What is meant by "Dead Head" in bus operations?

The term "Dead Head" in bus operations refers to routing when no passengers are carried. This situation typically occurs when a bus is traveling to or from a location without any riders on board, such as when a bus returns to the garage after completing its route or when it is repositioned to start a new route. This is an important aspect of public transit operations, as it helps to ensure that buses are in the right place at the right time to start service for passengers but may not contribute directly to service revenue since no fares are collected during these trips. Understanding this terminology is crucial for bus operators as it affects scheduling, fuel efficiency, and operational planning.