Why are 39″ 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 when a 3 – 3 seating plan was used. This suggested guideline is still recognized by most states as the accepted approach. It is not a federally mandated requirement.
