Types of School Buses

If you’re the manager of a fleet of school buses, then you want to ensure that you have plenty of different types of bus to suit different schools’ unique needs. That’s why it’s important to know what types of school buses are available and what uses each one is suited to. This quick guide will help you determine what types of school buses you need to buy for your fleet.

Type A

This type of school bus is either a converted van or has a cutaway front section and a driver’s door on the left side. Type A1 buses have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 pounds, while Type A2 buses have a GVWR over that amount. Type A buses can carry between 10 and 30 passengers at a time.

Type B

While this type of bus is no longer very common, they typically have a GVWR over 10,000 pounds and seat at least 10 passengers. The unique body of this bus places some of the engine nearer to the driver’s seat and behind the windshield, with the vehicle’s body attached to a front-section chassis.

Type C

This bus type typically has a GVWR between 23,5000 and 29,500 pounds and carries at least 10 passengers, but often many more. The whole engine is in front of the windshield. This type of school bus is the most common.

Type D

If you want a really large bus, this is the type that is most similar to a typical city bus. There’s a front-, mid-, or rear-mounted engine, with the abbreviations FE and RE reflecting “front engine” or “rear engine.” The body is installed on the chassis and the bus has a GVWR over 10,000 pounds and a capacity of at least 10 passengers.

Visit one of our four locations throughout Maryland and Virginia to check out our fine selection of new and used school buses for sale. K. Neal Truck and Bus Center proudly serves the cities of Hyattsville and Gaithersburg, MD, and Lorton, VA.