Embark on a journey to discover the fascinating world of school buses. Despite their shared iconic yellow hue, a symbol of safety and visibility, school buses exhibit a remarkable array of designs and sizes. From the compact, van-like models to the coaches, each type of school bus presents its unique characteristics. All are bound by a common thread: stringent adherence to federal motor vehicle safety standards.
These standards ensure that, regardless of their shape or size, every school bus prioritizes the safety and well-being of its young passengers. This guide by our team at Infinity Transportation will delve into the various types of school buses, exploring how each design caters to specific needs and environments, and the critical safety features that unify them under the banner of student transportation.
The Main Types of School Buses
Let's explore the diverse world of school buses:
Type A School Bus
Type A school buses are categorized into two sub-groups: Type A-1 and Type A-2. These buses are constructed using a cutaway front section vehicle, featuring the left-side driver's door. Type A-1 school buses have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lb, while Type A-2 school buses boast a GVWR of 10,000 lb or more. The GVWR signifies the maximum permissible weight of the bus when fully loaded, encompassing passengers, fuel, and other cargo. Notably, some Type A school buses introduced in 2004 were designed with a GVWR of 14,000 lb, allowing them to transport more than 10 passengers on board. Drivers operating Type A buses must hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a school bus and "P" (passenger) endorsement.
Type B School Bus
Type B school buses are designed to carry more than 10 passengers and have their bodies attached to a front-section vehicle chassis after construction. These buses typically have a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 lb. Part of the engine is placed beside the driver's seat and behind the windshield. The entrance door for students is positioned behind the front wheels. Type B school vehicles are less commonly seen today but are still manufactured to meet strict safety guidelines for specific requirements. Drivers of Type B buses must have a CDL with a Type B School Bus endorsement.
Type C School Bus
Type C bus is recognized as the classic school bus design, characterized by its chassis with a hood and front fender assembly. These buses feature an entrance door positioned behind the front wheels. In addition to the traditional design, Type C buses encompass cutaway truck chassis or truck chassis with cabs, some with a left-side door and some without. These buses have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 21,500 lb. Type C school buses are purpose-built to accommodate more than 10 passengers, so they’re a prevalent choice for safely transporting school students.
Type D School Bus
Type D vehicles, also referred to as "Transit-Style" buses, are purpose-built to carry more than 10 passengers. These vehicles come with engines situated behind the windshield and beside the driver's seat, and they can be categorized into two types: forward engine (FE) buses and rear engine (RE) buses, depending on the engine's location. In the case of RE buses, the engine is positioned behind the rear wheels. These transit-style vehicles are recognized for having entrance doors placed in front of the front side wheels. Notably, Type D buses typically boast a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 10,000 lb, often falling within the range of 25,000 to 36,000 lb. These vehicles are equipped with both front and rear axles to support their structure and can extend up to a maximum length of 45 feet.
Multifunction School Activity Buses
Multifunctional School Activity Buses (MFSABs) are vehicles used by schools for purposes other than student transportation and aren’t required to be painted in traditional yellow. However, they’re prohibited from operating on regular routes used for transporting students from kindergarten to Grade 12. MFSABs don’t require stop arms or flashing lights, but they must meet school bus crash avoidance, post-crash standards, and conspicuity standards for safety.
School Vans
School vans are typically regular vans that have been modified to meet bus requirements for schools. Alterations may include increasing the van's height by cutting the roof and welding a full roll cage into the body. Once these modifications are made, the van can be operated like a regular bus vehicle while complying with all standards set by the Motor Vehicle Safety Department. School vans are designed to carry 10 passengers, including the operator.
Allowable Alternate Vehicles
Alternate vehicles employed for school transportation must adhere to crash avoidance standards while being exempt from fulfilling traffic conspicuity regulations, including the requirement for school bus yellow paint and flashing lights. These vehicles provide alternative options to conventional school buses and offer diverse designs and features while still prioritizing the safety of students during transit.
Infinity Transportation offers a large fleet of motor coaches and charter buses, each with its particularities. Here are some of the most popular forms of bus rental for student transportation services.
Coach Bus
If the thought of traveling in a coach bus gives you cold sweat at the memories of long trips in uncomfortably cramped quarters, think again: bus transportation has come a long way. Nowadays, a coach bus is one of the most comfortable forms of transportation for large groups for extended traveling.
Our coach buses, also known as motor coaches, have enough room to seat 55 people comfortably. They come equipped with all the modern comforts, including air conditioning, plush reclining seats, extra undercarriage storage, as well as hi-speed WIFI (perfect for cramming last-minute revisions or simply relaxing while watching videos.) It’s your best option for further destinations over three hours away.
Minicoach Charter
If you’re looking for the same comforts as the ones offered in a full coach bus but only need student transportation services for a small group of individuals, a Minicoach charter is the perfect solution. With a capacity of up to 31 people, these smaller versions of charter buses provide similar services, such as spacious seating, WIFI and outlets for on-the-road assignments and entertainment, and overhead and undercarriage storage.
They’re appropriate for both longer and shorter excursions and are also an excellent choice for those trips that require plenty of storage capacity for extra luggage and equipment, such as camping or band events.
Minibus Rental
If you’re looking for transportation for students in small groups and want to keep prices low – both for fuel and rental costs – while maintaining a certain level of comfort, then a minibus rental is the perfect compromise.
Our luxurious minibusses are just as comfortable as their large coach counterparts. They have a capacity of up to 24 students and include amenities such as comfortable leather seats, USB outlets, air conditioning, and rear and overhead storage for any extra belongings or equipment. Minibusses are an excellent option for shorter trips, such as moving small groups across town.
Which Vehicles Don’t Conform?
Vans, primarily utilized by schools for cargo transport, are designed to accommodate 15 sitting passengers. However, they don’t adhere to the safety standards outlined for vehicles intended for student transportation, including school bus specifications. Many of these vans lack even the fundamental safety features mandated by the Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Department.
Conclusion
No matter the type of event your student group is attending, its location, or the number of participants, hiring student transportation services is often the most affordable and convenient way for everyone to reach their destination safely. It also allows chaperones and organizers to keep an eye on their charges to avoid anyone getting lost in the process or last-minute cancellations from participants who cannot secure transportation to the event.
Our school bus rental services offer options for all group sizes and budgets. Contact us today at Infinity Transportation to discuss your needs and let us help you find the perfect solution to make your next student gathering a success.
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