Purchasing the right bus for your city’s transit system is a strategic decision that influences the efficiency and effectiveness of your public transportation services.
Whether you’re considering new coach buses, shuttle buses or used electric buses for sale, it’s crucial to align your choices with your community’s specific transportation needs.
Get essential tips in dealing with the complexities of bus purchases, ensuring you meet your operational requirements and sustainability goals.
What factors should you consider when buying a bus?
When you buy a bus for city transit, evaluate current and future fleet needs, assess total costs and explore funding options. Select buses based on functionality and passenger comfort. Choose reputable bus dealers, prepare infrastructure and plan for long-term maintenance and fleet updates.
Transit providers are crucial in defining the future of city transportation. According to Bloomberg, transit providers have repeatedly reduced essential local services to enhance their financial standing. However, this strategy has backfired, leading to a decrease in both ridership and revenue.
This finding argues that when city transit services are unappealing, they fail to generate the passenger demand necessary to justify improvements.
Assessing Transit Needs Before You Buy a Bus
Current Fleet and Future Demands
Begin by evaluating your current fleet. Do you have aging buses that need replacing? Are there gaps in your service that new bus types could fill?
Adding low-mileage, used coach buses could enhance your fleet without stretching your budget. Consider your future growth projections to determine whether smaller shuttle buses or larger transport buses would better serve increasing passenger numbers.
Special Requirements
Your city’s demographics, geography and regulatory environment will influence your bus selection.
For instance, ensuring accessibility is crucial, so consider a wheelchair lift bus that is compliant with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).
If operating in diverse climates, whether warmer or cooler, ensure the buses have appropriate amenities, such as effective air conditioning and heating systems.
Schetky Bus & Van Sales offers a range of high-quality vehicles that can be tailored to the unique needs of your transit system.
Financial Planning
Budgeting and Cost Analysis
Factor in the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price. For example, an electric bus for sale might have higher upfront costs but offer significant savings on fuel and maintenance.
Also, consider the price for a wheelchair bus or van if you want something specific that meets modern standards.
Funding Options
Securing the necessary funding can be as crucial as selecting the right vehicle when planning to purchase buses for city transit. Exploring various funding opportunities can help transit directors manage the substantial upfront costs of updating and expanding their fleets.
Here’s an overview of available funding avenues:
- Federal and State Grants
Federal and state grants, such as those from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), often support projects to enhance sustainability in public transportation. These grants can cover a substantial portion of the costs of purchasing new buses.
- Local Government Funding
Tap local environmental or transportation departments with budgets for transit infrastructure improvements.
- Incentives for Green Purchases, Private Grants and Foundations
Tax credits, rebates and reduced fees are available for purchasing low-emission vehicles, lowering the overall cost of green buses.
Grants from foundations focused on environmental conservation or urban development can also support the acquisition of public transit buses. Leveraging these funding options requires diligent planning but can significantly aid in upgrading and expanding city transit fleets sustainably.
Learn more about funding to buy a bus for your city transit in our Compliance Guide for Transit Vehicle Procurement.
Selecting the Right Bus
Type and Functionality
Determine the type of bus that best fits your city’s needs. Do you need a fleet of compact shuttle buses for community routes, or are larger coach buses required for long-distance commuting?
Luxury coach buses provide added comfort for passengers, which could boost public transit usage.
Feature Specifics
Look for specific features that enhance functionality and passenger experience. Buses equipped with Cummins engines, Allison transmissions and Forest River bodies are known for their reliability and durability. Also, consider the utility of having on-board restrooms, especially for longer routes.
Purchasing Locations
Dealer Insights
Choose reputable dealers known for quality and reliability. Schetky Bus & Van Sales offers a great selection of vehicles, including those in excellent condition with wheelchair lifts and essential safety features.
Researching where to buy a bus can lead you to dealers specializing in the bus types you’re considering.
Geographic Considerations
The dealer’s reach can affect aspects like delivery costs and service availability. Buying buses from a dealer with nationwide capabilities can simplify these logistics, especially in remote areas or bustling urban centers in the USA.
Schetky offers Turnkey Delivery™, our designation delivery service to all 50 states that includes tax, title and licensing on your behalf.
Purchasing Strategy
Request for Proposals (RFP)
An effective RFP should detail your needs, including specific models from ElDorado, Champion, and Diamond Coach. Specify desired features like luggage compartments, mileage limits and ADA requirements to ensure the proposals you receive align with your expectations.
We provide Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved cooperative agreements and contracts that align with the FTA’s joint procurement guidelines and are applicable across all 50 states, enhancing the availability and maintenance of these transit solutions nationwide.
Evaluating Offers
When evaluating bids, consider the cost and the dealer’s ability to provide ongoing support and maintenance. The parts department’s availability, warrant and historical reliability of the bus models should influence your decision.
We have been providing transportation solutions for more than 80 years, ensuring that our expertise and long-standing industry presence enhance the value and reliability of your purchase.
Preparation for Bus Integration
Infrastructure Readiness
If you are purchasing electric or alternative-fuel buses, is your city equipped with the necessary charging stations or fueling infrastructure? It is crucial to plan for these needs in advance.
To know more about how early adopters of the electric bus fleet streamlined their operations, click here.
Training and Public Relations
Ensure your drivers and maintenance teams are fully trained to handle the new features and technologies of your purchased buses.
Use public relations strategies to promote the benefits of the new buses to the community, emphasizing improvements in safety, comfort and environmental impact.
Long-Term Management
Maintenance Planning
Establish a solid relationship with your dealer’s parts department to ensure quick access to necessary parts and maintenance tools.
Regular maintenance checks will keep your buses in excellent condition, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and service interruptions.
Our transport buses are built to last, with durable materials engineered for reliability. With maintenance support and warranty, you can trust that your bus will run smoothly for years.
Future Fleet Planning
As you integrate new buses, keep an eye on emerging technologies and evolving community needs. This proactive approach will help you maintain a modern, efficient fleet that continues to meet the needs of your passengers and city.
Streamline City Transportation with Schetky Bus & Van Sales
Buying a bus is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration and strategic planning. By following this guide, you can ensure that your purchases support efficient, sustainable public transportation that meets the needs of your city now and in the future.
Ready to buy a bus to enhance your fleet? Consult with our expert team and explore our extensive selection of buses for sale to find the perfect match for your city’s needs.