Why are 39-inch seats in school buses rated for three children when they will accommodate only two?
The rated capacity of a 39″ wide 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-inch of rump width was suggested when a 3-3 seating plan was used. This works reasonably well for children through about the sixth grade. It absolutely doesn’t work for junior high and high school students. The 39″ suggested guideline is still recognized by most states as the accepted approach. It is not a federally mandated requirement.
