Going Somewhere? Get on the Bus

Today’s churches and their members are more active than ever. Whether it’s a mission trip across the country, a brunch at Cracker Barrel, or a youth retreat to the beach, churches are hitting the highways.  

A common method of church travel is caravanning. The caravan might consist of the “old church van” and a couple of the largest SUVs available.

This type of traveling can become quite difficult. Trying to keep multiple vehicles together in a group is not the easiest way to get where you’re going. Different driving styles, traffic, and the need to fill multiple fuel tanks of varying sizes can easily break up the caravan. This method also adds drivers, vehicles, expense, and time to your trip.  If you are tired of the caravan, then a great solution is the “Church Bus.”

The church bus has come a long way and is usually more comfortable and luxurious than a transit or shuttle bus used in public transportation. If you think your church is ready to begin researching buses, then the following information is for you.

Shopping for a Bus
Now that the church is ready and the committee is formed, where do you go? Shopping for a bus is much different than shopping for a car. 

When possible, contact a local bus dealer. You have probably noticed that bus dealers are not as common as auto dealers – but they are still easy to locate. Search the Internet, ask a neighboring church where they acquired their vehicle, use the information in this magazine, or look in the Yellow Pages.

When you find your closest dealers, ask for and then check references. References are important because service from your dealer after the sale is just as important as service from your dealer during the sales process. A dealer that can assist you with service needs five years down the road and supply you with parts when needed is very important. 

Once you get comfortable with the dealership, their salespeople should be able to assist you in finding the right vehicle. 

Once you get to this stage, you will start developing a “bus vocabulary.” This vocabulary will include, among other features: chassis type, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and Air Conditioner or Heater BTU Ratings. 

Being able to provide the salesperson with a few basic pieces of information can help streamline the process. Desired passenger capacity and application (how you plan to use the bus) are the main two pieces of information your salesman will want to know. The capacity will tell what size chassis you will need to build on. The application will allow the salesperson to provide you with the most common options that might be of interest to you. These options could include seat type (low, mid, or high back), manual or electric door, video equipment, overhead parcel racks, rear storage, video equipment, or wheel chair lifts. 

This is just small example of the options available to you. In addition to options, warranty coverage is another important consideration, as warranty lengths may be different between manufacturers.

Safety is of the utmost importance, and it is crucial that any bus you purchase has a full steel roll cage. If your church is picking up children from school or has a childcare program that regularly transports children, a bus that meets school bus specifications (MFSAB, multi-functional school activity bus) should be purchased. 

At first, you might be overwhelmed at the amount of choices. Shopping for the right bus takes time and effort, but your effort will pay off. Because your needs are unique, you want to make sure the vehicle you purchase today will still meet your needs for years to come. 

Churches may own their buses anywhere from 5 to 15 years before they consider trading or replacing. This is a long time to suffer from buyer’s remorse, so don’t rush into a purchase. Settling on a bus that’s not perfect just to meet an upcoming weekend trip is not the wisest decision. You might find you sacrificed on options that would have served you better in the many trips you will be taking in the future. Ordering a bus may take 90 to 150 days, but it will help ensure the bus fits your needs exactly. 

Now that you have completed all of the preliminary research, you are ready for the final phase in the process—pricing. Here again you will find that the bus industry differs from the automotive industry. MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing) on the bus you want will most likely not be available. You cannot check the Kelly Blue Book for approximate values. This is why you want to make sure you actively search out competitive prices and a dealer you can trust. Just because someone offers you a big discount does not mean it is the best deal.

The bottom line is where you need to focus your attention. Big discounts often show the original price may be inflated in order to show savings that are not true savings.

Always make sure you are getting an “apples to apples” comparison when looking at two different vehicles. One 25-passenger bus might not be the same as another 25-passenger bus. Prices may vary between buses based on total capacity, manufacturer, and option content. We all know a Honda is not a Mercedes, but distinctions in the bus world are not as clear. Also, bus models are not broken down into common option packages such as the XL, XLT, or EX. 

If you do your homework, it will help ensure that you make an educated purchasing decision and that your church gets the bus they really want. Good luck you to in your search for the perfect bus. 

This article is courtesy of Transportation South, www.transportationsouth.com.