If tourist buses are airliners, then the newest Setra TopClass 500 is akin to the giant Boeing 777, and even only with business class seats in the cabin. I have driven such cars twice - first on French Nice and its environs, and then on the German autobahns. Honestly, I've never met a better bus! And the international title Coach of the Year "2014" ("The best tourist bus of 2014"), which Setra TopClass 500 received at the bus salon in Kortrijk (it is described in the same issue), is honestly deserved.

Who thought of arranging a test drive of hefty liners on the streets of Nice, where two passenger cars barely drive away? By the way, it was in Nice in 1977 that the Setra brand won a mountain of prizes at the then international automobile exhibition Semaine Internationale du Car. It is curious that at the same exhibition, but ten years earlier, the Soviet minibus ZIL-118 Yunost received no fewer prizes (and even the main cup of the organizing committee). True, Yunost did not become widespread, but Setra received worldwide recognition as the first serial bus with a monocoque body. The name Setra stands for “selbsttragend”, “self-supporting”.

In France I had to go along such streets

Since 1995, the brand belongs to the Daimler concern, and the reason for the appearance of the current five-hundredth series is the same as that of all European manufacturers of trucks and buses - the transition to environmental standards Euro 6. In addition, in 2017, bus manufacturers of the European Union will face stricter safety requirements for rollover.

So the completely new body is 20% stronger than the previous 400 series (at least that's what the manufacturers say). And the drag coefficient of 0.33 is 20% less!

We already wrote about this in AR # 2, 2013, when we talked about the Setra ComfortClass 500 model (it appeared earlier than the TopClass 500).

In general, they are similar, and the bodies are almost the same. True, the TopClass is 110 mm higher (its overall height is 3880 mm) due to the higher floor and larger luggage compartments, and if the ComfortClass can be either two-axle or three-axle, then the TopClass is only three-axle, with a 6x2 wheel arrangement.

The main visual difference is the absence of an air conditioner “hump” on the roof: it is built into the body. In addition, there is basically no manual transmission here: only the Mercedes "robot" PowerShift, familiar from Mercedes trucks. (That's good, otherwise the “comfort class” control of the “mechanics” seemed to me indistinct.) The engines are also exactly like those of the new Mercedes tractors and dump trucks: in-line “six” with a capacity of 476 or 510 hp.

The cabin has a transparent roof: it was offered before, but now the glazing area overhead has increased. The aforementioned built-in air conditioner can work "on two fronts" - for example, it is colder for the driver, and hotter for passengers. And many planes can only envy such seats!

The steering wheel is almost like a Mercedes Actros tractor! Only more chic, upholstered in leather, with wooden inserts, and on the emblem - the letter "K": by the name of Karl Kessbohrer, founder of Setra

For passenger vehicles, the main criterion is safety, but the designers do not forget about the speed qualities of their models. For city buses, the speed indicator is not so important, but for intercity routes, along with safety and comfort, it comes to the fore.

Let's go to the tracks and test sites to introduce the fastest buses in the world.

Turbo NAMI-053

Let's start with the Soviet prototype, which was used as a scientific laboratory on wheels. The series was never launched.

It was assembled in 1959 on the basis of the legendary ZiS-127. A gas turbine with a capacity of 350 hp was installed at the back of the car. On tests on a straight track "Turbo NAMI" accelerated to 160 km / h. This is an absolute record for Soviet buses.

Turbo NAMI-053 was created in only one copy, and the main reason for stopping the project was its high price.

Ikarus-256

The legendary Hungarian tourist bus was a frequent visitor on Soviet roads. It first came off the assembly line in 1977 and was discontinued in 2002.

Ikarus-256 was almost optimal for domestic conditions, and most importantly, it was easy to operate and maintain. Due to their versatility, these "Ikarus" worked on intercity routes, as excursion routes, rarely as urban transport.

The model was easily recognizable by the red and white coloring that became the hallmark of Hungarian buses. It could reach speeds of up to 120 km / h, and the engine was equal to 250 hp.

Ikarus-386

A more modern model of the Hungarian car industry began to appear on the roads in the early 1990s.

Despite the engine with a capacity of only 180 hp, it develops a speed of 113 km / h. As before, deliveries to Russia have been established, where they serve intercity routes.

And you can see the site on our website

After testing, Yutong ZK6129H received the status of "Euro 4", which means that it can operate on the routes not only in Asia, but also in the European Union. The machine is equipped with a powerful diesel engine with 360 hp.

Has spacious luggage compartments and salon. Equipped with security systems. On high-speed highways it can reach speeds of up to 125 km / h.

The luxury tourist liner has been produced by the German concern since 1996, and is still relevant on the roads of Europe.

Starliner received high marks from experts, and most importantly - to please tourists. The comfortable salon is equipped with everything you need for a long trip.

The engine of this model can accelerate to 128 km / h, but for the safety of passengers, drivers rarely reach this mark on the speedometer.

The three-axle double-decker bus of the "Neoplan Bus Gmbh" company is designed to transport passengers over long distances. The spacious liner allows to take on board 80 passengers.

Perfectly adapted for both expressways and suburban routes. This model has been produced since 2001 in two main modifications.

When fully loaded, Neoplan can accelerate to 126 km / h, but when empty it easily reaches 130 km / h.

MAZ-251 062

In 1992, the Belarusian plant began producing buses for city routes, and then launched the production of tourist models.

The production model 251 went into series production in the spring of 2006. Available in various modifications. They differ in the number of seats, as well as in technical characteristics.

Basically, the Russian user is familiar with city models, but this "MAZ" has become a breakthrough on intercity flights. Directly "MAZ-251 062" can reach a maximum speed of 133 km / h.

Mercedes-Benz Travego

Stylish, comfortable and convenient in all respects for the driver and passengers, the bus is the latest development of the famous German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz.

In 2005, they began to assemble a new version of it "Travego M". The tourist car liner was tested on the roads of Turkey.

In addition to the luxurious interior, Travego is notable for its technical equipment. The powerful engine allows the bus to accelerate to high speed, but it has a braking system. For the safety of passengers, a smart system prevents the bus from exceeding the speed of 100 km / h.

The family of comfortable intercity buses from Scania was presented to the world in 2009.

Touring is available in various modifications, which differ from each other in wheel arrangement and length. The spacious salon can be equipped with from 49 to 59 seats. There is an air conditioning system and a spacious luggage compartment.

Like most buses in Europe, the Touring is equipped with a “brake collar” that does not allow you to exceed the speed of 100 km / h.

The Russian tourist bus is equipped with Scania engines. The model meets all international safety and environmental standards.

The cabin of LIAZ 529000 Cruise has climate control, comfortable seats with a position adjustment system. A special version is produced for use in the northern latitudes of Russia.

"Cruise" can reach speeds of over 100 km / h, but according to international standards, a limiter of 100 km / h is set.

American Paul Stedler was fond of technology since childhood. At one of the parking lots, he found a decommissioned school bus, repaired it, and put a jet engine on it.

On public display, his invention developed a speed of 590 km / h. The spectacle impressed the audience. A long train of fire escaped from the back of an ordinary-looking school bus as it moved. No wonder, because for 1,400 m of run, this fastest bus in the world burned 500 liters of fuel.

Paul Steadler and his miracle invention hit the pages of the Guinness Book of Records.

Summarize

The main purpose of buses is to carry passengers, therefore they are not endowed with high speeds. Manufacturers compete more in the efficiency, environmental friendliness of their cars. Bus races can be seen only on the streets of Russian cities, when there is a competition for passengers.

When planning a trip or just a trip, everyone tries to choose the most suitable mode of transport for themselves in order to spend time on the road as comfortably as possible. Today, modern buses have become so comfortable that they can easily compete with any type of transport.

For each category of tourist vehicles, the International Road Transport Union has developed certain requirements. Categories define the classes of buses and are indicated by stars, ranging from one to five.

Buses can be classified by the number of floors, the type of fuel used and by category.

Number of floors

Motor vehicles are divided by the number of floors into:

• one-story;
• one and a half storey;
• two-story.

Many travel companies prefer 1.5-deck buses.

This type of transport has a fairly good view, since the interior is located above the driver's seat, and the lower compartment is used for passengers' luggage. Double-deck buses are popular for their functionality.

They are mainly used to transport people over relatively short distances, for example on excursions. The lower floor of this transport can be equipped as a buffet, a playroom or equipped with sleeping places for tourists.

In some European countries, they are used as a type of city bus. But due to their large size, they are quite impractical, since in some cities it may be necessary to look for detours due to low bridges.

Fuel

Most buses for passengers use gasoline, methane or diesel. Also, vehicles such as electric buses and electric cars, which run on electric batteries and do not pollute the environment, have recently begun to gain popularity.

Classification of buses by category

The comfort of buses is categorized and indicated by an asterisk (*). The higher the comfort, the more stars:

• Medium-class buses with one star belong to the first category and can be used for excursions in the city or in the suburbs.
• The buses of the second category (two stars) can be used for international tourism, but for short distances.
• The third and fourth categories are considered the highest class of buses.
• And category five corresponds to the luxury class.

A bus with more than three stars can carry passengers over long distances.

Class requirements

The class of buses for comfort is determined by the following parameters:

1. Seat. This takes into account the space between the seats (from 68 to 90 cm), the height of the back of the chair (from 52 to 68 cm) and its angle of inclination, the seat upholstery (quality and appearance), the presence of individual armrests.
2. Climate control. Whether there is individually controlled airflow or air conditioning.
3. Heating method (from the engine or with automatic temperature control).
4. Window. Tinted glass or curtains in them, whether there is an anti-fog coating.
5. Individually adjustable lighting.
6. The presence of a microphone and a loudspeaker (the latter can be designed for 4-8 seats or one in the cabin).
7. The presence of a luggage compartment, as well as a shelf for hand luggage.
8. Sanitary equipment (bathrooms, washbasins, waste bins).
9. Equipment on the bus: beverage heater, refrigerator, individual cup holders and folding tables, TV and car radio.
10. Personal place for a guide (equipped with everything you need).
11. Availability of electrical outlets near each seat.

Luxury buses

Luxury buses are the most comfortable and correspond to the "5 stars" category. Such tourist-class buses must have additional means of comfort. These include: a dispenser for hot and cold drinks, a microwave oven, a wardrobe, an oven for prepared dishes, a kitchen with a grill, an armchair equipped with a special backrest that corrects and supports the lower back.

An information screen is installed in the passenger compartment, where the information necessary for passengers is displayed, for example, the name of the settlement to which the transport approaches, distance and travel time, air temperature, etc. In such classes of buses, the noise level should be as low as possible (7 476 dB).

No matter how many stars a bus has, they all need to be safe. The owners of these vehicles are personally responsible for the life and health of passengers on the road, therefore they are obliged to monitor the technical condition of the transport - to carry out technical inspection and repair on time.

When buying tickets, the regulars of bus tours pay attention to the location of the seats. Why is it important? Let's explain with an example.

Imagine that you have planned a trip for a long time, thought out the route, chose, as it seemed to you, a good place - with an excellent view, in the middle of the bus, not far from the door. And then it turned out that it is almost the only one that does not unfold. Everything would be fine, but only when the passengers in front reclined their seats, you found yourself squeezed on both sides. As a result, what was dreamed of as a wonderful journey turned into torture.

We will tell you about all the nuances that need to be taken into account when choosing a seat on the bus in order not to get into a similar story in the article.

Long-distance buses - good and different

If you think that it is enough to know the seat number to understand how comfortable it is, you are deeply mistaken. The fleet of modern long-distance buses (ADS) is so diverse that until you see the interior layout, it is too early to draw conclusions.

For example, you got the seat number 14. In the tourist MAN for 59 seats, this is the beginning of the salon, 4th row; but in the saloon of the same model with 45 seats, chair number 14 is in front of the door and, most likely, does not recline. In a 20-seater Mercedes, the same number 14 is located on the left by the window at the end of the cabin, and in a 45-seater - on the right by the aisle, row 4. And there are a lot of such examples.

Even the typical layout of a specific model is not always accurate, since the carrier has the right to make design changes - add a bathroom, kitchen, remove some of the seats (for example, the back row) by equipping a sleeping or cargo compartment.

Site selection criteria

As you know, there is no dispute about tastes, so everyone may have their own criteria for choosing a convenient place. Experienced tourists recommend first of all to take into account such parameters as:

• security;
• the location of the seats in relation to the door;
• salon segment (beginning, middle, end).

Let's dwell on them in more detail.

Dangerous and safe

Traffic incidents involving ADF are reported at alarming rates, making it the # 1 task for every traveler to reach their destination safe and sound.

What places are potentially dangerous?

• First row, especially to the right of the aisle. In a head-on collision, they are the first to be hit.
• The last row can be damaged if the blow comes from behind. In addition, with sharp braking, the passengers in the back row have a higher risk of injury, flying into the aisle.
• Seats by the window on the left side of the salon. We have right-hand traffic, so this side of the bus is always turned towards the flow of cars.

The safest places on a long distance bus are as follows.

• In the middle of the passenger compartment on the right side. But even in this relatively safe area, it is better to sit not by the window, but by the aisle.
• The seats are right behind the driver. It is believed that the driver, instinctively avoiding danger, removes this zone from the impact, and substitutes the right side.

"Insidious" - next to the door

The places located in the immediate vicinity of the door are distinguished by a special "cunning".

If they are behind it, in winter and autumn, this is a zone of cold air currents that fall on passengers every time the door is opened. By the way, in the summer, the influx of fresh air, rather, can be attributed to the pluses.

If the seats are on the right-hand side in front of the door in the middle of the passenger compartment, they do not recline. This is designed so as not to interfere with people getting off at stops. Usually such seats are cheaper, but passengers do not always fully understand the reason for the bonus.

The area next to the door is not devoid of merit. You will be the first to get off the bus in the parking lot, therefore, you will quickly get to the buffet, toilet, or just have time to smoke.

Disadvantages of the rear rows

Few people like the last row in ADS. And there are reasons for this.

• It shakes harder here, and people with seasickness get seasick.
• The backs of the chairs do not recline, which means there is no way to relax, take a nap.
• If not the climate control system is used to cool the air, but a general air conditioner, it blows strongly from behind.
• If there is only one TV, it cannot be seen or heard from the back row. The same is with the guide during the tour.

Some tour operators usually sell two tickets for the last row of 5 seats. Then their owners will have the opportunity not only to sit down, but also to lie down fully.

Features of the choice of a seat in a double-decker bus

The travel agency can offer you a ride on a double-decker bus. This vehicle has a different layout and features.

To determine what works best for you, examine the pros and cons of each floor.

Advantages of the first floor:

• spacious salon;
• there are fewer people than above;
• comfortable tables;
• next to a bathroom, a kitchen, a water cooler, a refrigerator.

Of the cons

The salon is located low in relation to the road, so you won't be able to admire the panoramic views.

Be prepared for the fact that in the evening the drivers will continue to chat, and perhaps listen to music or watch a movie.

Second floor advantages

• excellent panoramic view;
• silence in the evening, because the drivers are downstairs.

There are also disadvantages

It is closer here than on the first floor, which will be especially felt by tall and obese passengers.

Be prepared to descend each time to take advantage of the facilities or during parking. The second floor is not for people with disabilities.

And instead of a conclusion. Having chosen a place to your liking, make sure that it is officially indicated in the voucher (everything is clear with the ticket), otherwise it will turn out, as in that joke - whoever got up earlier has slippers.

The older we get, the more important is not so much the exciting journey itself, but the convenience and safety. Domestic and foreign manufacturers always invest a lot of time and effort in the creation of tourist buses.

The attractive design and high seating position of the tourist buses will make the journey as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Such buses always catch the eye, regardless of whether a bus with tourists calls in a small village or rides with a tour of the metropolis.

In tourist buses, every detail is carefully designed. And the point here is not only in style, but also in safety - just imagine what loads each structural element experiences.

Tourist bus interior

What could be more important for a tourist than a beautiful, spacious and, most importantly, comfortable salon?

A tourist bus is one of those types of transport in which it is almost impossible to move around the cabin. Therefore, the seats of these buses are designed with great care by specialists. These people are engaged in calculating all the options - no matter how old we are with you, what height we are, weight, etc., we should be comfortable.

Some owners of such buses do not spare money for equipping the cabin with various means that significantly increase the comfort of passengers in the cabin - these are built-in dry closets, mini-kitchens, folding tables for meals and monitors in the headrests of the seats and other all kinds of innovations that can brighten up the trip.

Fundamental rules

If you suddenly plan such a long trip, do not be too lazy to ask what brand your bus will be. But in order to make such an important decision - to choose a bus, you must, of course, be aware of the main advantages and disadvantages of different "tourists".