Buying your first bus can be a daunting task. Faced with seemingly thousands of important choices, where do you begin? Right here! We’ll walk you through the key issues that determine what sort of bus you should consider. From there, all you have to choose is a dealer and the “extras” that make your bus just right for you.
Put Quality First
Naturally, you have to have a great bus. Your bus has to:
- Be reliable
- Have low operating costs
- Maintain its value and
- Keep your passengers and drivers safe
So, check out manufacturers’ track records. Ask other owners and your dealer about their experiences. How many years or miles have they gotten out of their buses? How often is their bus in the garage? What kind of support have they gotten from their dealer/manufacturer?
Want to know more about ElDorado National’s quality standards? Click here.
Determine Your Purpose
Your industry and its particular demands shape your needs. For example, if you’re buying a bus for your hotel or car rental shuttle service, you need a bus that functions well on short routes with lots of stops and starts, has fairly luxurious finishes and offers ample interior storage.
So, consider whether your organization falls into the following categories:
Want to know more about any of these industry’s needs? Just click on any of them.
Fit the Electrical System
Electrical systems range from light- to heavy-duty, and the heavier duty systems cost more. So, you should outfit your bus to suit your requirements. Here are some things to consider:
- Will you most often operate at low speeds (900 to 1500 rpm) or at high speeds (1500 to 2500 rpm)?
- Will most of your routes be stop and go or highway travel?
- Will you have a great amount of engine idle time?
- Will you need systems like heavy-duty A/C or wheelchair lifts that place significant demands on the electrical system? If so:
- Will they be operated most often during high or low engine speed?
- How many times per hour will you use them?
With answers to these questions, you have everything you need to specify the right electrical system. Your dealer can help you choose what type best suits your needs.
Tailor HVAC to Climate
The HVAC (heating, ventilating, air conditioning) system is the single most costly system on your bus. So, again, you want to buy only want you need. When considering HVAC systems, ask yourself:
- In what climate will I be operating this bus? If you have both hot summers and cold winters, you need a higher-end HVAC system.
- In super cold climates, you may want to add a couple of components that improve performance:
- In-line acceleration pumps help move the heated water through the system more quickly to avoid “heat loss.”
- Thermocell heater insulation reduces the likelihood that your hoses will freeze.
- In very warm climates (whether yours is warm all year round or only in the summer), you need to consider:
- Bus size – The bigger the bus, the more space you have to cool.
- Average number of passengers – The more people who typically ride on the bus, the more heat they produce and the greater the demand it places on your air conditioner.
- Climate zone – The warmer the climate, the more powerful an AC system you need.
- Matched Components - All three major air conditioning components (compressor, condenser and evaporator) should be properly matched.
- Access to Components - All components should be easy to access for maintenance.
Choose Interior Finishes
Interior finishes like seating and flooring are much more than cosmetic. Choosing the right products and installing them properly improve safety, longevity and maintenance.
- Seating
- Seat Types – There are two basic styles: bucket and bench seats. Bucket seats are easier to repair, more attractive and comfortable and offer more options. Bench seats are cheaper and easier to maintain.
- Upholstery Options – Before sifting through hundreds of fabric swatches, you will want to consider your priorities.
- If low maintenance and durability are the top priorities, consider materials that are sturdy and easy to wipe clean. These include vinyl, plastics and heavy-weight fabrics treated with liquid-repellant.
- When appearance is the prime consideration, choose one of the many attractive automotive-grade fabrics.
- Flooring – There are two basic materials used for bus floor coverings:
- Rubber is more durable, easier to clean, cheaper and more slip-resistant than carpet. It comes in ribbed and smooth finishes. Ribbed channels water tracked in by passengers, and it provides extra traction. Often, aisles feature ribbed rubber even when the rest of the flooring is covered by carpet or smooth rubber. However, smooth rubber is easier to clean and provides a smoother surface for rolling wheelchairs.
- Carpet is considered more luxurious and is used in high-end, low-traffic applications. It is important to use only level loop, commercial grade carpet to reduce the risk of tripping. Carpet is subject to more wear, tear and staining. So, it is often paired with a rubber aisle. It should not be used in high traffic applications like mass transit.
Decide How Much Storage
Virtually all passengers carry bags or packages at some time. So, all buses need some storage space. You just need to determine how much your customers require. There are four basic types of storage options:
- Overhead Bin – Nearly all buses have overhead bins. They provide a convenient, out-of-the-way place to store coats, small bags and packages.
- Interior Rack – This type of storage is most useful for short-run operators like shuttle services. Usually located near the doors, this option provides a handy drop-off spot for heavy bags and hanging items so passengers don’t have to drag them about the compartment. Rack storage comes in a wide array of sizes and configurations.
- Rear Compartment – This type of storage is generally used for trips that include overnight stays or a lot of equipment (such as sporting events). When this type of storage is needed, you can estimate that you will require between 5 and 7 cubic feet of storage per passenger.
- Skirt Box – This storage, located along the bottom sides of the bus, is also generally used for long trips. It maximizes storage capacity by using space that would otherwise be wasted, but it can also reduce the bus’s clearance.
Select Accessibility Features
If you will be transporting passengers with limited mobility, you need to carefully assess their needs. Consider the following:
- Wheelchair maneuverability with wide aisles and smooth floors
- Safe, easy-to-operate lifts
- Secure, easy-to-use wheelchair restraints
- Side-strapping for oxygen and other medical supplies
- Adequate room for attendants
- Grab handles and handrails
- Low entry steps
- Storage for walkers, crutches and other medical equipment
- Interior visibility with large windows, bright reflective walls and ceiling, well-marked changes in elevation and excellent lighting systems
Need More Help?
After thinking through all these items, you’ve got nearly all the information you need to choose the right bus for your purpose. If you would like more help or you’re ready to buy, click Find a Dealer. ElDorado National has the largest dealer network in the country. There’s sure to be one near you.