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Minibus

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(Redirected from Mini-buses)

Toyota Coaster LPG green public minibus in Hong Kong
Citroën Jumper minibus in France
Hino Dutro 110SD 12-seater microbus in Indonesia
Cacciamali Urby (built on Iveco Daily chassis) operating in Zagreb, Croatia
Minibus vehicle from Suzuki Carry used as public transportation in Indonesia

A minibus, microbus, or minicoach is a passenger-carrying motor vehicle that is designed to carry more people than a multi-purpose vehicle or minivan, but fewer people than a full-size bus. In the United Kingdom, the word "minibus" is used to describe any full-sized passenger-carrying van or panel truck. Minibuses have a seating capacity of between 12 and 30. Larger minibuses may be called midibuses. Minibuses are typically front-engine step-in vehicles, although low floor minibuses are particularly common in Japan.[1]

History

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It is unknown when the first minibus vehicle was developed. For example, Ford Model T vehicles were modified for passenger transport by early bus companies and entrepreneurs.[2] Ford produced a version during the 1920s to carry up to twelve people.[3][4][5]

In the Soviet Union, the production of minibuses began in the mid-1950s, among the first mass-produced minibuses were the RAF-10, UAZ-451B, and Start.[6] Since September 1961, the RAF-977D "Latvia" minibus began to be mass-produced.[7]

Regional variants

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There are many different form of public transportation services around the world that are provided by using vehicles that can be considered as minibus:

Driving licence

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Some countries may require an additional class of driving licence over a normal private car licence, and some may require a full commercial driving licence. The need for such a licence may depend on:

In the UK: The holder of an ordinary car driving licence which was obtained prior to January 1997, once aged 21 years minimum, may drive a Minibus with a capacity of 16 passengers. Where the "ordinary car driving licence" is obtained after December 1996, they will have to take a separate test to drive a vehicle with a capacity of more than 8 passengers. However, there is an exemption for certain volunteer drivers, where the vehicle does not exceed 3500 kg GVW (or 4250 kg GVW if the vehicle is designed to be wheelchair accessible).

A driving licence issued in Ontario, Canada, for an equivalent of a UK class B or class B-auto driving licence (in the case of Ontario, a class G licence), allows its holder to drive vehicles with:

Anyone wanting to drive a vehicle in Ontario, with the same MAM limits as for class G vehicles, with fewer than 25, but at least 10, passenger seats, must obtain a bus licence. This will allow, for example, its holder to drive 12- and 15-passenger vans] that Transport Canada defines as large passenger vans.[9]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Akiyama, Tetsuo; Wahira, Yoshihiro; Kamata, Minoru; Fujii, Naoto (2001). "Vehicle Accessibility in Japan Today and the Outlook for the Future". IATSS Research. 25: 42–50. doi:10.1016/S0386-1112(14)60005-4.
  2. ^ Negyesi, Pal (4 May 2020). "The Role of the Ford Model T As a Bus in Central and Eastern Europe". CEAutoClassic. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  3. ^ "Henry the Model T Bus". highfieldspioneervillage.com.au. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  4. ^ "1926 Ford Model TT 10 Seater Country Bus Chassis no. 14390021 Engine no. 14390021". bonhams.com. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  5. ^ "Car Ford Model T Station Bus 1919 for sale". PreWarCar. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  6. ^ Dashko, Dmitry (2013). Юность. Автобус для избранных [Youth. A bus for the elite] (in Russian). ООО "ИПК Парето-Принт". pp. 19–21.
  7. ^ "Хроника: любимый «рафик»" (in Russian). Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  8. ^ "Licence Change for Operators of Recreational Vehicles". Archived from the original on 3 July 2011.
  9. ^ "Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation Directorate". Archived from the original on 3 December 2013.