Any Charter Bus drivers / Coach Captains here?

**Basil135** · 19th October 2012, 08:03 AM

I am just trying to find out some information.

From what i understand, when a bus that is used for charter is licenced, the seating capacity is based on adult seats. Fair enough.

However, I have been led to believe that when this same bus is carrying children, in particular, primary school children, then the seating capacity actually changes.

This is the bit that I am trying to confirm. For example, I have been told that, for every 2 adult seats, 3 children of primary school age, can use the same seats.

Lets do some quick maths...

18 seater bus (adult seats)

Allow for say, 2 single seats, leaves 16 seats, or 8 double seats, 4 down each side.

Now, if 3 children can use each of these double seats, 8 x 3 = 24.

Plus, if 2 children can use a single seat, 2 x 2 = 4.

So, essentially, this means that a bus that is licenced for 18 adults, can potentially carry 28 primary school aged children

Now, the above doesn't apply where there are seat-belts fitted, as then, the normal rules apply. However, for some reason, bus passengers are safer than car or truck passengers, and don't need them.

But, that is another discussion.

What I am trying to confirm is, is the above correct? It just seems incredible to me that schools can legally put up to 28 kids into a bus designed for 18. This obviously excludes teachers etc, but the theory is the same.

The numbers get worse, the higher the licenced seating capacity goes. For example, a 40 seater bus, can potentially hold 60 kids.

**digger** · 19th October 2012, 08:44 AM

In SA there is an exemption for school buses (incl contractors) that applies as you have said, this is being phased out and cannot be done as of january next year (I believe) .

As a result a lot of new buses, fitted with seatbelts, are arriving in country towns about now, once a seatbelt is fitted the numbers are dictated by those numbers, eg 20 seatbelts = 20 passengers max.

hope that helps.

**Basil135** · 19th October 2012, 08:57 AM

Thanks Digger.

With the exemption being phased out, does this mean that as of January 1, a 18 seater bus, can ONLY have 18 passengers, regardless of their age / size?

Sure hope so.

Gonna make my argument a lot stronger with the school.

**bussy1963** · 19th October 2012, 11:11 AM

G day mate.

I am a Coach captain of 30 yrs experience. From what I can gather the school is trying to squeeze 28 kids into a 18 seat mini bus am I Right.

Well the argument you can put forward is that the hire coast of a 34 or 48 seat bus/coach is marginally different to a mini bus.

The thing the school is saying about 3 to a seat is only applicable in large coaches NOT mini buses.

Just check the back of the vehicle and threes a sign that will say something like "license to seat or carry xx passenger or Adults. Check that if it says carry there screwed

Myself i would ring the S.A. Roads authority and check. The laws regarding passenger vehicles alter state to state. But I know S.A. is right onto the safety stuff.

As for is a bus safer the a car or truck the honest answer is NO FRICKING WAY IN THE WORLD. Most buses are made from timber ply flooring aluminum framing and 2 chasis rails. Basically there a crayfish "All shell no guts"

Good luck but stick to ur guns mate

,

**Basil135** · 19th October 2012, 11:33 AM

Thanks for that, Bussy.

This is going to get very interesting...

They are already pulling out the only defence they can try, and that is the cost.

BUT, considering what both you & Digger have said, its not going to fly.

**bussy1963** · 19th October 2012, 11:38 AM

Basil
Just happen to mention to you local community newspaper about student safety at risk due to penny pinching from school.

Should make for interesting reading

**Blknight.aus** · 19th October 2012, 11:45 AM

only applies to old busses with bench seats and no seatbelts.

as soon as the seat is ergonomically designed to seat someone or has seatbelts then its 1:1.

**Bigbjorn** · 19th October 2012, 12:15 PM

In the industry bus capacity is measured as bums not seats. e.g. a thirty bum bus. Passengers are referred to also as bums, e.g. "there are six bums to pick up at Gosford".

When I worked at Leyland Truck and bus, drivers who styled themselves "coach captains" were usually 55+, quite dapper, with a uniform of tailored shorts, long socks, slip on casual shoes and those shirts with self-belt that hang outside the waist of the shorts.

I asked a bus line service manager once whether they referred to the workers as drivers or coach captains. Cynically he stated that he calls them aimers.

**Jeff** · 19th October 2012, 12:28 PM

Although slightly off topic, I find it odd that in this day and age, route buses still have standing passengers. With all the talk of installing seatbelts and properly designed seats, how come people are left to stand?

Jeff

**gavinwibrow** · 19th October 2012, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by Jeff

Although slightly off topic, I find it odd that in this day and age, route buses still have standing passengers. With all the talk of installing seatbelts and properly designed seats, how come people are left to stand?

Jeff

Because standing is better than waiting for the next bus, whenever that might be? Trains also have standing passengers. I don't have any recent stats to hand, but in my 25 years in the public transport industry, bus passengers were considered a fair bit "safer" than those in cars - but might have something to do with numbers/vehicle.
When I drove many years ago, yes 3 primary school kids per double seat.

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