The classic yellow school bus is recognized by almost everyone as a child's primary transportation to school and school events. Although school buses are still most often used for student transportation, used school buses are finding second lives as church transportation, company buses, mobile homes and more. Because unique safety requirements limit the number of years a bus can be used to transport students, school buses can make ideal purchases.
When purchasing used school buses for sale always ask for the original paperwork, recent repair records and service receipts. This can help you identify any potential problems, and gives you a general idea of what's been replaced. Consider the following before making any school bus purchase:
1. Always follow federal safety guidelines when buying a school bus or used school bus. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in being unable to use the bus.
2. Some school systems require a bus to be under a certain number of years old to be used for pupil transportation.
3. There may be additional state requirements to follow, depending on where you plan to use your school bus. These may only apply if you plan to transport students.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Know what type of school bus you wish to buy
Most school buses can seat somewhere between 41 and 72 people. Many models come with a wheelchair lift, allowing handicap access. The may also include things like brake sensors, a child reminder system or other features. In addition, there are other factors to consider when selecting a school bus type. Conventional models offer flip-front engine access, which means cheaper repairs. Rear pushers allow you to enjoy a quieter ride, while flat-front pushers generally offer more room in a bus of the same length.
I recommend: Find out what models and features are available in your state from the
National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transport Services, or check out a rundown of school bus types from
School Transportation News.
Buy new school buses for student transportation
When purchasing a school bus for sale, it's important to consider what you will use it for. Buying a new school bus for student transportation means following all state and federal guidelines for buses. These guidelines may include pre-delivery inspections, using only approved parts and equipment and specific types of paint and signs. Before you purchase a schoolbus, ask the school bus vendors to certify that their buses meet all applicable guidelines for your area.
I recommend: Check out school bus safety tips from North Carolina's
School Bus Safety Web, or read federal school bus guidelines at the
American School Bus Council.
Purchase buses from used school bus sales
School buses are made with incredibly strong steel walls to protect passengers, making them very safe vehicles that hold up well. Because requirements for school bus child transportation use are so stringent, many buses that are still in excellent condition are put up for sale, so you can get a cheap, safe vehicle for other uses. These include things like employee transportation, retirement home buses, church vehicles and more. A used school bus can be an ideal way to obtain cheap mass transportation.
I recommend: Get used school buses from the
North Carolina Used Bus Surplus System, or check out the new and used buses available from
Bus Crazy.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- If you plan to use your school bus for something other than student transportation, many states require you to remove traffic signal signs from your bus and paint it another color. If you plan to transport students many states require you to paint your bus an officially certified color, like "School Bus Yellow."
The official source of School Buses is the School Buses page at Business.com
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