When calculating the minimum emergency exit space required on school buses used in non-school bus operations, should two or three passengers per bench seat be used in determining the adult seating capacity?
Section § 393.62: Emergency exits for buses.
Guidance Q&A
Question 2: When calculating the minimum emergency exit space required on school buses used in non-school bus operations, should two or three passengers per bench seat be used in determining the adult seating capacity?
Guidance: NHTSA has indicated that ‘‘School buses can transport 3 to a seat if the passengers are in grades 1 through 5, and 2 per seat in grades 9 through 12.’’ (May 9, 1995, 60 FR 24562, 24567) Therefore, for vehicles originally manufactured as school buses, the total pupil seating capacity provided by the bus manufacturer should be multiplied by 2/3 to determine the adult seating capacity for the purposes of § 393.62. This generally yields the same result as using two adults per bench seat.
Regulatory Topic:
Seating capacity of school buses used for adults
Effective Date: Sunday, May 4, 1997
Issued Date: Friday, April 4, 1997