What is the difference between Tourist buses and others?
A tour bus service is a bus service that takes visitors sightseeing, with routes around tourist attractions.
Large coaches are used internationally by tour operators, intercity bus lines and charters, for short and long distance destinations. These buses are larger than regular transit buses with 2 to 4 axles (6 to 10 wheels).
Video – A Selfie Video From Kerala Tourist Bus. REMYA”s & BAMBINO Travels
©Vinod Spark
The history of tour buses in North America began in the early 20th century when trucks were converted to provide a means for sightseeing within large American cities. Gray Line, the largest sightseeing operators began operations in 1910. Sightseeing was likely a side business for many intercity bus operators because the same types of buses were used (this remains true even today). World War II saw the industry decline, but it slowly re-emerged as an alternative to driving.
Many musicians, entertainers, dancing crews and bands travel in sleeper buses, commonly referred to as “tour buses”. While most if not all of the buses and coaches listed above are for commercial applications, there are many coaches manufactured for personal use as motorhomes. These bus based motorhomes are considered the top end of the RV market.
Common features
- Padded fabric or leather front-facing seats, often reclining.
- Foot and arm rests.
- TV monitors connected to DVD player or VCR to provide entertainment or possibly analog TV or DTV for local news or programs (possibly in seats with viewer choosing what station).
- Basic lavatory – riders may be discouraged from using it except in an emergency,[2][not in citation given] but some newer buses feature full service lavatories[3]
- Cool water dispenser, refrigerator, hot water urn.
- Wheelchair lift or ramp and “kneeling suspension” for easier access (especially for the elderly and infirm).
- Tinted windows (and/or curtains or blinds).
- Luggage compartment (or bins) below in the underbelly of bus, with overhead hand-luggage racks.
