Definition of omnibus

The word "omnibus" initially gained popularity in the late 19th century to describe a new form of transportation in Paris, France. This form of transportation, created by a French printer and publisher named George-Jacques Audirect, combined various previously existing modes of transportation such as stagecoaches, horse-drawn carriages, and passerby into a single vehicle. The word "omnibus" itself has Latin origins, meaning "for all" or "for everyone." This name was chosen to reflect the fact that these vehicles carried not only passengers traveling on specific routes but also parcels and mail, and could even be used to transport freight. The original "omnibuses" were innovatively designed to accommodate up to 50 passengers at a time, whereas stagecoaches were limited to about 10 passengers. Additionally, these omnibuses ran on fixed routes and schedules, creating a more reliable and accessible form of transportation for the public. The popularity of omnibuses soon spread beyond Paris, and by the mid-19th century, they had become a common sight in major cities throughout Europe and eventually in North America. Today, the term "omnibus" has evolved to describe any type of vehicle designed to transport large groups of people, including modern-day buses and subway trains.