What is the minimum passenger capacity for a vehicle to qualify as a bus?

The minimum passenger capacity for a vehicle to qualify as a bus is 15 passengers. This classification is in line with transportation regulations, which determine that vehicles designed to transport groups of people generally fall into different categories based on their seating capacity. A bus is specifically defined as a vehicle that is capable of carrying 15 or more passengers, including the driver. This classification is crucial for regulatory purposes, including licensing and operational standards.

In this context, while vehicles with a capacity of 5, 10, or even 20 passengers are common, they do not meet the established definition of a bus until the minimum threshold of 15 is met. Hence, any vehicle designed to transport fewer than this number would typically be classified differently—such as a van or a minibus—depending on their specific features and design intended for passenger transport.