Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 280 - Department of Revenue
Chapter 30 - Division of Motor Vehicles
Subchapter 15 - Safety and Emissions
Part 5 - Regulations and Standards for Safe and Proper Operation of Jitneys
Section 280-RICR-30-15-5.3 - Definitions

a. A "public bus" that includes every motor vehicle, trailer, semi trailer, tractor trailer or tractor trailer combination, used for the transportation of passengers for hire, and operated wholly or in part upon any street or highway in such a manner as to afford a means of transportation similar to that afforded by a street railway company by indiscriminately receiving or discharging passengers; or running on a regular route or over a portion thereof between fixed termini; or

b. A "private bus" that includes every motor vehicle other than a public bus or passenger van designed for carrying more than ten (10) passengers and used for the transportation of persons, and every motor vehicle other than a taxicab designed and used for the transportation of persons for compensation.