Eggplant Jeff is correct, thought to the rear and above would also work. The reason that the exhaust is routed as it is... The chassis, including all of the drivetrain, suspension, and exhaust is manufactured by a truck manufacturing company. It is then shipped to a coach maker, who puts the body on afterward. If the exhaust were bent up at the rear it would be much more likely to be damaged in transit as well as making it harder to place the completed body. Most of the major school bus coach makers are here in Indananner.