Photo by Cory Voglesonger
Most people looking to buy a bus have only two concerns when they come to us. They have a budget they need to meet, and a set number of passengers they need to be able to transport. While those two factors are always a heavy influence on finding the bus that best suits your needs, there is actually a lot more to buying a bus than you might initially think.
Most importantly, we will not sell any bus unless we are sure it will live up to the regulations where it is going to be used. Regulations vary from state to state, so it is important to do some research on the regulations of your local area. These ordinances may cover anything from the number of seat belts or booster seats required to the graphics that have to be visible on the exterior of the bus. The body construction of a bus also has to comply with federal regulations.
When checking your area’s regulations on buses, it is necessary to also update yourself on the latest laws regarding what certifications are needed for drivers in your area. Drivers may be required to have a Commercial Driver’s License depending on the size and weight of the bus, and drivers may need extra training in order to be DOT compliant.
Once we know your bus will adhere to the local and federal regulations, you should take some time to consider the type of engine that will best serve your needs. While it is well known that diesel engines can run and perform longer than the average gasoline engine, you should consider how the bus will be used. Diesel engines can cost nearly twice as much to replace, and maintenance can be similarly costly.
For the average customer, a gasoline engine will provide all of the power and longevity they could want, but if your bus will be going more than 20,000 miles per year, a diesel engine may be the better option. The number of miles you’ll be putting on your bus every day can also impact operating costs.
Of course, you can never forget about the actual needs of the people you will be transporting with your buses. If your passengers may have special needs, it is important to ensure your bus can accommodate their limitations and provide them the same quality of transportation. Your bus may also be subject to further regulations to guarantee that it will be accessible for special needs passengers.
With the biggest factors out of the way, you should also ask yourself or your drivers what is most important in a bus. While the functional and regulatory aspects are extremely important in determining the right bus for you, smaller considerations such as the styles of bus seats or air conditioning systems can be equally important to the people who will be regularly using the bus.
Riding in a bus in a warmer climate can be especially uncomfortable in mid-summer, and the driver and passengers will likely be very thankful for the a/c. On the other hand, those up north may be more concerned with ensuring their bus has reliable heating for the long winter months.
In the end, there is a lot to take in mind when trying to find the right bus for you. We keep up on state and federal regulations to help make the process easier, but it never hurts to do some research beforehand. And, while we are happy to connect you with a quality bus that fits your price range, the bus you really want will have more than just an alluring price tag.
Contact Us
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
Website: https://americanbussales.net/
Phone: 1-866-574-9970
Address: 12802 North 103rd E Ave, Collinsville, OK 74012
