Coach
A coach ( Swiss High German Car , Reisecar or Autocar ) is an omnibus that only has seats. In the context of EU Directive 2001/85 EC of November 2001, coaches are vehicles of "Class 3", ie "vehicles that are built exclusively for the transport of seated passengers."
Technical details
Modern coaches usually have 6- or 8-cylinder diesel engines with one or two turbochargers, up to 16 liters displacement, a peak output of over 375 kW and 6-, 8-, 12- or 16-speed gearboxes. Today's equipment features include ABS , ASR , wear-free additional brakes ( retarder or intarder), lane assistants and adaptive cruise control . Seat belts are now a requirement for every seat in newly registered vehicles.
A coach today costs between € 200,000 and € 600,000, depending on the structure and equipment.
Compared to city or regional buses, coaches have additional facilities for long journeys, such as (but not necessarily) among others:
- Headrests for all passengers
- Comfortable seats (backrest adjustable in sleeping position), armrests, reclining seats for night trips
- Footrests
- Foldable tables at every place
- Cup holder
- fridge
- Kitchen to entertain the passengers, occasionally also a bar or bistro
- Tray for hand luggage
- Safety devices of various kinds (seat belts, Retarder, ESP, ABS ...)
- one or more large luggage compartments in the floor of the bus
- Fog-free double glass panes
- Toilet facility (mostly under the floor when exiting, earlier also in the rear )
- a seat next to the driver for the tour guide / passenger
- Curtains at every window seat and reading light for every seat
- Microphone for explanations
- Radio system , video system
- DVD player with headphone jack
- Screen at every seat
- Auxiliary heating
- air conditioning
- often GPS - Navigation and associated directions
The size of one-story coaches can range from about 30 to over 59 seats. Modern coaches are often designed as high-decker or double-decker . Modern double-deckers can carry 70 people and more. Due to the higher construction, the passengers get a better view, which is especially advantageous on city tours . This also leaves storage space for luggage under the passenger deck.
Star system
In Germany, coaches have a “star system” from the Quality Association for Bus Comfort e. V. classified (analogous to hotels). The classification depends on the seat dividers (seat spacing in the longitudinal direction) and other comfort criteria.
- Bus seat spacing at least 65 cm (standard class *), waste disposal, microphone / music system, heating, ventilation, night lighting
- Excursion bus seat spacing at least 65 cm (Tourist Class **), plus 15 liters of storage space per passenger
- Coach seat spacing at least 68 cm (comfort class ***), additional adjustable backrests min. 3 cm thick, double glazing, tables, reading lamps, air conditioning, toilet with sink, mini kitchen
- Long-distance coach Seat spacing at least 74 cm (First-Class ****), additional footrests, backrest min. 4 cm thick, only four seats in the last row
- Luxury coach seat spacing at least 81 cm (luxury class *****), backrest min. 5 cm thick (only since January 1, 1994)
See also
Web links
- www.buskom.de - Gütegemeinschaft Bus Komfort e. V.
- www.rda.de - International Coach Tourism Association
- www.hansemondial.de International bus charter