11:00 GO Transit, by the Government of Ontario, is probably the longest running and largest inter-city transit coach operator (aside from Greyhound, which ... no longer exists in Canada.)

[@mikeschulte4271]

I’m a bus enthusiast and I rode a free shuttle bus to an amusement park and told the driver this and they were like omg I thought I was the only one lol then we talked busses for a while

[@christophercddelrosariocoish]

I've been riding on coaches for a long time since I was a little boy, It was mostly Grey Goose motor coaches (parent of Greyhound).

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Cool! I have never heard of them being called that! LOL Grey Goose. Thank you for commenting!

[@vehiclesonajourney]

Everyone just thinks a bus is a bus but there is a hug difference between motor coaches, school buses, city transit buses, shuttle buses, trolleys, I could just go on and on!

[@giovannevaldez]

Video request and hypothetical question: Where do you see bus technology going in the coming years? With talks on the rise of climate change, traffic congestion, and overall privacy/comfort (even more so with humanity's latest bout with infectious diseases), what immediate and long term changes are within the bus industry's influence able to address? Perhaps you might in a later video impart onto us the gossip/whisperings that you've come across within the bus community that relate to these concerns... Thanks! And the hypo Q, as a person who's quite familiar with the general behavior of people on the streets whether they are walking, biking, driving or being driven around. I've, in my 20+ years of casual observations (10 of which non casually as a bicycle courier), noticed that people like their comfort. And more often than not, they're by themselves, whether walking, biking, driving or etc... And in more of the busier streets, majority of the people I've seen fall along a happy to sad scale. If they're walking, they're really unhappy, typically hurried, anxious, and serious. Whereas on the opposite end of the scale, people who are being driven, don't exhibit those expressions, they're sometimes happy, but they're usually not unhappy, mostly just free of worry. And everyone else in between drivers, micro-mobility users, and cyclists, fall in the middle respectively, based on how much or how little energy they're exerting. The more energy, the less happy, and less unhappy with less energy... So, I've come to the conclusion, that within most environments occupied by at least one lane for 2 directions (typically urban/suburban neighborhoods), people are generally more satisfied with just getting the heck out of there and get to their destination as soon as possible, with the least amount of energy exerted as possible. Which is why on average there are more cars on the roads than pedestrians on sidewalks. And eventually with smart cars coming on to the scene, driving will be much easier than it was, and soon everything on the road will be self driving pods. But before automobile tech reaches that point of efficiency, safety, and convenience, perhaps the bus industry might provide that in a less tech savvy way... People like cars because it provides separation from everything else, people like their privacy/solitude during the mundane and sometimes more dangerous moments of life. It's safe and comfortable. Where as buses, they do that as well but not as much on the privacy side. But the tradeoff is the occupants of the bus likely wouldn't be operating the bus, it's like the old tech way of having a fully autonomous vehicle, the chauffeur. And more often then not, people value their privacy, more than the worry of burdening themselves with navigating and operating, which is why there are more cars than buses on the roads. BUT, what if buses provided a level of privacy that cars can, in a way that long haul trains do with compartmentalized cars/cabins? So with one stone, people get privacy and autonomy. Granted, such a bus would limit the kind freedom passengers get with a car that can go to multiple destinations in one trip due to other passengers needing to get to their own destinations. Then of course the car would have the advantage there. But I believe, with the right kind of user interface/dispatch software, these compartmentalized buses could provide a useful service to people who aren't constantly scurrying around town. User opens the app, plops in a route, nearest bus within that route gets notified, bus arrives, passenger hops on board without seeing, smelling or brushing up against anyone through one of the dozens of doors surrounding the bus, and the bus dispatch software constantly calculating and updating user apps with the arrival time determined by every passenger picked up and dropped off (prioritizing based entirely on user preferences), until the user arrives at their destination. Wifi, lavatories, air conditioning, lighting, and other amenities to make the user ride experience isn't sacrificed when the ride gets a little longer... Until fully autonomous vehicles arrive on the scene, compartmentalized/smart dispatching/fully amenitized buses might have a shot of success... What do you think?

[@wesm3915]

The US DOT definition of a Motorcoach. Motorcoach Vehicle: A bus of monocoque design manufactured devoid of a frame, equipped with air suspension, air brakes, automatic brake adjusters and with underfloor luggage storage but does not include transit buses, school buses or motorhomes.

[@wallaceinman4902]

man I really love your videos

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks Wallace! Really appreciate that!

[@LeonidSaykin]

In my understanding coach busses have nice seats. The regular bus is just a bus where people can ride standing

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thank your comment. Yes that is somewhat correct!

[@MrPeinakatsuki11]

Nice keep it up, you doing great 👍

[@lilbigrigw9904]

My company (Durham) does long distance/otr routes too and we basically can do motor coach work but with a school bus