Childcare Buses
Protecting What Matters Most
Whether short trips, field trips, or getting from here to there, having a safe and reliable way to transport the children in your care is a top priority for childcare facilities. The Bus Center helps childcare facilities find the right transportation options, built specifically to your needs, at a price that fits your budget.
About This Guide
Childcare Bus Buyer’s Guide
Parents trust you with their children every day, and that extends to every mile you drive. The guide below explains what to look for in a childcare bus. It is an important purchase, and many centers have never had to make this decision before. The Bus Center is here to help.
First, think about all the ways your bus will be used. Short daily trips, outings, or moving kids from one spot to another all place different demands on a vehicle. And with children, safety is always the top concern.
With these needs in mind, use the sections below to get started.
Size & CDL
Will you need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for your bus? Most childcare programs will not need one, because buses with up to 15 seats and under 26,000 pounds usually fall outside CDL rules. Laws vary by state, so check your state guidelines or ask your The Bus Center sales rep for help.
If your center needs a larger bus with more seats, a CDL will be required for anyone who drives it. The process to get a commercial driver’s license is straightforward and not costly. Your The Bus Center sales rep can help you understand the steps and how to set up the exam.
Popular Features & Options
Buses come with options just like cars, but the key is choosing the ones that fit your child care program.
- Activity bus seats with seat belts or standard school bus seats
- Optional overhead or rear luggage compartments
- Non-slip flooring
- Driver’s storage
- Backup camera
- Rear A/C systems
Some options can be added after purchase through upfitting as well, though this option may be more expensive. Your The Bus Center sales rep can walk you through the full list of available options and help you decide which ones make the most sense for your center.
ADA & Mobility Access
Does your child care bus need wheelchair access? This is something to confirm before you place your order, since adding a lift after the bus is built is very difficult and often not possible.
Most wheelchair-accessible buses 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. These systems are built to last for the full life of the bus. There are also low-entry options, though these can be costly on smaller buses.
If you need guidance on wheelchair access or other special needs features, your The Bus Center sales rep can walk you through the choices.
New vs. Pre-Owned
A new bus includes factory warranty coverage on the chassis, powertrain, body, A/C, and other components. If something goes wrong, our warranty, parts, and service teams can help you get the bus back in service quickly.
Pre-owned buses are usually sold as is, and many are no longer covered by factory warranties. They can still be a good option for tight budgets, but it is important to check the condition and mileage.
Our pre-owned inventory changes often. If your center is interested in a pre-owned unit, check our online listings or call your The Bus Center sales rep to see what is currently available.
Flexible Financing Options
Depending on what works for your budget, we offer several leasing and financing options.
Trade-Ins
Upgrading to a new bus for your kids? We can review your current bus 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 passenger needs, schedule details, and anything else we should know, and one of our childcare bus specialists will reach out to assist with your selection.