Definition of local bus

The term "local bus" originally emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as cities and towns began expanding and developing public transportation systems. These systems typically consisted of a mix of horse-drawn omnibuses, electric trams, and steam-powered buses. Initially, the term "bus" was a shortened form of "omnibus," which itself was a combination of the Latin words "omni" (meaning "all") and "bus" (meaning "ship" or "vessel"). Omnibuses carried passengers on multiple stops, similar to modern-day buses, and were often used as a form of collective transportation for businessmen and other commuters. As public transportation systems grew, buses were introduced as a more versatile and flexible alternative to trams. These early buses were larger than omnibuses and could be driven on unpaved roads, making them better suited to serve smaller, less densely populated areas. These areas were typically referred to as "local," implying that they were within a specific, defined area or neighborhood. To differentiate these vehicles from other modes of public transportation, such as trams and subways, "local bus" became a widely adopted term to describe buses that served these smaller, more residential areas. Today, the term is still commonly used in transportation discussions and is a significant part of public transportation networks in cities around the world. In essence, the term "local bus" has its roots in the historical development of public transportation, as cities and towns aimed to provide better and more convenient transportation options to residents living outside the urban core.