Chicken bus ( Bus transport in Central America )

Bus transport in Central America is a major mode of transport and important in commerce in the area, as personal automobiles and rail transport are less common than in some wealthy nations.

The buses are often called by the Spanish terms "camioneta" or "trambilla", the latter a hypercorrection of "tranvía". The buses are sometimes modified and colorfully decorated. They transport goods and people between communities in various Latin American countries, especially Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. In the latter country, buses are also known as Diablos Rojos (lit. Red Devils).

The base vehicle is usually a retired North American school bus on a light or medium truck chassis. In Panama, the base vehicle can also be a passenger Toyota HiAce or Toyota Coaster or similar and is often left painted white. If a Toyota Coaster is used, the bus is known locally as a "Chiva", and if a Toyota HiAce is used, the van is called a "busito" instead.