Prison Transport Buses
Safe, Secure, and Reliable Transport
Safe and secure transport is a critical part of daily operations for correctional facilities, sheriff departments, and law enforcement agencies. The right bus or van helps you move inmates, staff, and equipment with reliability, durability, and proper security features.
About This Guide
Prison Transport Bus Buyer’s Guide
Every facility has different transport needs. The number of inmates you move, the distance traveled, the type of routes, and the level of security required all shape the kind of vehicle you should select.
The sections below will guide you through the key decisions when choosing a secure bus or van for prisoner transport.
Size & CDL
Consider how many inmates your vehicle will move on a regular basis. The size of the bus or van will determine whether the driver needs a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
In most cases, a CDL is not required for a vehicle that seats up to 15 people, including the driver, or weighs less than 26,000 pounds. If your facility needs a larger secure transport vehicle with more seating or higher weight, the driver will need a CDL.
Features & Options
Just like cars, prisoner transport vehicles (PTVs) have features and options that can be added to improve safety and security for both officers and inmates. Common options include:
- Reinforced seating options, including ABS seats, vinyl seats, and adjustable layouts
- Floor drains and other easy-clean interior features
- Steel or polycarbonate partitions, secure driver barriers, and restraint securement points
- Reinforced windows with mesh or polycarbonate covers, plus interior door lock controls
- Full camera and recording systems, panic alarms, and officer-controlled lighting
- Side and rear entrances, fold-out rear steps, and exterior lighting with shields for added security
Some options can be added after purchase through upfitting as well, though this option may be more expensive. Your rep at The Bus Center can help you review the available options and upgrades and find the setup that is right for your facility. Some features can also be added after purchase through upfitting.
ADA & Mobility Access
Consider whether your PTV will transport inmates with mobility needs. Most wheelchair-accessible vehicles use a rear lift, along with proper tie-downs. At The Bus Center, we use BraunAbility lifts and Sure-Lok or Q’Straint tie-down kits. Low-entry buses with ramps are another option.
If mobility access is required for your facility, plan for it early. While these features can be added after purchase, this type of upfitting can be costly.
New vs. Pre-Owned
New PTVs come with strong warranty protection, including factory warranties on the chassis, powertrain, body structure, A/C, and other components, plus an extra 5-year / 100,000-mile warranty from The Bus Center. If something goes wrong, our parts, service, and repair team will work to get your vehicle back in service quickly.
Pre-owned PTVs can also be a budget-friendly option. While many are sold as is, some still carry factory warranty coverage depending on age and mileage. For units ten years old or newer, extended warranty plans may be available as well.
Our pre-owned inventory changes often, so your rep at The Bus Center can help you keep an eye out for the right bus or van for your facility.
Flexible Financing Options
Depending on what fits your budget, we offer several leasing and financing options for prisoner transport vehicles. Your The Bus Center rep can walk you through the plans that support your facility’s operational and safety needs.
Trade-Ins
Upgrading to a new PTV? We can review your current vehicle for a possible trade-in. Start with our trade-in evaluation guide.
Warranty Support
We will walk you through every step needed to keep your vehicle under warranty, and we will coordinate with our parts and service team on your behalf.
Get Started Today
Need Help Choosing the Right Vehicle?
Let us help. Share your transport needs, route schedule, security requirements, and anything else we should know, and one of our prisoner transport specialists will reach out to assist with your selection.