Since the Bus Was First Invented, These Three Defining Features Haven’t Changed a Bit
You might be surprised that the very first bus service started running all the way back in 1820, and it definitely looked pretty different from what modern public transportation lines and motorcoach companies look like today. But you might be more surprised by how similar coach buses actually are to the very first buses. Take a look at these facts about the earliest bus model for starters:
- The first bus wasn’t powered by gasoline or electric — it was actually drawn by horses.
- The word “bus” is short for “omnibus,” which is a Latin word meaning “for all” or “to all.” The reasoning behind naming this vehicle an “omnibus” was simply that it was one of the first transportation options available to anyone — for the first time, people didn’t need to own a carriage or horse to travel between cities.
- Unlike stagecoaches at the time, passengers didn’t need to book spots on the omnibus in advance; additionally, passengers could hop on or hop off at any point during their trip, rather than leaving and arriving from a predetermined destination.
Alright, so it looks like quite a bit has changed with the way that modern charter bus services operate (and the equipment they use). But the ideas behind coach bus transportation are still very much the same:
- Today, there’s a huge emphasis on providing eco-friendly travel options. Although modern buses may not be quite as low-impact as horses, they’re definitely a lot better for the environment than they used to be.
- Coach bus transportation is still intended to be a transportation option for everyone: students, senior citizens, single passengers, group trips — no matter who you are or what your finances look like, coach bus companies often provide the most affordable travel options.
- Unlike other forms of transportation, coach bus services reach thousands of people in rural areas, and they provide long-distance trips with multiple short stops along the way. Without bus transportation, a lot of people would have no way of traveling to other cities and countries.
The bus may have changed a lot over the years, but the core principles are still very much the same! Continue your research here.