Whether you’re running a private shuttle service, outfitting a resort or campus fleet, or looking to transport clients in comfort and style, choosing the best commercial bus for your business is more than just choosing what’s available on the lot. When choosing a bus, you need something that works for your specific needs.
At DeVivo Bus Sales, we’ve helped hundreds of organizations find the right bus for them.
1. Start with How
The most important question to ask first is how will you use the bus? Ask yourself:
Will this bus be used for daily routes, long-distance charters, or occasional group outings?
Do your passengers include seniors, people with disabilities, or children?
Will the vehicle operate in urban, rural, or a mixed environment?
2. Match Capacity to Demand
How many passengers will you be transporting on a regular basis?
Buying too small could lead to overcrowding or more frequent trips, while going too big adds unnecessary cost and complexity. Think about it as:
Mini-Buses (10-30 passengers): Ideal for hotel shuttles, senior centers, field trips, and NEMT.
Mid-Size Buses (30-40 passengers): Great for colleges, airports, or employee shuttles.
Full-Size Buses (40+ passengers): Best for charter services, public transport, or tour operators.
If you’re transporting gear, like wheelchairs, luggage, or something else, be sure to factor in storage space.
3. Prioritize Safety Features
Passenger safety is essential. Make sure the bus you choose complies with all relevant regulations and includes safety basics like:
Seatbelts for all passengers
Multiple emergency exits
Advanced braking systems
Backup cameras and driver visibility aids
Wheelchair lifts or ramps (if needed)
4. Consider Fuel and Power Options
With rising fuel costs and new regulations, many businesses are exploring greener, more cost-effective alternatives to traditional gas or diesel buses.
Gas & Diesel: Still common, especially for rural routes or heavy-duty use.
Electric Buses: Ideal for short urban routes or sustainability-minded fleets; offers major savings on fuel and maintenance over time.
At DeVivo Bus Sales, we carry electric options and can help assess whether they’re a fit for your route and budget.
5. Accessibility and Comfort
From mobility features to modern amenities, think about your riders’ expectations.
For accessibility: ADA-compliant wheelchair lifts, grab rails, and wide aisles
For comfort: Air conditioning, padded seating, entertainment systems, USB charging ports, and Wi-Fi
A comfortable, welcoming ride can elevate your brand and drive repeat business.
6. Weigh New vs Used Buses
New buses offer the latest technology, warranties, and full customization, but at a higher upfront cost.
Used buses can be a smart, budget-friendly choice, especially when they’ve been properly maintained. DeVivo Bus Sales’ used inventory features models from a wide variety of trusted brands.
7. Plan for Maintenance and Support
The real cost of a bus is more than just the sticker price. Maintenance, parts availability, and support services play a huge role in the long-term value.
That’s why DeVivo Bus Sales offers:
Maintenance
Access to OEM parts
Dedicated service centers across the Northeast
Support for gas/diesel and electric models
We’re not just here to sell you a bus, we also have the capabilities to keep it running reliably for years to come.
8. Choose a Dealer That’s in It for the Long Haul
You deserve more than just a one-time transaction. You deserve a partner who knows your industry and stands behind what they sell.
At DeVivo Bus Sales, we offer:
Financing options for every budget
Expert guidance from experienced professionals
A full-service approach: sales, parts, service, and support
Whether you’re buying your first bus or expanding a large fleet, we’ll help you make a decision that fits your goals, not just your budget.
Ready to Find the Right Bus?
Finding the best commercial bus for your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right information and the right partner, confident, cost-effective choice.
When it comes to school bus manufacturers, two companies stand out from the pack. IC Bus and Collins Bus are both leaders in the North American school bus industry, thanks to reputations for quality, reliability, innovation, and customer service. But while these companies have a lot in common when it comes to excellence in their fields, they vary significantly in the products they offer and the purposes their vehicles serve.
In this article, our experts provide a head-to-head comparison of IC Bus and Collins Bus. You’ll learn about each company’s specialties, along with the technology and support options they offer. We also provide guidance on which company may be the right manufacturer for your school bus needs.
Company Overviews
Before getting into direct comparisons of specific features of each company, we wanted to provide some basic information about IC Bus and Collins Bus. In the table below, you’ll find an overview of both companies.
IC Bus
Collins Bus
Headquarters
Lisle, Illinois
South Hutchinson, Kansas
Manufacturing Location
Tulsa, Oklahoma
South Hutchinson, Kansas
Founding Date
2002
1967
Owner Company
International Motors
Forest River
Product Specialty
Full-size school buses (Type C)
Small-capacity and accessibility buses (Type A)
IC Bus Summary
Founded in 2002, IC Bus has roots dating back to 1933, when it started life as Ward Body Works. Today, the company is an industry leader in the manufacture of full-size Type C school buses. IC Bus is also known for its alternative-fuel school bus options.
Collins Bus Summary
Since its inception in 1967, Collins has focused primarily on smaller buses. The company was one of the first manufacturers to produce a van-based school bus. Collins is considered a pioneer of the Type A bus and implementing accessibility features into its vehicles — a reputation it still holds today.
Bus Lineup Comparison: IC Bus vs. Collins Bus
IC Bus and Collins specializes in different segments of the school bus market. We’ve outlined each company’s core product lineup in the table below.
Feature
IC Bus
Collins Bus
Types of Buses
Type C
Type A
Passenger Capacity
Up to 83
Up to 30
Fuel Types
Diesel, gasoline, electric
Gasoline, propane
Use Cases
Daily school routes, long-distance travel
Accessibility buses for schools, short routes, private schools, daycares
IC Bus vs. Collins Bus: Equipment Comparison
IC Bus and Collins are considered innovators in their respective market segments. Both manufacturers offer advanced safety and technological features that come standard with their school bus models or can be added to them.
Safety Features
IC buses are built with integrated chassis and bodies, which provides enhanced structural integrity and better protects passengers in the event of a collision or rollover. In general, school buses built by IC are known for their durability and reliability.
Collins Bus has focused solely on the cutaway van chassis and has developed a celebrated reinforced safety cage to strengthen the body of its vehicles. The company’s Type A school buses feature a low center of gravity, which increases overall stability and greatly reduces the risk of rollover.
Technology Features
IC Bus can outfit its vehicles with advanced driver assistance technology. Features like 360° cameras and collision avoidance systems can provide a safer, more regulated driving experience.
Accessibility technology is a key feature of Collins buses. The company continues to develop designs for technology like wheelchair lifts and kneeling capability to provide a better rider experience for people with accessibility needs.
Collins Bus vs. IC Bus: Customer Service Comparison
Both Collins Bus and IC Bus have reputations for strong customer support. Like their products, however, each company caters to different markets and goes about providing customer service in different ways.
Customer support in the school bus industry extends well beyond providing assistance over the phone. A company’s service locations, who their service model is tailored to, their ability to supply parts, and the training they can provide repair technicians are all critical parts of keeping their customers’ bus fleets running smoothly and with minimal downtime.
In the table below, we provide a head-to-head comparison of customer support features for IC Bus and Collins Bus.
Feature
IC Bus
Collins Bus
Dealer network
Extensive North American-wide dealership network, backed by International Motors
Regional dealership networks with a strong emphasis on building customer relationships
Service model
Optimized for large fleet support
Tailored to small-to-medium fleets
Parts support
Strong, consistent centralized parts supply chain backed by International Motors
Uses Chevrolet and Ford platforms with widely-available parts
Technician training
Offers International Motors-certified tech programs and support
Provides training and support through dealership networks
IC Bus vs. Collins Bus: Which Is Best For Me?
When it comes to school bus manufacturers, both IC Bus and Collins Bus are excellent options with strong reputations for their products and service. There simply isn’t much separation when it comes to the quality of their offerings.
However, the differences in their product offerings make each one a better fit for some uses and customers than others. In this section, we outline a few common customer profiles that are excellent fits for each manufacturer.
You should consider IC Bus vehicles if:
You need home/school transportation for public school systems or large private schools
You want to invest in alternative fuel technology
You need a high-capacity school bus for long-distance transportation
You should consider Collins Bus vehicles if:
You need transportation for people with accessibility needs
You want transportation for a smaller private school, daycare, or after school program
You operate in a dense urban environment
Conclusion
The truth is that you can’t really go wrong with IC Bus or Collins Bus when it comes to getting a reliable school bus that’s backed by robust customer support. Which manufacturer is right for the needs of your organization depends on the students you serve and how you serve them.
If you’re still having a hard time choosing between the two manufacturers, our specialists at DeVivo Bus Sales will be happy to listen to your needs and situation and help you find the best possible solution.
As the shuttle bus industry has developed by leaps and bounds in recent years, you now have a wide range of options available. That’s a great thing when it comes to getting a precise fit for your organization, but it also means there’s a lot you need to think about.
We created this buyer’s guide to shuttle buses to help you understand what options you have and the points you need to consider
Buying a Shuttle Bus: What To Consider
There are a few things to take into account when deciding which shuttle bus is the right choice for your needs. In this section, we cover the main points you should consider when researching your purchase to ensure you get the best option.
Shuttle Bus Needs
Before you begin shopping for a new shuttle bus, the first step is to get a concrete idea of what you need from one. The needs you should consider include:
Passenger types: Different types of shuttle buses are better suited for different types of passengers like daily commuters, employees, seniors, tourists, and hospitality guests.
Passenger volume: How many passengers you need to transport regularly will determine the size of shuttle bus you need.
Trip frequency and distance: Some fuel types and bus types are better for high-frequency, short-distance travel than periodic long-haul transport, and vice-versa.
Brand image: Your shuttle bus will represent your brand, so you’ll need to consider whether you want to promote an image of luxury or a more utilitarian one.
Accessibility needs: If your ridership regularly includes people with accessibility needs, you’ll want a shuttle bus that includes equipment like wheelchair lifts, low-step entryways, flat floors with ramps, and more.
Types of Shuttle Buses
There are several different categories of shuttle buses to choose from, each with distinct features that make them a better choice for some uses than others. In the table below, we provide an overview of the most common types.
Shuttle Bus Type
Capacity
Ideal Use
Drawbacks
Transit-style shuttles
30 or more
Frequent, short-distance routes such as airport or corporate campus use
May be difficult to navigate tight roadways and dense environments
Cutaway buses
14 – 28
School or community transportation
Higher long-term operating costs
Van-based shuttles
7 – 15
Hotel, medical, and airport transportation
Limited capacity
Luxury shuttles
Varies
VIP transportation, party and wedding rentals, corporate transportation
High initial cost, more upkeep
Seating, Layout, and Accessibility Options
Shuttle buses also come with a world of options for how they are laid out, how passenger space is arranged, technology and comfort features, and more. Some of the options you’ll need to choose from include:
Seating arrangements: Shuttles can be configured to allow for different types of seating, such as having rear-facing seats or leaving standing room.
Accessibility features: Your shuttle bus can be outfitted with ADA-compliant features like wheelchair lifts, flat floors with access ramps, and wider aisles.
Storage space: Hotel and airport transportation typically requires ample storage space for luggage, which can be built in place of seating if necessary.
Seating flexibility: You can opt for removable and interchangeable seating in your shuttle bus to allow you to reconfigure seating as needed.
Comfort features: Options like charging ports and luxury touches like leather seats, recliners, and premium finishing materials are also things to consider.
Fuel Type and Powertrain Options
The type of fuel and engine configuration of your shuttle bus affects its performance and the cost of operating it. In the table below, we provide an overview of each fuel type.
Modern shuttle buses can also have technology that improves safety, functionality, and passenger comfort. These features include:
Safety equipment: Features like seat belts, anti-lock brakes, and advanced stability control all help ensure passenger and driver safety.
Driver assistance features: Technology like lane assist, collision warning systems, backup cameras, and 360° cameras can make shuttle buses safer and easier to drive.
Fleet management options: Telematics features like driver behavior monitoring, real-time GPS, and more can help you keep an eye on your shuttle fleet and ensure adherence to safe driving practices.
Passenger-facing features: Digital signage, PA systems, automatic doors, and other options can improve the passenger experience.
Shuttle Bus Costs
The purchase price of a shuttle bus isn’t the only cost to consider. You’ll also want to factor in costs that include:
Operating costs: Regular expenses like fuel, maintenance, and insurance are necessary costs for running your shuttle bus.
Repairs: Shuttles in regular use will need occasional repairs. Repair costs vary by the age and mileage of the bus, manufacturer, shuttle type, and engine configuration.
Depreciation: If you plan to resell your shuttle bus after a few years, its resale value is an important consideration. New shuttle buses depreciate in value more quickly and severely than used ones.
Incentives: Eco-friendly shuttle buses like electric, hybrid, and propane buses are often eligible for tax credits, rebates, and other incentives from federal and local governments that fossil fuel-based buses are not, reducing their purchase price.
Shuttle Bus Manufacturers
Based on our experience in the shuttle bus industry, we’ve identified a few manufacturers that we know we can trust to consistently provide high-quality vehicles for our customers. The brands we feature include:
Turtle Top: With a history dating back 100 years, this storied manufacturer remains a leader in innovation across a wide range of shuttle bus types.
Diamond Coach: These buses are renowned for their durability and longevity, with impact-resistant, rust-free buses that hold their value for many years and miles.
Sunset Vans: A trusted name in ADA mobility for over 40 years, Sunset Vans is one of the nation’s largest wheelchair van manufacturers.
Shuttle Bus Buying Checklist
Now that you’ve learned about the key points of consideration, you can use the checklist below to guide your shuttle bus shopping journey.
Average number of passengers __________________________________
Long or short distance routes ____________________________________
Safety and technology features ___________________________________
Fuel type _____________________________________________________
Conclusion
Using the information in this article and the checklist above, you should be able to narrow your search to a few strong options for your shuttle bus purchase. Here at DeVivo Bus Sales, we’re also happy to help guide you to the best possible choice for your needs. Give us a call at (860) 356-0252 or reach out through our quote tool to get in touch.
Choosing the right size school bus for your school or district can be a difficult decision due to the cost of a new bus and how long it can be in use. It’s easy to overlook a few things and end up with a bus that isn’t big enough to serve your students or is far bigger — and more expensive — than what you actually need.
As New England’s school bus experts, we created this guide to help you decide which size bus to purchase. We cover the details of each of the standard types of school buses and outline the best use cases for each type. You can use this information to narrow down your choices and find the ideal school bus for your needs.
Guide to School Bus Sizes
In the table below, we’ve provided an overview of the standard sizes of school buses used in North America. You’ll find a more detailed look at each type further down in the section.
School Bus Type
Capacity
School Bus Length
Ideal Use
Type A: Mini School Buses
10 – 30
19’ – 25’
Special needs students, small groups, urban routes
Type C: Conventional School Buses
40 – 84
33’ – 45’
Most common type of school bus in North America
Type D: Transit-Style School Buses
Up to 90
35’ – 45’
High-capacity routes, long-distance travel
Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSABs)
Varies
19’+
Field trips, athletics transportation
Mini School Buses (Type A)
Commonly referred to as “short buses,” mini school buses have the shortest wheelbases of any standard size bus. That shorter length translates to smaller passenger capacity, with Type A buses holding only up to around 30 passengers.
Mini school bus capacity also depends on the equipment installed on the buses. These buses can easily be — and often are — configured with accessibility equipment like wheelchair lifts that take up seating space.
The flexibility of Type A buses makes them a popular choice for special needs bus routes, as they can be configured to serve the needs of specific students. While the smaller wheelbase limits the number of passengers they can carry, it also allows them to be more fuel efficient and maneuverable. This makes mini school buses a great choice for institutions with bus routes through dense urban centers, especially private schools with smaller enrollments.
Conventional School Buses (Type C)
Type C buses are the big yellow vehicles people tend to think of when they picture a North American school bus. They have a large capacity, with the ability to carry up to around 84 passengers.
At up to 45’ long, conventional school buses are limited in where they can operate. The longer wheelbase means Type C buses have a large turning radius and may not be able to navigate tight city streets easily or even safely.
However, conventional buses are usable in all but a few very specific areas. They make a strong option for any institution that serves suburban, rural, and even many less-dense urban areas. Their capacity can help reduce the number of routes needed, helping to keep operating costs down.
Transit-Style School Buses (Type D)
Also called “flat-nose buses” due to their distinct appearance, Type D buses are the highest-capacity standard bus size in use. They get their look from the placement of the engine, which is typically located underneath or behind the driver instead of the front of the chassis.
Type D — or “transit-style” — buses can be up to 45’ long and hold as many as 90 passengers in some cases. But this superior capacity comes at the cost of the buses’ turning radius and maneuverability. They also sacrifice fuel efficiency in exchange for capacity.
In recent years, Type D buses have fallen increasingly out of use. Some major manufacturers, such as IC Bus, no longer produce transit-style buses due to shrinking market demand. Still, used Type D buses or new Type D buses that are still around can be a good choice for schools that have a variety of transportation needs beyond simply daily routes.
Activity Buses (MFSABs)
The designation of multifunction school activity buses (MFSABs) has less to do with their size and more to do with their equipment. They are typically built on the same chassis as mini school buses and conventional buses, meaning they can range between 19’ and 45’ in length.
The key difference between MFSABs and Type A and C buses is in how they are outfitted and used. MFSABs are not required to have stop arms or flashing safety lights like Type A and Type C school buses. This is because they are not used — and, due to the lack of this equipment, cannot be used — for daily school pick-up and drop-off routes.
That means that MFSABs can’t take the place of “normal” school buses. However, they can be a useful addition to any school’s fleet as a special activity bus. MFSABs are often used to transport students to and from things like sporting events and field trips and are built to the same high safety standards as traditional school buses.
Which Size School Bus Do I Need?
As you can see, different sizes of buses make better options for some schools and purposes than others. The best size school bus for your institution will depend on your specific needs.
School Bus Sizes: What To Consider
In this section, we cover the key factors to consider when deciding on the right size school bus for your school or district.
Number of Passengers
Your first consideration should be the number of students you need to serve with your school bus. Most larger schools and districts can use the capacity of a Type C bus to help reduce the number of routes while serving their large student populations. However, smaller private schools and even some districts may be able to fulfill their daily transport needs with a mini school bus.
Base your calculations on the maximum number of students you may need to serve, rather than your average ridership. Students who usually have their own transportation to and from your school may need to ride the bus occasionally or switch to riding the bus if their parent or guardian has a change in their work schedule or they experience other changes in their situations.
Passenger Needs
The accessibility needs of your students is another primary factor to consider. If you serve even a single student that requires ADA-compliant equipment, such as a wheelchair lift, you’ll have to ensure that your school buses can provide that equipment.
Mini school buses are generally the easiest to outfit with accessibility equipment. Some types of ADA-compliant equipment may not be possible to install on a Type C bus. In many cases, schools may only have a few students with accessibility needs, meaning passenger capacity isn’t as much of a concern as the ability to adequately serve everyone.
School Bus Purpose
Most school buses on the road are used for daily pick-up and drop-off routes. But you may also need an activity bus for other purposes, such as transporting students to and from sporting events or field trips. While you can use conventional school bus types for these purposes, MFSABs and other buses designed specifically for long-distance usage may be worth adding to your fleet.
Buses designed as “activity buses” can be outfitted with comfier seats and other touches that provide a better experience for long hauls than standard buses. Since this equipment only needs to be added to one (or a few) buses and not the whole fleet, the additional cost at the fleet level is not impacted significantly.
Private schools can also use their buses as a branding opportunity. Outfitting your buses with luxury touches can help promote the image of an elite school that provides a top-tier student experience from door to door.
Future Growth
Most school buses stay in use for well over a decade. As a result, you don’t just need to plan for how you will use it now, but also for how you will use it in the future. This often means accommodating more students as your school or the area your district serves grows.
In other words, you may be able to get by with a mini school bus right now, but five years from now when your student body has grown substantially, that Type A bus may not be enough. This is an especially important consideration for schools located in areas experiencing rapid growth or private schools that have the goal of expanding their enrollment in the coming years.
Finding the Right School Bus Size
Ultimately, the right size of school bus comes down to the transportation needs of your student body. School buses of any size are a considerable investment for any institution or district, so your purchase decision can have significant financial consequences.
In many cases, the answer of which size school bus you should buy can be crystal clear and completely obvious. But in others, it may be difficult to make a decision.
In those cases, we’re here to help you find the best solution for your needs. As New England’s number one bus dealer, our team has a wealth of experience helping purchasers make smart choices that improve their student experiences without breaking the bank.
Reach out today to speak with one of our school bus experts to get started on finding the perfect bus for your school or district — whatever size it may be.
What’s the average price of a school bus? If you know school buses, you know that’s a question that’s impossible to answer with a simple number. Not only are there several types of buses that range in cost, there are also a few factors that can create a wide range of costs even among the same type of bus.
To help you plan your next bus purchase, we created this guide to cut through the noise and provide you with reliable information about how much you can expect to pay and what goes into those prices. As New England’s number one bus dealer, we’ve helped schools and districts with a sprawling range of budgets find buses that suit their needs. When you’re ready, we can help you, too.
School Bus Costs: Different Types of School Buses
In the table below, you’ll find a summary view of the average cost ranges for the most common types of buses in North America. We’ve also included the passenger capacity range for each type for easy reference. You’ll learn more about these types of school buses below the table.
Type of School Bus
Passenger Capacity
Cost Range (New)
Type A
10 – 30
$100,000 – $120,000
Type C
40 – 80
$105,000 – 150,000
Type D
Up to 90
$120,000 – $180,000+
MFSAB
Varies
$100,000 – 150,000
Type A (Mini School Bus)
Average Cost Range: $100,000 – $120,000
The smallest standard type of school bus in North America is the Type A bus, often referred to as a “short bus” or “mini school bus.” Typically built on a smaller cutaway or van chassis, Type A buses are also the least expensive type of bus.
Mini school buses have a limited passenger capacity, but are more flexible than other types of buses in several key ways. Type A buses can be more easily outfitted with accessibility equipment to accommodate special needs students than other types. Their smaller size also makes them more fuel efficient and easier to maneuver through tight, dense urban streets than larger buses.
Type C (Conventional School Bus)
Average Cost Range: $105,000 – $150,000
Type C buses are the category name for the classic big yellow American school bus. They are the most common type of bus used in North America for pick-up and drop-off school routes, which is why they have become so iconic.
The main advantage of conventional school buses is their large capacity, with the ability to carry up to 84 passengers. This capacity helps limit the number of routes schools need to run to service their student population. So, while they do cost more than smaller buses, they can help keep the total fleet cost down by serving more students with fewer buses.
Type D (Transit-Style School Bus)
Average Cost Range: $120,000 – $180,000+
School buses with a flat front end typically fall into the Type D category, which offers the highest passenger capacity of any standard bus size. They also come at the highest price range of any type of school bus.
Despite their enormous carrying capacity, Type D — or, transit-style — school buses are beginning to become a thing of the past in recent years. Some school bus providers like Collins have elected to stop manufacturing Type D buses, and instead focus on other types. That means that, depending on demand in your area, you may be able to get an advantageous price on a transit-style school bus.
Multi-Function School Activity Bus
Average Cost Range: $100,000 – $150,000
Multi-function school activity bus (MFSAB) is a term used for school buses that don’t necessarily have the same safety equipment as standard pick-up/drop-off route school buses. While lacking equipment like stop arms and flashing red safety lights means that a bus can’t be used for regular morning and afternoon routes, these buses can be used for other transportation purposes like field trips.
MSFABs are typically more customizable than other types of buses. They can be outfitted with different types of seats, for example, or luggage storage since functionality is often more of a priority than raw passenger capacity. This customizability means you can also expect a larger variation in price with MSFABs than with other types of school buses.
School Bus Cost Factors
The reason you’ll find such wide cost ranges for school buses is that there are several factors that influence their cost. That also means more decisions to make on your end.
In this section, we go over the main factors that influence the cost of a school bus and how they affect that cost.
Size and Capacity
Generally speaking, the larger the bus, the higher the cost. Larger buses require more materials and fixtures like seating and windows, but they also require larger engines and more substantial drivetrains to move them. You can expect the cost of a school bus to go up along with the number of seats.
Fuel Type
The type of fuel a school bus uses also has a substantial impact on its price tag. You typically have four options when it comes to fuel types: diesel, electric, gasoline, and propane.
Electric-motor school buses are the most expensive type of buses. They can often cost more than twice what their fossil-fuel counterparts cost, due to the more expensive motors and drivetrains they use. However, electric school buses may also be eligible for large federal, state, and local financial incentives that can reduce their purchase price.
There is less of a difference between the three types of fossil-fuel-based engines. Diesel-powered buses tend to be the most expensive of the three, especially when outfitted with new emissions-reduction technology. School buses with gasoline engines tend to have the lowest price points, but also tend to require more maintenance as they age.
Equipment and Technology
When you purchase a school bus, the equipment and technology installed in that bus can make a big price difference. Modern features like GPS systems and ADAS or collision-avoidance technology adds cost, as does comfort and entertainment technology like air conditioning or TV screens.
If you need to serve students with accessibility needs, ADA-compliant equipment like wheelchair lifts can also add significant cost to the price tag. The same is true for other accessibility features like wider aisles.
Customization
You can also customize your school buses in ways that go beyond how they are equipped. Whether its interior features like more comfortable seating, upgraded interior finishes, or even custom paint jobs or branding, crafting your school bus into something uniquely your own will add to the cost.
Manufacturer
Like with any other product, you’ll also find a variation in cost between the companies that make school buses. Some manufacturers simply demand a higher price point.
The difference in price between manufacturers could be due to actual cost differences in materials and production. But that difference may not be due to anything material, and instead just based on name and reputation. That’s why comparing specs between similar buses is always a good idea.
New vs. Used
You also have the option to choose between buying a brand new school bus and a used one. Used buses have a lower price point than new buses, but that comes with a tradeoff. Older buses with more miles also tend to require more maintenance and may not be as fuel efficient as newer buses.
Additional School Bus Costs To Consider
The purchase price isn’t the only cost involved in buying a school bus — it’s just the first. In order to understand the true cost of buying a school bus, you’ll also need to factor in related costs that, while small in comparison to the purchase price, are still significant to your overall fleet cost.
Some of the main additional costs involved with buying and operating a school bus include:
Insurance: Your school or district will need to purchase a commercial auto policy to cover each bus and driver in order to operate legally. Depending on how you pay for your policy, this is a regular expense you’ll need to pay monthly, bi-annually, or annually.
Taxes and registration: Just like with your personal car, you will also need to pay property tax and registration for your school bus. The amounts you’ll have to pay for taxes and registration vary significantly by where you are located.
Maintenance and repairs: Any school bus will require regular maintenance to keep it in good operating shape, as well as occasional repairs to fix or replace components when needed. These costs tend to go up as buses get older and accrue more miles.
Driver training and certifications: You will also need drivers to operate your school bus fleet. Providing training for new drivers and obtaining the proper certifications to allow them to drive your buses legally are expenses to include in your calculations.
Fuel or charging infrastructure: Another substantial operating cost to consider is the fuel or energy that powers your buses. That means paying for fossil fuels for buses with traditional engines or installing and maintaining charging infrastructure for electric buses.
School Bus Costs
The math behind the true cost of a school bus can be complicated. It’s not an exact science, either. However, by knowing the cost ranges of different types of buses and the factors that influence their purchase price, you can get a better idea of what kinds of school buses fit your budget.
Buying a school bus at any price is a big decision, and at DeVivo Bus Sales, we’re here to help if you need it. As the go-to school bus experts in New England, we understand the ins and outs of bus pricing. We also have years of experience finding school bus solutions for any budget.
Reach out to our team of experts to learn more about the cost of a new (or used) bus for your fleet.