Well, whoever listed it put 97, however I don't see how that would be possible...
97 is not a multiple of 6, meaning there is one extra seat. Where does that seat go? Well, before 1977 it was on the large, 7 passenger bench seat in the back (in the aisle), but after 1977 that wasn't allowed.
Thus the largest it could be is 96. However I think that other regulations were changed in 1977 also, and the capacity couldn't be above 90. SOmeone on SBC confirmed this when they said "Gillig did not build 97 passenger buses after 1977."
Eric...2 chairlifts? How would that work?
As for a lift bus -I am gonna regret saying this because I will be hounded to buy it- but I am CONSIDERING (not garunteeing!!) new. We won't get it for a little while though.