Coach - Definition and Overview

This article discusses transportation vehicles. For other meanings of the word, see coach (disambiguation).

Rail coach

A coach (in the UK) is a single deck road or rail vehicle (also sometimes called a chair car) designed to transport passengers. A rail coach, also known as a carriage, forms part of a passenger train. In North America rail coaches are often known as cars. It can be self-propelled (railcar, multiple unit) or, usually together with more coaches, be pulled or pushed by one or more locomotives. For more information on rail coaches, see the aricle on railroad cars.

See also:

• passenger car
• dining car
• double decker
• sleeping car

Road coach

A coach is a horse-drawn vehicle for more than one passenger that is covered for protection from the elements. A modern (UK definition for a) road coach is similar to a bus but is usually more comfortable and designed for longer distance travel. See also stagecoach.

Etymology

The word coach is derived from the Hungarian word for stagecoach, kocsi. Kocs is a small town in Hungary where, in the Middle Ages, mail coaches with a novel, exceptionally durable and comfortable suspension and steering system were built. Kocsi means from Kocs.