Nearly 20 million kids in the U.S. aged between 5 and 14 years travel more than two miles to school. Most of these students take a school bus because they come from households that can’t afford a private drive to school.
If you’re a school administrator, these kids will rely on you to provide safe school busses. Parents will entrust the security and safety of their kids to you when they are commuting to and from school. As a result, you need to understand how to choose the right school busses for your school.
But with so many different bus options available, how do you know which one is right for your school? Read on for a few tips that will make choosing a school bus easier.
1. Consider the Size of the Bus
One of the first things you need to consider when choosing a school bus is its size. You need to ensure that your school bus option can accommodate all the students who will be using it.
When shopping for a bus, you’ll come across different types of school busses. You’ll either find small or large busses. If you want a bus to carry many students who live farther from school, you can opt for a large bus. For example, you can choose full-size school busses that can transport up to 90 students.
But if you’re looking for a bus to transport a few students, you can choose a small bus like a minivan. Different school bus options will have their own pros and cons. So you should understand them and determine the type of school bus that will meet your school’s transportation needs.
2. Consider the Type of Engine That Powers the Bus
The type of engine that powers the bus is another important consideration. You need to ensure that the school bus you choose has a reliable engine. You will find school busses powered by gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels.
Gasoline-powered engines are less expensive than the other two options. They’re also easier to maintain. However, they’re not as fuel-efficient as the other two options.
Diesel-powered engines are more expensive than gasoline-powered engines. They’re also a bit more difficult to maintain. But they’re much more fuel-efficient, saving you money in the long run.
Alternative-fuel engines are powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. These engines are becoming more popular because they’re more environmentally friendly than gasoline or diesel engines.
3. Consider the Safety Features of the Bus
When choosing a school bus, safety should be your top priority. You need to ensure that the bus you choose has all the necessary safety features.
One of the most important safety features is the child safety restraint system. This system will keep kids safe in the event of a collision. Another important safety feature to look for is an emergency exit to allow kids to get out of the bus in the event of an accident or fire.
You should also look for a school bus that has airbags. The airbags will protect kids in the event of a collision.
Finally, you should ensure that the school bus you choose has a GPS tracking system. The system will allow you to keep track of the bus and its passengers at all times.
4. Check If the Bus Has Technology Features
Don’t be stuck in the old school transportation systems in today’s technologically advanced era. Instead, find a bus with the technological features to make life on the bus more comfortable and enjoyable for kids.
Some of the most popular technology features include Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and climate control.
Wi-Fi will allow the kids to stay connected while they’re on the bus. They can use it to do homework, play games, or surf the web. Entertainment systems will keep kids entertained during long rides.
If you’ve already found the ideal bus, but it has no Wi-Fi, you can contact Premier Wireless for school bus WiFi connectivity. This service provider will turn your bus into a mobile hotspot to ensure that your students can access educational content while on or around the bus.
5. Consider the Cost of the Bus
You also need to consider the cost of the bus when you’re choosing one for your school. School busses can be expensive, so you need to choose one that fits within your budget.
You can find new school busses for sale from various dealers. You can also find used school busses for sale. You should compare prices by asking for quotes from different dealers.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider buying a used school bus. Just ensure that a qualified mechanic inspects the bus before you buy it.
6. Consider the Warranty
When choosing a school bus, you should also consider the warranty. Most school busses come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
This warranty will cover the cost of repairs if something goes wrong with the bus. It’s important to read the warranty’s fine print before you buy a bus to know what’s covered and what’s not.
You should also consider getting an extended warranty for your school bus. This will cover the cost of repairs after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. An extended warranty is especially important if you plan on keeping the bus for a long time.
7. Get the Bus Inspected by a Qualified Mechanic
Before buying a school bus, you should have it inspected by a qualified mechanic. An inspection will ensure that the bus is in good condition and that there are no hidden problems.
A qualified mechanic will be able to identify any potential problems with the bus. They will also be able to tell you if the bus has been properly maintained. After the inspection, you can ask for a test drive.
You should pay attention to how well the bus brakes during the test drive. You should also listen for any strange noises. You should ensure that the bus is comfortable and that all features are working properly.
Choosing the Right School Busses Made Easy
These are just a few things that you need to keep in mind when you’re choosing school busses for your school. Don’t ignore crucial factors like bus size, safety, and technological features. If you take your time and do your research, you should be able to find the perfect bus for your school’s needs.
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