A bus is designed to carry multiple passengers, and it offers various seating patterns depending on type. The first motor buses powered by internal combustion engines were made by Karl Benz in 1895. The B-type LGOC bus was the world's first mass-produced motor bus, and it was introduced in 1910. In 1922, a US firm built the first vehicle with a chassis specifically designed for improved bus design and comfort.
Dennis and Commer buses were first brought to India by TVS in 1911 to be used for passenger transportation. Then, on 15 July 1926, Bombay Electric Supply and Tramways Company (now BEST) brought Thornycroft Type A1 motorized buses in India for public transport purposes.
Today, Indian buses are available in various models ranging from compact city models and school buses to luxury AC coaches and electric transit buses. With rising infrastructure development and a focus on eco-friendly mobility, the Indian bus segment continues to expand rapidly.
Buses by Fuel Type
- Diesel: Diesel buses dominate in India for their long-range endurance, heavy load capacity, and reliability. These buses are ideal for intercity and regional operations.
- CNG: CNG fuel is environmental friendly, cost-effective, and it is popular for urban use, especially in metros like Delhi and Mumbai.
- Electric: Growing in popularity with government support for clean transportation, electric buses reduce operational costs and eliminate tailpipe emissions.
Common Seating Capacity Range of Buses in India
- Small Buses: The seating capacity is between 10-25 seats. Some options are SML School Bus and Mahindra Cruzio models for smaller groups.
- Medium-Sized Buses: Buses with 30 to 45 seating capacity like Tata Starbus and Eicher Skyline Pro come under this category.
- Larger Buses: High-passenger-capacity buses like Switch Eiv22, Ashok Leyland LYNX Strong come with over 50 seats. They are suitable for school or staff services.
Key Bus Features of Buses in India
- Comfortable Interiors: Buses have spacious seating with cushioned backrests, air-conditioning, and entertainment systems.
- Safety Systems: Modern buses come equipped with ABS, rear cameras, fire detection systems, and emergency exits.
- Fuel Efficiency: Bus engines are optimized for economic long-distance performance.
- Durable Structure: Reinforced body and strong suspensions of bus handle tough road conditions.
- Green Mobility: Use of electric and CNG fuel in buses supports India’s sustainable transportation goals.
Popular Bus Brands in India
The most popular bus brands in India are Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, SML, BharatBenz, Eicher, and Mahindra. These brands offer a wide range of buses for city, intercity, and school transport. Other brands like EKA, Olectra, and JBM Auto are introducing eco-friendly electric buses.
Famous Bus Models in India
Tata Star Ultra: Its starting price is Rs 12,97,000 (Ex-Showroom*). Tata Star Ultra buses offer multiple seating configurations and come in diesel fuel option. It is suited for staff, school, and city transportation needs and offers a max power of 117 kW and max torque of up to 475 Nm.
Ashok Leyland Viking Bus: A reliable and iconic model with a starting price of Rs 27,83,000 (Ex-Showroom*). It comes with a powerful H-series engine which is BS-VI compliant. Viking Bus offers 147 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque and comes in diesel fuel option.
Eicher Starline RP: Eicher Starline RP is designed for comfort and efficiency in staff and school transportation. It is powered by a fuel-efficient E474 engine that delivers up to 1o5 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. It offers multiple seating capacities and a strong Domex 650 chassis. The price of Eicher Starline RP starts at Rs 25,46,000 (Ex-Showroom*).
Mahindra Cruzio: It is available at a starting price of Rs 22,50,000 (Ex-Showroom*). Mahindra Cruzio has a powerful mDi tech BS VI-compliant engine that produces up to 91 kW of power and 375 Nm of torque. It comes with modern interiors, enhanced safety features like anti-skid vinyl floors, and is suited for school, staff, and city commuting.
Bus Price in India
Bus prices in India range from Rs 12,97,000 and goes up to Rs 2,00,00,000 for luxury intercity and electric models (Ex-Showroom*). The pricing depends on seating capacity, fuel type, body structure, and brand. State taxes, registration charges, and custom body fabrication can influence the final on-road price.
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