Waiting For The Bus: How Long Is Too Long?

How long is too long to spend on a bus? It's a question that depends on a variety of factors, from the purpose of your journey to the local infrastructure. For example, a long-distance coach trip with comfortable seats and ample legroom is a very different prospect to a local bus journey on a cramped and unreliable service.

In Phoenix, Arizona, some bus lines are over 30 miles long and can take almost 2 hours to travel from end to end. In this case, some commuters suggest that faster forms of transportation should be considered, such as light rail. However, others argue that most passengers are only travelling a few stops, so the length of the entire route is less important.

When it comes to school bus journeys, opinions vary. Some parents think that a 1-hour bus ride is too long for a kindergartener, while others think it's fine, especially if the child enjoys socialising with friends.

So, how long is too long for the bus? It depends on a variety of factors, from personal preference to the availability of alternative transport options.

How long is a bus journey considered too long?

The length of a bus journey that is considered too long depends on several factors, including the purpose of the trip, the type of bus, the number of stops, and individual tolerance.

For local city buses, a journey of over 30 miles or a duration of 2 hours is generally considered too long, with some suggesting that even 45 minutes to an hour is too much. In such cases, alternative modes of transportation, such as light rail or commuter rail, may be more suitable and efficient. However, it's important to consider the overall transportation network and demand when evaluating the suitability of a bus route.

For school buses, the acceptable journey time may vary depending on the age of the children and the availability of alternative transportation. While some parents may consider a 1-hour journey too long for their young children, others have shared experiences of much longer bus commutes to and from school without significant issues.

Additionally, the type of bus can impact the perception of journey length. Smaller buses are generally more mobile and can cover distances more quickly due to their higher acceleration, but they accommodate fewer passengers. In contrast, larger buses can carry more passengers and offer various amenities for longer trips, such as reclining seats, restrooms, and entertainment systems.

Ultimately, the determination of an acceptable bus journey length depends on the specific context, including the purpose of the trip, the characteristics of the bus, the number and duration of stops, and individual preferences.

How long is a school bus?

The length of a school bus can vary depending on its type and capacity. There are three primary types of school bus sizes: short buses, medium-size buses, and full-size buses.

Short buses are typically 20-25 feet long and are a good option for individuals or small groups who want better maneuverability and easier parking. However, this comes at the cost of reduced living space, and some features like toilets or showers may not be included.

Medium-size buses, ranging from 25 to 35 feet in length, offer a balance between size and flexibility. They provide ample interior room and often include the same features as full-sized buses, such as style, wheel size, and engine. However, they may not fit into a single parking space and can be harder to find and more expensive.

Full-size buses, on the other hand, are over 35 feet long and offer ample room for larger groups. While they provide a spacious design, driving and parking these lengthy vehicles can be challenging, and a towed vehicle may be needed for errands.

To estimate the length of a school bus, a simple rule of thumb is to allow for 2.5 feet per window and about 3 feet for the driver's area. Additionally, the length of a bus is typically measured from bumper to bumper, with the wheelbase being the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheel hubs.

When choosing a school bus size, it's important to consider factors such as maneuverability, parking, features, passenger capacity, and cost. Each size has its advantages and disadvantages, so selecting the right option depends on individual needs and preferences.

How long is a bus line?

The length of a bus line varies and depends on several factors. There is no maximum length for a bus line, but longer lines may face issues with reliability and scheduling. Generally, bus lines that are over two hours long from end to end are considered too long. For example, in Phoenix, Arizona, some bus lines are over 30 miles long and take almost two hours to ride from one end to the other. In Melbourne, the 903 bus takes four hours and 15 minutes to complete its route, which is considered excessively long.

Longer bus lines may also experience issues with congestion and acceleration in comparison to shorter bus lines or other forms of transportation. For instance, a local bus in a dense urban area may average 15 mph, while a car on a highway could reach speeds of 60 mph. Therefore, it is important to consider the specific context and situation when determining the ideal length of a bus line.

In terms of bus sizes, there are various types of buses that vary in length, including standard buses, long rigid buses, articulated buses, and bi-articulated buses. The length of these buses can range from 12.5 meters for a standard bus to 30 meters for a bi-articulated bus like the Autotram Extra Grand. The length of a bus line is influenced by factors such as the volume of traffic, road system properties, and passenger preferences.

In Australia, the State Transit Authority of New South Wales sets specific rules and regulations regarding bus dimensions. For example, a standard bus in their fleet is 12.5 meters long, while an articulated bus is 18 meters long.

How long does it take to manufacture a bus?

The time it takes to manufacture a bus depends on the type of bus being built. A basic chassis, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive bus can be built in a relatively short time compared to more modern designs.

The construction of a bus can be broken down into three types of manufacturing: the chassis, the body, and integral manufacturing. The chassis forms the underframe of the bus and includes the gearbox, transmission, wheels, axles, suspension, dashboard, steering wheel, and driver's seat. The chassis is often built as a complete unit, sometimes even driveable, before the body is constructed. The body of the bus is then built onto the chassis, with consideration given to the number and position of doors, staircases, and other features. Finally, integral manufacturing combines the construction of the chassis and body into a single process.

In the 1990s, bus manufacturing underwent a significant change with the introduction of low-floor designs, which improved accessibility. This shift in design led to the development of independent front suspension arrangements and kneeling technology, allowing for unobstructed access through the door and between the front wheel arches. These changes also meant that buses could no longer have a front-mounted or mid-engined layout and instead required a rear-engined arrangement.

While the majority of bus designs have been geared towards internal combustion engines, alternative fuel sources and drivelines have also been accommodated, such as electric, fuel cell, and hybrid bus technologies. Additionally, some bus designs have incorporated guidance technology, such as the Guided Light Transit and Translohr systems.

The time required to manufacture a bus can vary depending on the complexity of the design, the resources available, and the number of units being produced. However, it typically involves a significant amount of time and resources, with a typical city bus costing almost $450,000.

How long does a bus conversion take?

Converting a bus into a comfortable tiny home on wheels is a lot of fun but be warned, it's also a lot of work. The time it takes to convert a bus can vary depending on factors such as the level of customization, the skills and experience of the person doing the conversion, and the availability of resources and materials.

Some people take a few months to complete the conversion process, while others may take several years. It is important to note that the conversion process is not just about physical labor but also involves planning, decision-making, and procurement of materials.

One person shared their experience of working on their bus conversion for about 20 hours a week for 10 months before moving into it. Another person shared that they spent about 3 months working full-time on their bus conversion before it was ready to go.

It is important to break down the conversion process into phases to manage the workload and set realistic timelines. Here are some of the major phases that one might consider when converting a bus:

Phase 1 - Preparation

• Gutting the interior: Removing seats, windows, flooring, and ceiling.
• Rust repair: Fixing ceilings, sidewalls, or floors that are damaged and applying rust sealant.
• Raising the roof: This may involve raising the full roof line by 18-24 inches.
• Enclosing sides: Installing sheet metal on sides where windows are covered.
• Framing: Framing out interior walls.
• Initial electrical and plumbing work: Installing electrical wiring in walls/ceilings and plumbing for kitchen and bathroom sinks.
• Insulating: Insulating walls and ceilings with spray insulation and installing a thermal barrier/vapor shield.
• Ceiling and wall covering: Installing ceiling and sidewalls.
• Flooring: Installing insulation, subfloor, and flooring.

Phase 2 - Systems

• Freshwater system: Plumbing for kitchen and bathroom sinks.
• Greywater system: Plumbing for kitchen and bathroom sink drains and shower drains.
• Heating and cooling installation: Installing radiant heaters and a rooftop heat pump.

Phase 3 - Interior Base

• Painting the exterior: Includes painting the full exterior and roof.
• Framing: Building basic walls for the bathroom/shower and rear master bedroom.
• Electrical work: Installing 12V lights, 120V outlets, and a battery system.

Phase 4 - Interior Finish

• Installing kitchen components: Cabinets, countertops, appliances (instant hot water heater, oven/stove, propane fridge), and overhead cabinets.
• Installing sleeping areas: Setting up a queen-sized bed platform in the rear with storage and installing bunk beds.

It is important to note that the timeline for each phase can vary depending on the complexity of the work and the resources available. Additionally, unexpected delays or challenges may arise during the conversion process, which can impact the overall timeline.

Tips for a Smoother Bus Conversion Process:

• Keep it simple: Focus on the essential components and functionality to speed up the process.
• Set realistic expectations: Understand that the conversion process takes time and effort, and be prepared for unexpected delays.
• Break down the project: Divide the conversion into manageable phases to stay organized and make steady progress.
• Procure materials in advance: Identify the materials and tools needed for each phase and procure them beforehand to avoid delays caused by waiting for shipments or running out of supplies.
• Seek help: Consider involving friends, family, or professionals with relevant skills and experience to expedite the process and ensure quality work.

Frequently asked questions