Coach/Transit Bus Inspection Items

Coach/Transit Bus Inspection Items

ADDITIONAL PRE-TRIP INSPECTION ITEMS FOR COACH/TRANSIT BUSES

Passenger Items

Passenger Entry Door/ Handicap Lift

Bus door(s) used for normal entry or exit; also includes lift mechanism for wheel chairs, if equipped. All passengers must be able to enter and exit safely.

• Check to see that passenger entry door is not damaged, operates smoothly, and closes securely from the inside.
• Check to see that handrails are secure and, if equipped, that the step light(s) are working.
• Check that the entry steps are clear, with the treads not loose or worn excessively.
• If equipped with a handicap lift, look for any leaking, damaged, or missing parts, and explain how it should be checked for correct operation.
• Lift should be fully retracted and latched securely.

Passenger Seating

• Check to see that there are no broken seat backs and frames
• Check to see that seat frames are firmly attached to the floor.
• Check to see that the seat cushions are attached securely to the seat frames.

Windows:

• Demonstrate that at least one emergency window exit operates smoothly, closes securely, and is not damaged. You must confirm that the exit works properly
• Check that window release handle can be operated properly.
• If equipped, check to see that emergency exit-warning device activates when window is opened and deactivates when it is closed.

Doors:

• Demonstrate that at least one emergency exit door operates smoothly, closes securely, and is not damaged. You must confirm that the exit works properly.
• Check door(s) release handle to ensure it can be operated both from inside and outside the bus.
• If equipped, check that emergency exit warning device activates when door is opened and deactivates when it is closed.

Hatches:

Roof hatches used to evacuate passengers in an emergency.

Special Note: In some busses, you should not open the emergency hatch for the test, because it can be very difficult to close and secure. It is permissible to verbally describe the operation of the emergency hatch exit(s).

• Describe how at least one emergency exit hatch operates; how it must close securely, and is not damaged.
• Check hatch(s) release handle to ensure it is operational.
• If equipped, describe how the emergency exit-warning device activates when the hatch is opened and deactivates when it is closed.

Entry/ Exit Doors:

• Check that all entry and exit doors are not damaged and operate smoothly from the outside.
• Check that hinges are securely mounted
• Check that door seals are intact

Mirrors:

• Make sure passenger exit mirrors and all exterior mirrors are securely mounted with no loose fittings
• Check to make sure mirrors are clean and not damaged

External Bus Inspection

Level/Air Leaks:

Coach and transit buses generally have air suspension systems.

• Check to see vehicle is sitting level from front to rear and side to side.
• If air-equipped, check for audible air leaks from the suspension system.

Fuel Tank:

• Check to see that the tank is securely mounted.
• Check to see that the fuel cap(s) is secure.
• Check to see that the tank and lines are not damaged or leaking.

Baggage Compartment:

• Check to see that baggage and all other exterior compartment doors are not damaged.
• Check to see that the doors operate properly and latch securely.
• Check to see that baggage and/or equipment (if any) is secure within the compartment.

Battery/Box:

The vehicle battery(s) may be located on the side of the vehicle or in the engine compartment.

• ✓ Check to see that battery(s) are securely mounted.
• ✓ Check to see that the cable connections are tight and all cell caps are present.
• ✓ Check to see that the battery connections are not excessively corroded.
• ✓ Check the battery box and cover or door to see that they are secure.

Mud flaps (Splash Guards):

Heavy rubber mats located behind back tires that prevent flying debris from hitting other vehicles. Mud flaps are not required if the body of the vehicle extends more than 5 feet beyond the rear wheels, or if the rear wheels are covered or enclosed by fenders to within 10 inches of the road surface when the vehicle is empty.

• Check to see that mud flaps are securely mounted and in good condition.
• Make sure mud flaps extend to each side of the tires.
• Make sure mud flaps reach within 10 inches of the road surface.

SPECIAL NOTE: Although mud flaps may not be required on a vehicle, if they are present, they must be inspected.

Remainder of Coach/ Transit Bus

Remainder of the vehicle

Please refer to All Vehicles Inspection Checklist for detailed inspection procedures for the remainder of the vehicle.

SPECIAL NOTE: Passenger bus components must be fully described for the test just like truck or school bus components, even though many drive train, brake, and frame components are not visible unless the vehicle in parked in an inspection bay. Passenger bus applicants must memorize the components for the test.