Transportation for public schools is usually never a problem. Most public school systems have state funding to purchase buses, state and federal guidelines that tell them what type of bus to purchase, and bus dealers that come knocking on their door. Private schools, on the other hand, do not have as much assistance and guidance when it comes to transportation issues. Hopefully, this article will be a helpful introduction to the bus world for you and your private school.

Any time a school, public or private, is considering purchasing a bus, safety should be the No. 1 concern. All buses used by public schools and private schools must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) requirements for school bus safety. It is important for a private school to know that these standards are different than the FMVSS requirements for the typical church bus or coach bus. 

Not all states do a great job of regulating and enforcing these requirements, but it is vital that these safety standards are understood and discussed. It is also a good idea to find out if there are any additional local and state requirements for public and private school transportation in your area. Checking with your insurance provider is also recommended, because not all types of vehicle will be covered for student transportation.  

Luckily, private schools can meet all the FMVSS requirements without having to purchase a large, yellow school bus. The Multi Function School Activity Bus (MFSAB) is a type of bus that incorporates all the safety features of school bus without the traffic-stopping devices. MFSABs can range in size any where from 9 to 90 passengers and come in a variety of colors and body styles. Additionally, MFSABs usually have more seating and interior options available than a school bus, and, with a great graphics package or paint job, it is easy to get a safe vehicle that looks much different than the average school bus.   

Once you know a little bit about the type of bus your school is going to need, it is time to find a bus dealer. When possible, contact a local school bus dealer. School bus dealers have experience working with schools, transporting students, and making sure their vehicles comply with all FMVSS regulations. You have probably already noticed that bus dealers are not as common as auto dealers – but they are still easy enough to locate. Do a Google Search, ask your local public school where they acquired their buses, look in the Yellow Pages, or use this magazine’s online Buyer’s Guide. When you find your closest dealers, ask for and then check references. Once you get comfortable with the dealership, the dealers’ salespeople should be able to assist you in finding the right vehicle. 

Once you get to this stage, you will start developing a “bus vocabulary.” This vocabulary will include among other features: chassis type, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and Air Conditioner or Heater BTU Ratings. Your salesperson will be there to help guide you through the wonderful world of buses and its unique terminology.

Being able to provide the salesperson with a few basic pieces of information can help streamline the process. Desired passenger capacity and application (how you plan to use the bus) are the main two pieces of information your salesman will want to know. The capacity will tell what size chassis you will need to build on. The application will allow the salesperson to provide you with the most common options that might be of interest to you. These options could include seat type (low, mid, or high back), manual or electric door, video equipment, overhead parcel racks, rear storage, video equipment, or wheelchair lifts. This is just small example of the options that are available to you. 

At first, you might be overwhelmed at the amount of choices. Shopping for the right bus takes time and effort, but your time spent will pay off. Because each school is unique, you want to make sure that the vehicle you purchase today will still meet the needs of the school for years to come. Schools may own their buses anywhere from 5 to 15 years before they look at trading or replacing. This is a long time to suffer from buyer’s remorse, so don’t rush into a purchase. However, keep in mind that ordering a bus may take 90 to 150 days, so plan accordingly if you are trying to acquire a bus and have it on the road by the start of a new school year. 

Now that you have completed all the preliminary research, you are ready for the final phase in the process: pricing. Here again, you will find that the bus industry differs from the automotive industry. MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing) on the bus you want will most like not be available. You cannot check the Kelly Blue Book for approximate values. This is why you want to make sure you actively search out competitive prices. Just because someone offers you a big discount does not mean it is the best deal. 

The bottom line is where you need to focus your attention. Big discounts often show that a price might have been inflated in order to show savings that are not true savings. Always make sure that you are getting an “apples to apples” comparison when looking at two different vehicles.  This is why you must keep in mind that one 72-passenger bus might not be the same as another 72-passenger bus. Prices may vary between buses based on total capacity, manufacturer, and option content. We all know that a Honda is not a Mercedes, but distinctions in the bus world are not as clear. Also, bus models are not broken down into common option packages such as the XL, XLT, or EX. Doing your homework will help ensure you make an educated final decision in your purchase.  

Good luck to you in your search for the perfect bus for your school. 

This article is courtesy of Transportation South, www.transportationsouth.com.