Bus manufacturing

One of the first integral type bus designs combining the body and chassis was the AEC Routemaster.

In the 1980s, many minibuses were built by applying bus bodies to van chassis, so called van-derived buses.

In several parts of the world, the bus is still a basic chassis, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive vehicle; however, where manufacturers have sought to maximise the seating capacity within legal size constraints, the trend is now towards rear- and mid-engined designs due to the lack of need for a transmission tunnel.

In the 1990s, bus manufacture underwent major change with the push toward low-floor designs, for improved accessibility.

Large users of transit buses, such as public transport authorities, may order special features.

Chassis products will often be available in different standard lengths, even produced in articulated variants, and often be used for both bus and coach bodywork, such as the Volvo B10M.

A dual-purpose design is usually a bus body with upgraded coach-style seating, for longer-distance travel.

Bus manufacturers have to have consideration for some general issues common to body, chassis or integral builders.

With these developments, bus designs have been increasing in weight, which is a concern for operators with the rising price of fuels in the 2000s (decade).

Several manufacturers and operators have invested in articulated bus designs, and even bi-articulated buses, to increase capacity without using two decks.

Many operators will apply a corporate design in the same way to any bus, leading to some odd sight lines.

Some operators are more sympathetic, and tailor their liveries to the specific lines of each bus body design in use.

This can include adding or removing doors, or changing the destination display equipment to or from LED, dot-matrix, or roller blind types.

Often, large operators with different types of buses will settle on a standard bus design for their fleet, to produce savings in maintenance and driver training.

Operators are often concerned with the ease of replacement of consumable items, such as bulbs, and easily damaged parts, such as the lower panels of the body, or windows.

Manufacturers, or operators – post delivery, may fit a bull bar type arrangement to protect this part of the bodywork.