10 Things About Riding the Bus to School in the ’70s
Riding the school bus in the 1970s was a bumpy, smoky, seatbelt-free adventure where vinyl seats stuck to your legs, the cool kids ruled the back, and every ride felt like a little rebellion on wheels.
- Alyana Aguja
- 3 min read
Riding the school bus in the 1970s was a rough, indelible part of childhood involving diesel exhaust, unbuckled freedom, and wild social hierarchy of backseat politics. Lacking air conditioning, green vinyl seats, and drivers who were part-time neighborhood watch or accidental referees, each ride was a blend of chaos and character. From dirt-road shortcuts to spontaneous singalongs, it was less about getting to school and more about growing up on four wheels.
1. No Seat Belts, No Problem
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Most school buses back in the ’70s didn’t use seat belts. Safety standards weren’t like they are now, and the thought was that the high-backed, cushioned seats were sufficient. Children would slide, bounce, and at times, even stand during transit.
2. Smoking Was Still a Thing
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In certain school districts, older teenagers—and even motorists—were smoking on the bus. It wasn’t everywhere, but the aroma of smoke combined with vinyl bus seats somehow became iconic. Some bus drivers simply opened a window and continued to smoke.
3. No Air Conditioning—Only Windows
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Buses had no climate control, so your best bet was a sliding window. On warm days, seats would scorch your legs, particularly if you were wearing shorts. Winters were also harsh—frosty windows, bundled-up children, and a constant struggle over who got to sit close to the heaters.
4. The Green Machines
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Before the traditional yellow became the norm, numerous rural or small-town school buses were a drab olive green. The yellow phase-in was part of a federal initiative beginning in the late ’60s but still persisted into the ’70s in some areas. These green buses had a highly military appearance and tended to have louder engines.
5. Radio-Free Zones (Mostly)
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Most drivers didn’t listen to music, and few buses had radios. If they did, they were often tuned to AM stations or talk radio, not Top 40. Silence—or the cacophony of screaming children—was the soundtrack.
6. Assigned Seats Were Rare
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Most buses did not have assigned seating unless fights erupted. Children created informal seating hierarchies—cool kids in the back, younger kids up front. The back of the bus was noisier and more raucous, and it was often the location of legendary paper football battles.
7. Vinyl Seats and Diesel Fumes
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Those green or tan vinyl seats clung to your body during summer and broke apart during winter. The aroma of diesel exhaust frequently wafted into the cabin via the open door or windows. Paired with the odor of damp woolen coats and sandwiches, it was memorable.
8. Bus Drivers Were Local Legends
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Most drivers were veteran community residents who knew every child’s name—and his or her parents. Some were nice, offering gum or allowing children to open doors at stops. Others were tough, demanding silence with a single glance into the rearview mirror.
9. Detours and Dirt Roads
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Particularly in country areas, buses rode miles of dirt or gravel roads. Rain turned them into mud, and snow meant you’d get stuck—or walk part of the distance. There were no cell phones, so wait times meant waiting and hoping, not texting Mom.
10. Field Trip Vibes Were Everything
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Even visiting the neighborhood museum seemed like an adventure when taking the bus. Children took along snacks, dressed up, and sang songs such as “100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall” to keep themselves busy. The energy and euphoria were unmatched—plain ’70s childhood magic.