minibus
Definition
Noun: A small vehicle used as a bus, typically designed to carry a limited number of passengers, often between four and ten.
Usage
The word "minibus" is used to refer to a compact passenger vehicle that is larger than a car but smaller than a standard bus. It is commonly used for group transportation, shuttle services, or community transit.
Examples
- Noun:
- The school uses a minibus to transport the small sports team to away games.
- We hired a minibus for our family reunion to travel together.
- The hotel provides a complimentary minibus service to and from the airport.
Advanced Usage
- As a mode of transport: The term often implies a service or vehicle for a specific, often regular, route or group.
- The factory workers commute on the company minibus.
- In regulatory contexts: May be defined by specific passenger capacity or vehicle dimensions for licensing.
- A driver's license with a passenger endorsement is required to operate a minibus.
Variants and Related Words
- Minivan (n): A similar small passenger vehicle, but typically based on a car chassis and more often used for private family transport rather than as a shared shuttle or bus service.
- Shuttle (n): A vehicle that travels back and forth over a particular route, which can sometimes be a minibus.
Synonyms
- Shuttle bus
- Small coach
- Passenger van
Related Phrases
- Minibus taxi: A common phrase in some regions, particularly South Africa, for a privately owned minibus used as a shared taxi service.
- He takes a minibus taxi to work every day.
Noun
-
a light bus (4 to 10 passengers)
