A Used Bus Could Be Just as Effective as a New One
There are several reasons why traveling by bus is one of the most popular modes of transportation around the world. Buses can be extremely economical with many fares costing passengers less than $2.00 per ticket in the U.S. In contrast, stop and go traffic in large cities guzzle gas in cars, which can result in increased trips to the gas station where gas prices continue to rise. It is no surprise then, that public transportation ridership has steadily increased since the mid 90’s, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
So if you own a bus company, it is important to keep your lot stocked with high quality buses that continue to serve public needs. This means that you maintain your buses carefully, and get them serviced regularly. You should also know when it is time to junk an older buses, and find another one to do the job. But getting a new bus does not necessarily mean that you have to spend an inordinate amount of money on a brand new one. Finding a good used bus will do the trick as well.
Finding a good used bus for sale can be tricky, because as a bus ages, it experiences normal maintenance issues, such as tire wear and engine rust. The APTA reports that the average age for buses in the U.S. is about 7 years old, and many studies show that most buses should be replaced after 12 years.
But there are ways to find good used buses for sale. You will want to first consider how many passengers you want your bus to transport and look at the average price for a used bus. Depending on the amenities you want on your bus, such as air conditioning and radio or iPod capabilities, the price will vary. For example, a simple used 47 passenger bus with air conditioning can be as little as $7,500, but can also surpass $100,000 for luxury seats and up to date amenities.
More importantly, you will want to make sure that the bus is in good driving condition. Like a car, buses require regular maintenance, oil changes, and safety inspections. The Department of Transportation conducts its own inspection to ensure that passenger buses meet all safety codes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also issues three different ratings to bus companies to evaluate their adherence to safety regulations, and these ratings are satisfactory, conditional, and unsatisfactory. Ensuring that all your buses and practices have been evaluated by the FMCSA is a critical part of filling your lot with quality buses.
Another part of finding a good used bus is searching for one that are environmentally friendly, which will ultimately save you money as well. Most buses operate on diesel, and emissions from these vehicles can be harmful to the environment. There has been a recent push toward the use of hybrid public transport buses, and cities like San Francisco are considering upgrading their older buses to biodiesel fuel to both save on energy costs and provide a more eco-friendly way to travel. A hybrid passenger bus for sale might cost more than the average used bus, but it could save you money in the long run.
Buying any bus for your company requires careful research, and also an understanding of how the newer bus will impact service. Whether you buy a new or used bus, cost cutting solutions are not the only thing to consider; the safety of your passengers should be your number one concern. Check out this website for more.