Why are 39 inch seats in school buses rated for three children when they only will accommodate two?
The rated capacity of a 39 width passenger seat was devised many years ago by the committee then making recommendations to the National Minimum Standards for School buses. In determining seating capacity of a bus, an allowable average rump width standard was established. Accordingly, 13 of rump width was suggested for elementary students when a 3 – 3 seating plan was used. Secondary level students are appropriately seated two per seat. This suggested guideline is still recognized by most states as the accepted approach. It is not a federally mandated requirement.
