Who determines the capacity limits for school buses?

The determination of capacity limits for school buses is primarily influenced by bus manufacturers. These manufacturers design buses based on various factors, including the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that set safety and design criteria. Each bus model will come with specifications that outline the maximum number of passengers it can safely accommodate.

While state regulations, local school boards, and federal transportation regulations play significant roles in overall transit operation and safety compliance, it is the bus manufacturers who establish the specific engineering parameters and design factors critical for determining the passenger capacity of their bus models. This design takes into account considerations like weight distribution, safety features, and structural integrity to ensure the bus operates safely under the intended load.