A minibus can carry more people than a minivan, but less than the number of people who can be carried in a full size bus. Its seating capacity is anywhere between 8 to 30 seats where its larger versions are called midi buses. Though there are some low floor minibuses, minibuses usually have front engine step entrances.



A minibus is used for various reasons. They can be used for public transport on fixed route transit buses, share taxis and large taxicabs. Sometimes, they may also be used for paratransit types of services, in hospitals, charities and by local authorities. Minibuses also have private uses like in charter buses, corporate transport and as tour buses.

Even schools, community groups, charities and sports clubs opt to use minibuses for their private transport reasons. There are also some reduced seating minibuses available for individual owners to use as a cheap form of recreational vehicle.

You may place your passengers at risk

However if you intend to use minibus sales for professional reasons, where you will receive fares from paying passengers, you will need to have a specific license to drive the vehicle.

Without having the relevant PSV license, there is a chance of your breaking the law, and putting your passengers at risk when you drive your minibus. This rule is applicable in minibuses seating more than 9 people; and this license is easy and cheap to get. All you have to do is to go through a test and answer a paper.

Minibus sales have increased over the years with the different types of minibuses available. You have van conversions, body builds and purpose built minibuses to choose from.

Types of minbuses

The van conversions like Ford Transit are basically minibuses created by modifying existing vans, which is done by the van manufacturer. These modifications can include step equipment for easy boarding, automatic concertina type doors or a full height walk-in door.

The body builds are manufactured by second stage manufacturers who build specific bodies to fit into semi-completed vans. Examples of these types of minibus sales are Busette, Freight Rover and the Optare CityPacer.

The purpose built minibuses are vehicles which are designed and built for use as minibuses. These minibuses are usually of a high capacity version and may attract different designations like midibus and light bus. Examples are Toyota Coaster and Isuzu Journey.