Why School Buses Are Yellow?

The iconic yellow school bus is more than just a tradition—it’s the result of a landmark decision made in 1939.

Before then, children were transported in vehicles of many shapes, colors, and even horse-drawn wagons, creating confusion and danger on the roads.

Professor Frank W. Cyr of Columbia University organized a national conference that established 44 safety standards, one of which was painting all school buses the same bright yellow.

The choice was based on science: yellow is one of the easiest colors for the human eye to see, even in poor weather or at the edges of our vision.

Black letters against a yellow background also provide maximum contrast, making them readable from a distance.

This standardized color, known as “National School Bus Chrome,” has remained unchanged for more than 85 years and continues to serve as a critical safety measure that protects millions of children every school day.