At Minibus World we have been manufacturing and converting minibuses since 2007. We are often asked, ‘how many seats in a minibus’, which is not as daft a question as it might seem.
Typically, minibuses range from 9-17 seats mainly due to the fact that in a number of circumstances they can be driven on a normal car licence. For more information on minibus licencing requirements visit here.
Popular with schools, charities, societies, private hire and public transportation, the humble minibus has become a staple of the UK’s roads, providing mobility and independence.
Like any purchase, choosing the right type of minibus and right number of seats is important. This blog will help you navigate those choices.
At Minibus World we typically sell, lease or contract hire minibuses. Typical contract hire is for three years and for a purchase, up to 10 years in some cases. As a result, it’s important to choose the right minibus and future proof seating requirements.
A minibus is a large vehicle, ranging from 5m for a typical 9 seater to 6.4m for a 17 seater, as a result size matters! A smaller minibus is more manoeuvrable and is easier to drive, so it is important to understand how many seats are required.
A larger minibus will typically be more expensive and require extra large parking bays. On the flip side it will hold up to 17 passengers (including driver) or a combination of wheelchairs, storage and standard seating – so more versatile.
When determining ‘how many seats in a minibus’ let’s take a look at the typical configurations that our customers choose:
If the role of a minibus is merely to transport people short distances from A to B, you may not require storage and luggage space. However, if you are planning longer journeys it may be sensible to choose a larger minibus which will give additional legroom and storage facilities.
At Minibus World we can offer seating upgrades, secure storage, upgraded heating and air-conditioning and other creature comforts for your passengers.
At Minibus World we offer a selection of accessibility options to assist with getting onboard and off a minibus. These include telescopic ramps, onboard lifts, underfloor lifts and spacious interiors that can accommodate multiple wheelchairs. Models like the Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic are designed to carry up to two wheelchair passengers, making them ideal for school trips and community outings. The Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay can also be configured to seat up to 6 wheelchairs (only with an underfloor ramp).
Our minibuses feature twin sliding doors and low-floor designs to facilitate easy boarding and alighting for wheelchair users. This not only enhances the travel experience but also ensures safety and convenience during boarding and disembarking. We also feature recessed tracks to create a completely flat floor for ease of loading.
A selection of grab rails are also available for the more able bodies to assist with their access.
At CVM World we have direct partnerships with Stellantis Group (Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat, Citroёn), Ford and Maxus to manufacture and supply a range of vehicles. Personal preference, experience or specification may all influence customer choice. We are a Stellantis Pro-One partner (a sign of quality).
At Minibus World we also offer ‘The CVM Advantage’ which are 12 benefits that set ourselves apart from our competitors in terms of quality and features.
If you were lucky enough to pass your driving licence after 1997, in order to drive a minibus without a D1 licence you need to meet the following criteria:
For more information, click here.
At Minibus World we offer contract hire, short term hire and purchase across a range of minibuses, both new and used. As a manufacturer, we ensure every used minibus is given a clean bill of health and warranty before it leaves our factory. As a result we offer minibuses for every budget, from £20,000 to £80,000+.
Specification will have an impact on purchase and contract hire price, just like extras on a car. Electric lifts, CCTV, seatbelt safety monitoring systems and so on will all add to the cost of the vehicle. Also, a 6.4m L4 minibus with an electric lift will weigh substantially more than 5m, 9 Seater minibus – so you can expect changes in fuel economy.
When selecting the right business for your organisation, the first question you might need answering is ‘how many seats in a minibus?’ As you have read, seating can range from 9-17 and have different configurations depending on the vehicle size, storage requirements, comfort requirements and accessibility.
Luckily, at Minibus World our sales team are on hand to help you navigate the different permutations and ensure you select the right minibus for you. At our factory in Staffordshire, we always have a range of minibuses, so if you’re not sure what you need, come and have a look.
We hope you have found this guide useful and will consider Minibus World for your next minibus.