Bus Capacity

Interpreting Load Ratios

The industry standard maximum load ratio is 1.25. If all seats are filled but there are no standees, the ratio is said to be at 1.00. If all seats are full and a number of people equal to 25 percent of the total seats are in standing positions, the bus is said to be at a ratio of 1.25. Thus, if a bus with 40 seats, has 50 people on it, the ratio is 1.25, the maximum available ratio.

The maximum allowable ratio is not a hard and fast rule. Depending on the situation, the maximum [Page 308]ratio may go up or down. On highways or express lines, where the bus is expected to travel at a faster rate of speed, ratios are often kept at or around 1.00. This is because it is widely thought that these buses travel too fast to facilitate a significant number of standees. The load factor on a given line may also shift based on the time of day. This is done to facilitate a greater demand and keep wait times at bus stops tolerable.

Adjustment of the Maximum Ratio

While it may have been reasonable in previous eras, there is debate over whether the load ratio of 1.25 is still appropriate for today's modern buses. Since the present load ratio was established, the industry has transitioned from high-floor buses to low-floor models. Low-floor buses have been adopted by bus services nationwide due to their increased handicapped accessibility. Low-floor buses are designed with a minimal number of steps between one or more entrances and part or all of the passenger cabin. With this major adjustment, the design improves accessibility to handicapped, elderly, and otherwise infirm individuals. Low-floor buses are also capable of hydraulic lowering and other features that enable an improved experience for wheelchair users.

The load factor of 1.25 was adopted as an industry standard during a time when the standard bus had a high floor. Such high-floor buses were typically 40 feet long and had 47 seats. Today's buses are significantly lower than the previous high buses. The standard 40-foot low bus has 38 seats. Thus, to carry the same number of passengers as high buses, low buses must carry a greater number of standees. Additionally, standard low-floor buses require standing passengers to stand closer together by eliminating stair well and wheel standing spaces and adding wheelchair access spots. Considering the space constraints placed on standees on low-floor buses, industry experts have proposed that the load ratio be lowered to 1.20 for low-floor buses.

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