This report analyses the pattern of minibus regulation and use within the ec. while the united kingdom currently has an important and varied minibus sector, governed by separate regulations, minibus use in other ec member states is more constrained by the relevant legislation and no clear role is seen for them. A majority of minibuses elsewhere in the ec are used for commercial bus operations and are governed by normal bus licensing procedures rather than being community based initiatives or for the use of private individuals or firms. The report divides into four sections; comparing minibus operator regulations, types of minibus use, minibus driver regulations and minibus vehicle standards in ec member states. It concludes that minibuses have a unique position in the uk compared with the rest of the ec and this needs to be recognised when ec regulations are being adopted or modified. (Author/publisher)
Abstract