Private groups such as travel services, as well as public and private schools, typically use conventional buses. A transit bus can function as a school bus but usually serves as public transportation for larger groups and bus routes.
The conventional and transit bus differ in appearance due to their underlying manufacture. The conventional bus is mounted on a truck chassis with the original truck hood readily apparent. The transit bus is created with a specific bus chassis from the ground up.
Conventional buses normally have the engine in the front due to the truck base. Transit buses may have the the engine in front, rear or even in the middle, though the latter is rare due to the move to build lower bus bodies that are easier to enter. Some even include air suspensions or provide ramps for wheelchair access.
A conventional bus is less expensive since it's built on an existing truck chassis design. The transit bus is purpose-built and is therefore more expensive.
Conventional buses tend to provide basic transportation. Transit buses usually have additional features built into them such as more doors to allow passengers to mount and exit quickly, bike transport or wheelchair lifts. In addition, transit buses will usually indicate the bus company and provide route signs. They may also include advertising on the sides, back or inside headers.
