Party Bus
A party bus is a large motor vehicle — usually a converted van, truck, or bus — outfitted for recreational group travel. Unlike a standard shuttle, a party bus is fitted with amenities such as perimeter seating, a sound system, colored lighting, flat-screen televisions, and often a bar area, turning the ride itself into part of the entertainment.
History[edit]
Party buses evolved from the stretch limousine and the shuttle bus. In the late twentieth century, operators began converting full-size vans and cutaway chassis into vehicles that could carry larger groups than a traditional limousine while offering a similar upscale, social atmosphere. Through the 2000s and 2010s, the segment grew quickly, and builders began producing purpose-built party buses directly on truck and bus chassis.
Typical features[edit]
- Perimeter or forward-facing seating for large groups
- LED and fiber-optic lighting, including dance-floor lighting
- High-output audio systems
- Flat-screen televisions and video systems
- Mini bars and beverage service areas
- Dance poles and open floor space
- Restrooms on the largest units
Common base vehicles[edit]
Party buses are commonly built on chassis such as the Ford E-Series cutaway (especially the E450), the Ford F-550 and F-600, the Freightliner M2, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and the Ford Transit. See Party Bus Manufacturers for more on how these platforms are converted.
Common uses[edit]
- Weddings and bachelor/bachelorette parties
- Proms and homecoming events
- Birthday and anniversary celebrations
- Corporate outings and team events
- Airport transfers and group shuttles
- Brewery, winery, and distillery tours
- Concerts, sporting events, and nightlife transportation
Safety and regulation[edit]
Party buses are subject to varying safety and licensing rules. Depending on size and seating capacity, a commercial driver's license (CDL) may be required. Operators generally must carry commercial insurance, and many jurisdictions impose rules on seat belts and alcohol consumption aboard the vehicle.