School Bus Basics
By: Bob Anderson
If your school needs a new/used vehicle to transport students, there are some basics that you should know. Keeping the following considerations in mind while you shop for a school bus can help your school avoid legal issues, purchase the right type of vehicle, and save money.
Safety Standards
Larger capacity buses (16+ passengers) must meet “school bus constructed” standards. The federal government has established a set of manufacturing standards for vehicles used to transport public school students. These standards include things like the minimum gauge of steel that can be used, the type of seats, the way the seats are secured to the floor, the size of the windows, the ability to withstand a side impact, the structural integrity of the roof in case of a “roll over,” and much more.
In most states, it is mandatory that private schools use vehicles that meet these same standards. If you are unsure about the type of vehicle you can purchase, you should consult your insurance agent and/or your attorney.
Sales representatives from any bus distributor should be able to help you with knowing whether or not a particular vehicle meets these standards.
Vehicles that seat 10 to 15 people (total) must meet MFSAB standards. For many years, schools have used 15-passenger vans to transport students. But, did you know that these vehicles have been determined to be “unsafe” by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)? In fact, there is actually a federal law prohibiting the sale of 15-passenger vans to schools.
Federal law requires that any vehicle used to transport 10 to 15 public school students, for any school-related activities, must meet the standards of a Multi-Function-School-Activity-Bus (MFSAB).
MFSAB is the designation for a type of small bus that meets all government construction and safety standards for the transportation of students. These vehicles are also recommended by the NHTSA. Keep in mind that private schools must use vehicles that meet these same standards.
Note: MFSABs can only be used for “school activities,” such as sporting events, field trips, etc. These vehicles cannot be used for picking up students at their homes before school or for taking students home after school.
Affordability
Some companies offer leasing programs that make owning a new bus very affordable. With good credit, a school can often get a “no money down” lease. In many cases, the first payment is due 30 days after delivery, and the monthly payment can be as low as $550 for 60 months. This is for a well-equipped MFSAB that includes front/rear air conditioning, cloth seats, overhead parcel bins with reading lights, rear storage, and much more.
These same companies sell their lease return buses when the original lessee turns them back in at the end of their lease term. Many school districts find it to be an advantage to lease for terms as short as 12 to 24 months. Therefore, there are buses available for re-sale that have only been used one or two years. These vehicles often have low mileage and are extremely clean. Leased buses are typically returned to the dealer in June and are available for their new owners in July or August.
Manufacturers
In most cases, there are at least two manufacturers involved in the building of a bus that meets “school bus construction” and MFSAB standards. Chevy is the most common builder of chassis for MFSABs. They make a 4.8L gas engine chassis and a 6.0L gas engine chassis that can be used for these vehicles. If you are looking for a diesel engine, you will probably have to use a Ford chassis for an MFSAB.
The chassis is the part of the vehicle that moves the bus down the road. It includes items like the engine (anything under the hood), transmission, axles, etc. Then, there are many fine companies that build the “body” of the bus. You actually get two separate titles (one for the chassis and one for the body) when you purchase a bus.
Manufacturers of larger “school bus constructed” vehicles include International Corporation, Thomas, Blue Bird, and several others. There are many more options for chassis of this size, and they come in both gas and diesel models. Web sites for these manufacturers include helpful information about their products.
Warranties/Service
Since there are at least two different manufacturers for each bus, there are at least two different warranties for each bus.
The chassis warrantor is the company that built that specific chassis. Gas models (Chevy) are typically warranted for 5 years/100,000 miles. Diesel chassis usually come with a warranty of 7 years/100,000 miles. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual of a vehicle for specific warranty information on the chassis.
The length of the body warranty and the conditions of the warranty vary with each manufacturer. In fact, there are often separate warranties for various parts of the body. The rear air conditioning unit and the seats are two examples of items that might have a separate warranty from the warranty offered by the body manufacturer.
Talk to the sales representative of a reputable bus distributor for warranty information on the particular bus you might be interested in purchasing.
Some distributors will work with you to arrange service anywhere in the country.
If you purchase a bus on a Chevy chassis, warranty work can be performed at most Chevy dealerships in the country (same with a Ford chassis at a Ford dealership). If you purchased a vehicle on a chassis other than Chevy/Ford, you can check the manufacturer’s Web site to find a service center near you or contact the distributor from whom you purchased the vehicle.
If you have a warranty issue involving some part of the body (such as molding, windows, seats, hinges, locks, etc.), simply call your sales representative. Some companies will assist you in finding a repair facility in your area that specializes in dealing with whatever your particular problem might be. They will even take care of the billing.
The purchase of a school bus is huge investment. Be sure to do your homework so that you buy the vehicle that best meets your particular needs. Feel free to ask questions of your sales representative so that you are completely comfortable with your purchase.
Bob Anderson is commercial sales director for Midwest Transit/ChurchBus.com.
Product Roundup
ChurchBus.com
With so many companies to choose from, why should you choose ChurchBus.com? All stock units are equipped to exceed federal safety requirements. Local service is available across the country. Many styles and sizes are in stock and ready for fast delivery. They offer the lowest possible prices, so you can use the savings for other needs. Backed by the strength of a Christian-owned company, the success of selling thousands of buses per year and a sales team with more than 50 years of experience, ChurchBus.com is committed to delivering safe, reliable, comfortable, and affordable transportation equipment to schools.
www.churchbus.com
TheBusCenter.com
TheBusCenter.com, home of Transportation South and Mid South Bus Center, offers the best MFSABs available from Startrans Bus, Thomas Built Bus, and Collins Bus. A Multi Function School Activity Bus (MFSAB) satisfies the FMVSS requirements for private school transportation, and these featured products also give you the best in safety, reliability, and style. With a variety of seating, luggage, and body style options from 10 to 90 passengers, they can help you meet your most basic or luxurious student transportation needs.
www.thebuscenter.com
Collins Type A NEXBUS Hybrids
Collins Bus Corporation recently introduced the world’s first small hybrid electric school bus. Collins Type A NEXBUS Hybrids have proven to boost fuel economy by as much as 40%, cut maintenance costs by 30%, and reduce greenhouse emissions by 30%. The Collins NEXBUS Hybrid easily meets state and federal mandates, and you may qualify for financial assistance of up to 50% off of your new bus purchase if applied for by September 23, 2009. This electric technology allows the engine to shut off at idle and yet maintain operation of important components. Collins will offer this hybrid technology as an option for buses built on the Ford E-450 chassis.
www.collinsbuscorp.com
C. E. White
C. E. White Co. produces a variety of seating options for the school bus industry. Included is its popular child restraint seat for Pre-K children, which has been available for more than 15 years. In addition, it is a leading producer of three-point integrated seats, the Student Safety Seat. Enhancing safety through a “controlled collapse” seat, the Student Safety Seat keeps students safe. C.E. White’s long history of quality, safety, testing, and value make it the standard in student transportation.
www.cewhite.com
Master’s Transportation
Master’s Transportation specializes in the sales, leasing and servicing of new and late-model Van Terras (15-passenger van replacement), people movers, shuttles, coaches, and school buses. Schools can choose from more than 100 new/late-model buses in stock, or Master’s can customize a new vehicle to meet a school’s needs from one of the company’s five bus manufacturers.
www.busesbymasters.com
Carpenter Bus
Carpenter Bus has been going the extra mile since 1953. Selling buses is more than a business to them; it’s a relationship. They want to ensure that you have the most informed and worry-free bus buying experience possible. More than 100 new and used buses in stock means that you will get the bus that’s right for you in a timely fashion. They represent multiple manufacturers, including Starcraft, Glaval, Turtle Top, Collins, Mid-Bus, and Mobility Works.
www.carpenterbus.com
