Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from churches concerning transportation.

What is a Certified Multi-Function School Activity Bus (MFSAB)?
Certified MFSABs are built just like school buses and must meet unique Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that are mandated just for school buses and must not be mistaken for the shuttle bus or the plastic bus. MFSABs, however, differ from school buses in that they can be any color under the rainbow except yellow and must not have the famous stop sign that swings out to stop traffic. MFSABs, however, like the school bus, must undergo the same strict testing and pass the Rollover Protection, Joint Body Strength, Passenger Seating Confinement, Side-Front - Rear Crash Protection and have Safety Devices.

Certified buses are of metal construction and are encased in a steel cage. The cage, for all practical purposes, can be looked at as roll bars such as the ones used in race cars. These roll bars, combined with a metal skin, provide the ultimate structural strength in case of an accident. With this type of construction, the certified bus is heavier than a comparable vehicle that transports the same number of passengers.

Certified buses also must have a rear exit door, along with the superior roof structure, and provide a center aisle for egress front to rear. These buses must also have passenger confinement, along with superior padding and a lower center of gravity. School buses, per the FMVSS, do not require seat belts because of passenger confinement. The seats are spaced so that in case of an accident, the passenger is confined in a specific space so that the risk of injury in a crash is minimal.

Shuttle buses and plastic buses, on the other hand, are similar to the ones that you ride from the parking lot to the terminal to catch your flight or go on a tour around town. These particular buses do not meet the criteria of the FMVSS school buses or MFSABs.

MFSABs are usually built on Chevy, GMC, or Ford Cutaway chassis and usually make the best choice for most around-town and short trips. These buses will usually seat between 14 and 30 passengers, will have gas or diesel engines, and are easy for most anyone to drive. When looking at the passenger count, most manufactures size their buses considering three children per seat for the maxim student count. However, a 14-passenger MSFAB will usually have seven seats with two children in each seat. Activity or adult seats take up much more room; therefore, capacity is reduced by one-third. Hence, a 30-passenger bus will usually seat 20 adults.

MFSABs are also built with stringent guidelines concerning total weight and weight distribution. Maintenance for these vehicles usually can be done at your local dealership, since it is similar to the full-size vans.

How do I know if the bus is a Certified MFSAB? Do I really need a Certified MFSAB?
Take your time and ask questions. The most common mistake is that many people purchase on price alone, not comparing apples to apples. Remember if the price just sounds too good to be true, then you are not probably getting what you really need. This could really lead to a headache and put the church at an unnecessary liability risk. The federal law states that students must be transported in vehicles that comply with federal safety standards for school buses.

Many of the ministries provided by churches—such as daycares, Vacation Bible School, or Sunday School—may not fall under the same federal guidelines as school districts, but the court system may interpret in the case of an accident that the church should have provided equivalent safe transportation. Talk to your local DMV and your insurance provider to discuss your needs and requirements. Take a look at your needs, make a list of what is important to you, and ask questions. This will help you will make the right decision

Where do I get the proper information concerning my needs?
Any church school or daycare that is thinking about the purchase of a new bus should contact a reputable dealer of their choice and ask for a demonstration. Taking a little time and doing a little research will save the church a ton of headaches. Remember to have your needs in mind and ask as many questions you need to make a solid choice. There are several manufacturers out there, so be sure to ask for their credentials. Churches should do everything they possibly can to be sure that everyone is provided the safest form of transportation possible. 

Listed below are some of the more important items that I personally feel should be considered when looking to purchase your new vehicle.

* Dual Rear Wheels – Stability especially when loaded or pulling a trailer
* Child Reminder – Every time the driver shuts the bus down, he or she must walk to the back of the bus to re-set the alarm (no child left behind)
* Back Up Alarm – Warns others that the bus is backing   
* Seat Belts
* First Aid Kit / Body Fluids Kits / Seat Belt Cutter
* Fire Extinguisher
* Emergency Reflective Triangles
* Push Out Sashes – Right and left side emergency windows
* Roof Hatch – Another emergency exit
* Vandal Lock with Interlock – Prevents rear entry from the outside when bus is not in use; however, the bus will not start unless the rear door is un-locked

What about drivers? Who can drive?
Drivers are another consideration for the size of bus you need. Federal law says that if the vehicle carries no more that 15 people (14 passengers + the driver), no CDL is needed; if the vehicle is certified to carry more than 14 passengers, the driver must be CDL Certified with a "P" endorsement. Here in Texas, if the bus is yellow or is operated by a state school district, the drivers must also have an "S" endorsement, no matter how many passengers the bus carries. Check with your local DMV to get clarification.

Anyone transporting passengers should have the proper training and understand pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Listed below are some guidelines to keep in mind when operating your bus.

* Never transport more passengers than the bus is certified for.
* Never load the bus beyond its rated GVW.
* Always check all fluid levels along with checking tires for proper inflation and tire condition.
* Position any loads not to block the aisle or any emergency egress passages.
* Seat belt use should be mandatory for the passengers as well as the driver.
* Drivers should refrain from using phones or engage in any distracting manner.
* Plan your drive and drive your plan. The trip should be based on the safest route and not the quickest.
* Drivers should be at least 21 years of age and be in good physical as well as mental condition (carrying a load of young ones to the water park can be an adventure in itself).
* Check and be sure all emergency equipment is in the bus and in good condition.
* Obey all state and local laws.
* When towing a trailer, be sure the hitch is of the proper class to safely carry the weight. Also be sure all safety chains are used and lights are work properly.

Daryl Oakes is the account manager for the state of Texas for Thomas Bus Gulf Coast.