Why can't you open the windows on a coach bus. 

As a veteran operator I can recall the problems with youth groups tossing things from the open windows. Also the open windows create a vacuum that sucked the conditioned air out of the coach. Those problems were 99% eliminated with the introduction of sealed windows.

Wow, if my local bus companies had attendants that looked like the one in 3:03, I would travel by bus far more frequently. 😀

Nicely done. As a former driver I never gave a thought to why the windows don't.

Rode in 110 degrees thrue the Mojave desert with no AC. Definitely know what your talking about.the Coach was a Van Hool we opened both roof haches it helped a little bit but still felt like a hot wind tunnel.

And don’t think about opening a overwing exit while 40,000ft in the air and falling onto the road

11:00 that's really interesting, I've never seen this style of windows on European coaches. In case of emergency you're supposed to break the glass with a special hammer or get out through the roof hatch(es).

Good to see a Victory Liner. One of the largest Provincial Bus Company here in the Philippines.

Thank you. I remember. The coach is online action, there is still six more days before it over . I just got excited because I am a bus nut . Thanks again for listening. Keep up the good work.

I would have thought that those huge windows weren't supposed to open, because they were a part of the 'structural integrity' ...to use star trek terms ;) But after I saw you opening those emergency-exits I doubt my thoughts. Actually, I have never seen those kinds of emergency-exit windows here in germany. I only know fixed, glued-in windows on motorcoaches. They CAN be opened in an emergency...but only once... with a hammer ^^ Thanks so much for another gread video!

I actually asked this very question to a old neighbor of mine who used to work for BlueBird. He said that the addition of HVAC really was the reason that openable windows went away. At low speeds and for trips where you spend your time mostly idle it makes sense to have opening windows as it reduces engine load on the bus by not having to run the AC. The thing tho is that coaches are almost exclusively used for long duration trips where most the time the vehicle is running is when moving at high speeds, which doesn’t make sense to have windows that open, it actually decreases efficiency at high speeds more than the AC does. On top of that and the issues with littering and a few things you mentioned as well it just became more sensible to opt out of windows when the AC tech became viable enough.

Being an old driver on buses were the windows opened we did create a lot of litter going down the road. But on a more serious point the technology was not available for HAVC. The heat and air were two separate systems and the air was run by its own separate diesel motor. The temperature control for the AC most of the time was ON or OFF. As a driver many times I froze in the summer and winter. Passengers did not have ventilation adjustments above their head at each seat they had a window.. A final point on busses up until the 90s AC was optional so cheaper on the owners to buy a coach without AC or power steering or automatic transmission. I can still hear the words rumbling in my head "Driver I'm hot, Driver I'm cold, Driver I need a rest stop" restrooms were optional as well. Society was different prior to the 90s so the old farmer in the video maybe right.

I remember our old Crown school buses had single drop windows, then as the years went by the double window came out. Our driver told us it was for the children to still be able to see what's going on out side (curiosity) without the danger of them falling out, even if they stood up, they'd still be behind a window, though the top half could still be open to allow air flow. No AC so windows had to be able to open.

"Back in my day" for me was just the 90s and my school did not have A/C, we had to rough it with the windows open in the summer months. The school is in Chicago so we DID have heat, but no A/C, just windows and fans.

Back in my day, buses didnt even have winders. They didnt even have engines, and had horses. Although my bus has no HVAC at all...just the driver gets heat...passengers just freeze. And windoes are rusted shut in the summer. But I do have glass sunroofs lol

James, The MCI 8's, 9's and the 102's you could open the windows on a Greyhound. I would catch people opening them to smoke, while the bus was in motion at 70 MPH. Bad enough watching the flap on the bathroom vent opening and closing. But than you had to watch the other side of the bus. I usually would get on the intercom and explain that a new window was about $2,500. and that semi passing could pull the windows off the bus. They stayed closed after that. But I was also one of the few drivers that gave smoke breaks on the trip, even after I stopped smoking. P.s. Not really sure if a semi would do that kinda of damage, while passing. LOL !!

Well James, Warren beat me to it. Yes kids throwing pizza boxes out the window returning from a game. Makes me sad they were not taught better.

Thanks, James. I never drove a school bus that didn't have so much play in the windows that is sounded like somebody hauling chains over rail road tracks ...

I always just assumed they didn’t need to be opened because of the A/C. Great video as usual!

Even back in the 60s and early 70s with the ability to open the windows, it was discouraged. Basically, the ability to open was tied to emergency exits and escapes. Plus, with improved HVAC systems, open windows would work them harder, so the newer vehicles opted to seal it up tight.

Yeah I can definitely see why you can't open the windows on a greyhound bus. With all the stupid challenges going around the internet nowadays, I could only imagine a challenge called 'Greyhound surfing' where somebody films themself climbing out the window and onto the top of the bus and back into the bus while traveling at interstate speeds... Although people are able to do this on trains and it usually doesn't go that well. So I can imagine how it would go if somebody fell off the bus and became a Darwin award recipient.

Hi James! At 3:00 you have a photo of a attendant on a Victory Liner coach in the Republic of the Philippines. Back in the mid 70s I was stationed in the Subic Bay and rode a Victory liner several times from Subic/Olongopo to Quezon City in Metro Manila. The Victory Liner "buses" then almost 50 years ago were not air-conditioned and did not have any attendants...nor rest-rooms..Many times rural people got on the bus with baby livestock and chickens. Yes they did. Apparently Victory Liners have improved substantially over the last nearly 50 years. By the way motor coaches are still the main form of inter-city transportation in the Philippines. Thanks for posting James! (-;

In Germany, the coach buses do have the roof ventilation windows (1, 2 or sometimes even 3) which can be opened if the weather doesn’t require the HVAC to be turned on.

Hi James (and fellow bus nuts!) Transit buses (my city uses mainly Gillig Phantoms so can’t speak as to other manufacturers here in coastal California tend to have operable windows because it’s hard to maintain climate control when the doors are opening and closing constantly. This is especially true with regards to AC. Heating on the other hand tends to fair better with usually several under seat units placed strategically inside around the providing a steady and even heat source throughout the bus so the bus stays fairly comfortable (as long as your not right next to a door) despite the door(s) cycling open/closed a lot. Now the windows are the small elongated ones at the top on the older 1980-1990’s Gillig Phantoms) where as the newest generation of buses, the whole half of the window slide open, albeit safety locked to only open about a foot. With a separate safety system that releases every other window entirely from its frame the provide additional emergency exits. The two emergency egress hatch’s on the roof often are three setting enabled. Fully closed, “propped” open by design which allows for a manageable thru flow of air to help keep things comfortable for the passengers if the outside ambient temp is pleasant by raising the hatch slightly while still keeping both latches engaged on the hatch, and finally fully open, which of course would only be used in an emergency situation to quickly leave the interior of the bus following say.. an accident for example. Coaches tend to travel farther and faster (as you pointed out) so mechanically speaking it’s a lot less stressful for an HVAC system to acquire and hold a specific set temp. Which means statistically speaking HVAC on coaches are more likely to be reliable than that on say a run of the mill transit system. They will also be more powerful and have a higher BTU rating as well. Anyway that’s all I can contribute on the subject, hope this is helpful for you guys! :)

Motor Coached use the containment methode. For the containment to work all windows need to be closed. School bus windows are very small in size , which prevents bodies from being ejected thru them. Hence they can have windows that open. So its a choise, evryone wears a seat belt or have the windows designed to keep the passenger on board during an acident.

Here in my hometown, the newer public transit buses are also being made to where windows can't be opened. My theory is that it stops people from fighting over which windows are opened or closed. People will fight over the slightest of things so having motorcoach style windows, that's one less thing to worry about.

Passengers have this strange compulsion to open windows on buses despite being told to leave them closed. This iis a very notorious and persistent issue during the summertime when its very hot outside. Passengers have threatened bus operators when operators have asked them to close windows and leave them closed. When passengers open windows on buses, not only does it render the A/C ineffective but it also causes an extra stain on the engine and other systems of the bus, increasing the likelihood of a bus breakdown. It's better to avoid the whole problem by using non-opening single piece window panes. Roof hatches can be opened in "vent" mode when necessary.

All of the coaches I have been on in Australia have at least 4 of the panels of glass with a sliding or tilting opening portion, and some bus drivers open the escape hatches on the roof (they are designed to open a few centimetres and lock there) on very hot days, in busses without strong AC.

Solid post James, . . . as usual!! LOL! When the business has me down and I'm draggin butt, your posts always bring me relief!! Keep the faith and keep up the fight!!! Brother, you inspire!!

Operable windows typically require more substantial frames which would reduce the glazing areas negatively impacting aesthetics.

Our city bus in Lee County in FL all the new and newer buses the windows wont open. The automated voice says the AC is on. That makes since when you want to keep it cool in the bus. (Sometimes FREEZING) You are on a metal box lol

James, great video as always. You are spot on. In my Coach USA days I had to bring an empty bus back from Washington DC that had the air conditioner go out. It was 107° inside with the wing window and the roof hatches open. Like an oven on wheels.

You should look up “infrared cooling paint”; might help a bit with cooling down motorcoaches in the summer. Cool stuff, literally!

Definitely, you can. It's the emergency windows that lift up from the bottom. However, I find it very strange that in places like Hong Kong, that buses there have no openable windows, but the windows have to be broken by a hammer, along with no roof hatches. One would have to imagine that it is a less safe method to evacuate.

The fuel economy issue is also probably why most motorcoaches have frameless windows, even in the US. City transit buses can have either type of window, since at lower speeds, aerodynamics aren't that big of an issue and all the frameless windows really do is make the bus look nicer. But for a motorcoach travelling at highway speeds most of the time, those frameless windows are a necessity, not just a nice-looking option.

Fab, always wondered how US emergency exit coach windows worked. Looking forward to the emergency exit video.

Most motorcoaches in India have windows that can be opened, as they didn't come with A/C from the factory

I suppose it's thought of as a weight & complexity savings in the era of a modern and reliable hvac system. Windows that could open would require more framing, and be one more thing to break or get stuck. Imagine a window stuck open entering foul weather. That being said, I had the aircon fail on a charter in a 102C3. Opening the window hatches made it barely tolerable, and that was probably a DOT no-no, but I think the statute of limitations is up on that one.

I drive for a large Limousine and party bus company. One hot summer day I was scheduled to take out a stretch Limo and I made the comment to the girl in the office. I hope the air-conditioner does not fail today. She replied If it does just get them drunk and roll the windows down!

And yes as an owner of a motor coach I would love to have an opening window on my coach! Maybe one day because the only thing not mentioned is that if the window breaks it's a pricey item so imagine what an opening window costs from the manufacturer!

I've encountered a low cost motorcoach that did not have a restroom onboard....instead they made periodic rest stops so people can get snacks use the bathroom etc. Plus they had purchased aftermarket buses that did not have a restroom. It's a cost cutting measure...at least according to them.

Your channel inspired me to hire on with a local family owned motor coach operator here in Minnesota as I prepare to retire from a Law Enforcement career. I have driven school bus and transit bus going all the way back to college and I have continued to drive some school bus trips on the side through the years. But motor coach driving is my last bus driving frontier to conquer---and my wife will also be joining me behind the wheel. We will send you a picture after we do our first trip together! Thank you for the channel--from one bus nut to another!

Openable windows also increase building cost. The amount may be small in proportion to a modern bus, but as a mass producer every dollar counts I suppose. Also with movable mechanisms there is a big chance to introduce additional noise over time if they are not maintained properly. Another episode idea: James would you like to talk about the difference between different product lines of the same brand, e.g. MCI G vs J, Prevost H3 vs X3 vs Volvo 9700? As a passenger I find the experience on a Van Hool CX and TX quite similar, in terms of riding quality and noise. Would be interested in learning the difference from a driver and operator's perspective.

Hate to say it, but Greyhound had an incident just two weeks ago where someone opened a window and jumped out while the bus was going full speed down the highway.

I like see emergency exit on a motor coach. To see how they are different to city and/or school bus

Um about windows. As a driver I have said to a bachelorette group on a MCI J4500 “Ladies, we have triple limo tint, pressing those up against the window will not let the traffic see them”. Good thing they couldn’t open the windows.

Can you imagine someone popping a window while you’re passing an oversized load truck 😳😖

Trailways had the Model 5s which had hopper windows. Like transit buses. they have the ability to open inward from the top. This comes in handy if/when the a/c is out. I get annoyed with people who crack open the windows in the winter time when the bus has good heat.

This is actually David, not Nita. I learned the hard way that when propping those windows open to keep cool while sitting, if the item propping the window open falls out unexpectedly, the weight of the window slamming down can nearly take your finger off. I ended up with seven stitches and a visit to an emergency clinic after driving three hours back from just such an incident.I certainly hope that doesn’t ever happen again. If it slips out, like my briefcase did, don’t try to grab it. Your finger could pay a high price!

Here in the philippines some of our first class deluxe coach buses have stewardess.

I feel its very much a maintenance thing. I remember in school we got a brand new school bus, not even a full year already it wasn't closing windows properly, would sit crooked or just not operate as intended. Not that big of a deal on city transit and schools. Stop and go and don't really see over 55. But as a business on coaches, I'd imagine a small Crack from a window not closing correctly, causing wind noise would be enough to just piss off some passengers. Constantly fixing would get expensive. Also it wouldn't make the bus look as clean and stream line. In a Volvo truck I used to drive. It had vents below the window you could open in the sleeper. Looked way cleaner then a sliding or push out like my kenworth has. Though the airflow wasnt that great. I personally feel they should make hvac have a back up system for when one fails, there's still another. But I don't know if the extra money implementing such a system would be worth it vs getting another bus to show up to replace.

The number 1 answer to any question related to commercial products is COST/PROFITS (a.k.a CORPORATE GREED)!!! They Don’t care if a motor coach company can’t run a bus if the HVAC isn’t working. None of the bus manufacturers care about any of the things that you mentioned. Just like the Ferengi!

I believe I seen you on 94 freeway in Detroit in a Tesla ☑️ safe travels

In high school, our GM RTS II express bus was going through a bridge toll when a student unlatched the emergency release and swung out the bottom of the window as the bus was about to pass the toll booth. The window struck the booth at speed.

Well, on the subject of "windows"…..lol. My first year driving school bus in 1978, me being at 23yo knowing nothing about kids…lol, I have had no clue as to what a "stink bomb" is. (is that right? Correct me if I am wrong) A loaded bus of bunch of 4th and 5th graders, one of the kid on purpose dropped a stink bomb on the floor of the bus, and I never saw so many windows dropped so fast in my life………😂😁🤣😅😂🤣

I totally get why the passenger windows on full size coaches are fixed. It wasn't even until the mid-2000's where everyday minivan's had fixed windows in the rear. The most you might get were a few windows that would crack open an inch for ventilation and it was considered a luxury item if they "power vented" open and closed. Only Mazda offered a minivan with retractable windows in the sliding doors for at least several years before Toyota and then Honda and then Chrysler followed suit with each one being several years behind the previous. I would however like to see a real opening driver's window on the full sized Prevost's, MCI's, and Vanhool's. The little window they have now is a joke and was probably developed to throw coins into the machine at Toll Plazas. By now commercial buses use EZPASS or SUNPASS and in most cases tolls cost more than one would pay with coins nowadays. I think it is only a matter of time before the driver's windows start opening though. Setra has done it in their coaches for years and if you look at some of Vanhool and MCI's latest smaller model releases, it appears as though the industry is moving in that direction. I almost think it's a safety issue to not be able to retract the driver's window. Let me know if you think I'm wrong and just wishfully thinking outloud though. ha

Oh, my God, I was just about to bitch on one of your videos about windows. AC died on a 5-hour trip home from Western New York Sunday. Sure would've been nice if we could open the giant magnifying glasses my passengers were sitting next to.

I've been noticing city buses are starting to adopt this as well especially with Los Angeles buses, they too now are using sealed windows now which is an eye sore because on some of these you get fonky people boarding and you think an AC or HVAC is gonna clear that out? Nope!!!! I hate the idea of it on Transit buses because I do love a breeze.

I think there are a few reasons why motorcoaches do not have openable windows. One, as mentioned in the video, the HVAC system is always on, so there's no need to rely on open windows for ventilation. Two, having a mechanism for opening the windows would obstruct the view out the windows and cost more. Three, so that passengers can't throw anything out. I think city transit buses still have openable windows mainly just for occasions where the HVAC system goes bad. They want to be able to finish the route, instead of having to take the bus out of service immediately. School buses still often don't have air conditioning, so they have to have windows that open.

Pojedini evropski proizvodjaci imaju u ponudi opciono otvaranje prozora na autobusima. U trenutku kada se klima uredjaj u vozilu uključi prozori se zaključaju i ne mogu se otvoriti. Takodje se mogu zaključati i kada klima uređaj nije uključen. Odlično rešenje!

As a follow up. Metra just had a passenger ejection thru a window this last week. Very sad. The NTSB asked Metra to increase there window size to allow better extraction in an acident. Now NTSB is complaining the bigger windows pop out with lower force appliad to them. Now Metra has to fiquire out how to keep the large windows that still can be open during egress or ingress, but increase the resistance force for containment. Not an easy answer. (Note unlike a Bus most internal passenger force is to the front and back. Trains rarely see lateral forces that buses do during an accident. Just thought this might answer some more questions, a bit off topic but it applies.

Well said, sir! I bought a used 1983 Silver Eagle Bus Model 10 and I learned that the windows only should be opened for an emergency only.

Closed windows on a motor coach is also more aerodynamic for fuel savings. School buses and city transit buses aren't travelling fast enough to produce the drag that an interstate bus would create with the windows open. Mythbusters did prove the open window created significant drag lowering range. I think the answer is it is a combination of everything mentioned with fuel economy leading the list.

In the UK emergency exits are usual a full depth door, generally at the rear but sometimes in the centre of the vehicle. Coaches here also have lifting roof hatches to allow some airflow and these can be fully released for escape purposes if required. Hammers designed to break window glass are also positioned at various points within the vehicle, The are fitted with an alarm system to alert the driver if they have been tampered with. Emergency exit doors on coaches and city buses here in the UK also have to be fitted with a working alarm system to alert the driver if any emergency exits aren't closed properly.

Yes j plz do that emergency exit vid that’s something I really want to see especially on other busses like vanhool setra and other ones u can do.

I think it is also because the windows can be much larger, single-panel, frameless, windows.

It's 102 degrees on a blistering hot Texas summer and you settle into your cool comfy seat on your motorcoach. The driver is excellent and professional, doesn't slosh your guts around during turns, just as you settle down for a 5 hour nap on the freeway, THE SELFISH JERK IN THE SEAT AHEAD OF YOU POPS OPEN THE WINDOW and blasts you with 102 degree hot air and deafening highway noise! 🤬

It's alot to do with the styling aswell,sliding windows "look" vintage

I picked up a bad infection on an open wound on my head by sleeping against the window on a greyhound trip. Never again 🤣

Open windows would not affect the fuel economy in any way. Towing a cargo trailer of 5,000 lbs barely puts a dent into the fuel costs, windows would have no affect. What should be done is have 2 large, 4x3 skylights that open rear side which would draw out air aggressively and naturally ventilate the bus. At the same time, they might add that nice sunroof advantage. The big reason is quiet comfort. The peaceful ride is everything. The opening skylight is more effective in ventilation than any window

The AC is out! It's mid June. Luckily the driver opened the ceiling escape route for air.

Your state must see some unusually cold winter nights that dip below -13 F(-25 C). Do you leave any buses in overnight idle in the outdoor bus park or do you make the buses endure a prolonged and painful cold restart? Up in Edmonton, Alberta, Edmonton Transit Systems used to leave some of their buses in overnight idle to avoid cold start issues the next shift, especially with the older buses.

I would imagine most of the buses back through the 70s also had opening windows for smoking purposes.

in the mythbusters episode they concluded that its more fuel efficient to run the ac if you drive faster than 45 mph

The reason the coach bus windows don't open a suspect involve in the crime don't jump out the window

On school buses, if the lever is raised to flip the bottom of the window out, it sets off the alarm just like an open rear door or roof hatch. Are those coaches set up the same way? If they're anything like school buses, the more you mess with them, the less they wanna stay closed & sealed up. Our pre-trip checks & even the yearly state inspection checks would include lifting up on the release lever just enough to trip the alarm, nothing more.

Nice

It’s as simple as this, in my opinion… Transit buses are air conditioned, yes. They have opening windows, yes. What do transit buses do more than motor coaches? Stop to pick up and drop off passengers very frequently. Their doors open and close much more frequently, and usually they have two sets of doors. This means that their air conditioning system is going to be less effective, hence the ability to open windows. This isn’t necessary on motor coaches due to the fact that normally make far fewer stops. It may also have a secondary safety related design too - it stops people having limbs outside the bus at 70mph or throwing or accidentally dropping anything out of a window that can open on a highway.

In South Asia, it's the most common thing in non ac coaches

Thank God for HVAC!

11:35 wedging a can of window cleaner to prop a window open during a layover, man I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to do that!! 🤣

I think they made motorcoaches with windows that can't be opened due to the Trailways incident. They didn't want crazy people throwing fellow passengers out of a moving bus 😀

I just figured that above all they would just be too expensive. Too expensive to try and justify past all of the very good points in this video for reasons not to have opening coach bus windows.

James, I’m disappointed😉 that you didn’t show Spock shutting down that punk on the bus. 😂

Opening windows on a coach bus: just don't do it. lol

As an option, why didn't MCI offer skylights/vent that would open with the rear side thus sucking out air vigorously with an openable vent up front allowing fresh air inside quickly creating a natural draw. Solves lots of problems.

Thankfully a Prevost H3-45 has those roof hatches and exhaust fans EDIT: I should know because I drive them.. LOL

Here's a question: why are coaches in Europe generally cheaper than the ones in the USA?

I was always told one person did something stupid and caused something to happen. So my reason is a mom or dad was not being responsible and let the kid fall out causing the parents to sue the company for not having safe windows and now it’s only open able for emergencies and at 65 mph those windows will not open due to the pressure of the inside and out differences

Doesn't matter James isn't made to be transported without an HVAC system that's why the windows can't open! LOL

years ago I was on an old train in Poland and we were going to a soccer game so many fans were on it and people got drunk and messed around and they could open the windows threw out bottles and pissed out of the moving train

As a limo bus driver with a party bus if you open the window while moving it creates a vacuum and you can be sucked out have seen that happen

I to have always wondered about the idling laws and motor coaches compared to school busses the information is kinda vague.

Another interesting question: why in North America the school buses are different breed? Here in Germany, for example, they are just smaller coach buses. But we always see a special lower quality? (Presumably) buses in the school service.

I hope you would get an alarm sound if the emergency window was opened. And What about the roof hatches? I heard they do open to let in fresh air?? Also how is the air filtration system on a bus?

Don’t most coaches have a small generator that you can run to keep the AC and interior lights running when you are parked for extended periods?

Thank you James for another informative video. I wonder if you could make a video on how you handle unruly passengers. With fifty passengers cooped up in a large rectangular box, there must be some who are drunk, obnoxious, and extremely annoying to other passengers and to the driver. Are drivers trained in conflict resolution? Thank you and I will be interested in you comments.

Why don't they open? One less thing to break and cause the asset to be unavailable.

Does your driver window on motor coaches open? I’m a school bus driver, fixing to start with greyhound. On the school bus, I have the “alternative defrost” (aka the very nifty fan) facing me with the driver window open and my bus has a HVAC unit on the front and rear of the bus, the rear one is out on almost all of our buses that have it so in the rear we either open the roof latch and/or some windows to keep the “cool” kids……cool lol.

i heard on European Coaches the Driver can Open his own window

Great video! Just one question, does a buzzer go off when an emergency window or hatch is open?