The Length Of A 72-Passenger Flat-Nose Bus Explained

A 72-passenger flat-nose bus is approximately 34 feet long. This length falls into the category of a full-sized bus.

A 72-passenger flat-nose bus is 34 feet long

Bus Lengths

School buses come in a variety of lengths, typically ranging from 20 to 45 feet. Buses that are 20-25 feet long are considered mini or short, while those 25-35 feet long are mid-sized, and buses over 35 feet are full-sized. The length of a bus is usually measured bumper-to-bumper, giving the total length of the vehicle.

Factors Affecting Bus Length

The length of a bus can vary depending on certain factors such as the location of the engine, the driver's space, and the number of passengers per seat. Additionally, some bus companies may leave extra space at the rear, adding a foot or two to the overall length. Bus seats are typically designed to hold 6 people per row, so the number of passengers can give a rough estimate of the bus length.

Flat-Nose Buses

Flat-nose buses have a more streamlined appearance due to their flat front end. They can have either a front or rear engine configuration. Rear-engine flat-nose buses offer a quieter ride since the engine is farther away from the driver and passengers. However, the rear engine does take up some space in the back of the bus. Flat-nose buses also have more floor space in the front area compared to other bus styles.

72-Passenger Bus Length

A 72-passenger bus will typically be around 34 feet long. This length includes the flat-nose design and the driver's space. The flat-nose style contributes to the overall length of the bus. Additionally, some 72-passenger buses may have a larger rear window covering the two rear rows of seats, which can affect the length measurement.

Choosing a Bus

When choosing a bus, it is important to consider various factors such as price, age, size, interior height, fuel type, mileage, engine, transmission, body style, and engine location. It is recommended to check out buses in person, inspect their condition, and consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.

The flat-nose style can have the engine in the front or back

The flat-nose style bus is a versatile option for those looking to convert a bus into living quarters. This style can have the engine in the front or the back, offering pros and cons for each configuration.

A front-engine flat-nose bus provides easy access to the engine, as the dog-nose cover flips up. However, this style tends to be noisier due to the engine's proximity to the driver's cabin. Additionally, the engine placement may result in some space constraints at the front of the bus.

On the other hand, a flat-nose bus with a rear engine offers a quieter driving experience as the engine is farther away. While this setup frees up some space in the front, it does occupy valuable real estate at the back. This can be mitigated by building a bed on top of the engine, although the residual heat may make it toasty warm.

When it comes to specific measurements, a 72-passenger flat-nose bus is approximately 34 feet long. This falls within the range of 30 to 35 feet that is typically considered full-sized or standard.

It's worth noting that the window rule can be used as a quick estimation method for bus length. Each window on a bus body typically adds about 2.5 feet, so for a 72-passenger bus with 12 windows, the calculation would be 12 windows x 2.5 feet = 30 feet, plus an additional 4 feet for the flat front, resulting in a total estimate of 34 feet.

In conclusion, the flat-nose style bus offers flexibility in engine placement, allowing buyers to prioritize their preferences for engine access, interior noise, and space utilization.

The flat-nose style has more floor space than a dog-nose bus

A 72-passenger flat-nose bus is approximately 34 feet long. This estimate is based on the assumption that the bus has 12 rows of seats, with three children sitting on each bench, or 24 benches in total. The length of a 72-passenger bus can vary slightly depending on the model and manufacturer, but it typically falls within the range of 34 to 39 feet.

The advantages of a flat-nose bus

Flat-nose buses, also known as Type D buses, have several advantages over traditional dog-nose or hooded buses (Type C). One of the most significant benefits is the increased floor space. The flat-nose style eliminates the need for a hump in the middle of the bus to accommodate the driveshaft, allowing for a flatter and lower floor. This design is particularly advantageous for municipal buses, which require more space for passengers to walk around.

The flat-nose vs dog-nose debate

The flat-nose design also enhances visibility for the driver and increases passenger capacity. Schools often opt for Type C buses due to their lower cost and simpler maintenance, as they are based on commercial truck chassis. However, Type D buses offer improved visibility and larger capacities, making them a safer and more efficient choice for commuter transit systems in urban areas.

The impact of engine placement

The placement of the engine is another critical difference between flat-nose and dog-nose buses. Flat-nose buses can have either a front or rear engine, while dog-nose buses must have the engine in the front. Rear-engine configurations provide a quieter ride since the engine is farther away, but they may reduce floor space in the back. Front-engine flat-nose buses offer easier engine access, but the trade-off is increased noise and heat in the driver's compartment.

Factors to consider when choosing a bus

When deciding between a flat-nose and a dog-nose bus, it is essential to consider various factors such as price, age, size, interior height, fuel type, mileage, engine and transmission, body style, and engine location. While flat-nose buses offer more floor space, other aspects like maintenance, cost, and noise levels may influence the final decision.

A flat-nose bus with a rear engine is quieter

A flat-nose bus is one of two major body styles for buses, the other being the "dog-nose" style. The flat-nose style can accommodate either a front or rear engine, whereas the dog-nose style must have a front engine due to the engine being housed under the dog-nose part. While the dog-nose style offers the advantage of easy engine access, it is typically noisier than the flat-nose style.

The length of a 72-passenger flat-nose bus can vary, but it is typically around 34 feet long. This length provides about 260 square feet of living space, with 12 rows of seats, or 24 benches (based on three children per bench).

When choosing a bus, there are several factors to consider, including price, age, size, interior height, fuel type, mileage, engine and transmission, and body style/engine location. For those seeking a quieter ride, the rear-engine flat-nose bus is a good option.

A flat-nose bus with a front engine is cheaper and easier to access for engine repairs

A flat-nose bus with a front engine has several advantages over its alternatives. Firstly, it is cheaper. Buses with this configuration can be bought for under $5,000, whereas other options can cost up to $80,000. This is because flat-nose buses with front engines are considered less desirable due to the noise and heat generated by the engine. However, this can be a bonus in colder climates, providing a warm bed after a long drive.

Another advantage of a flat-nose bus with a front engine is easier access for engine repairs. The engine is located under the "dog-nose" part at the front of the bus, and the cover can simply be flipped up to access the engine. In contrast, a rear engine is harder to access, and a flat-nose bus with a rear engine will have the engine located far away at the back of the bus.

Flat-nose buses with front engines also offer more floor space than "dog-nose" buses, as the engine in a "dog-nose" bus must be located at the front. However, this advantage is offset by the loss of some space in the back of the bus due to the presence of the engine.

While a flat-nose bus with a front engine may be noisier and less comfortable due to the proximity of the engine to the driver, this can be a worthwhile trade-off for those seeking a more affordable and easily maintainable option.

In terms of length, a 72-passenger flat-nose bus is typically around 34 feet long. This measurement refers to the exterior length of the bus, bumper to bumper. The interior length, from glass to glass, would be slightly less, around 39 feet.

When considering the purchase of a flat-nose bus with a front engine, it is important to weigh the benefits of cost and ease of engine access against the drawbacks of increased noise and heat. Additionally, factors such as age, size, interior height, fuel type, mileage, and transmission should also be taken into account to ensure the bus meets your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions