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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
 Posted - 02/19/2002 : 06:25:27 AM
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Hi Guys!
I know that many of us are from different areas in the US and Canada, but what kinda of Options do you have on your buses that others don't have?
And if you could what kind of options would you go with if you had to make a change on your bus?
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Buskid
Top Member
USA
3368 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2002 : 10:13:25 AM
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quote:
I know that many of us are from different areas in the US and Canada, but what kinda of Options do you have on your buses that others don't have?
Well, let's see...
We rec'd three brand new 81 pax. 2001 Blue Bird All American REs last winter. They are spec'd out pretty nicely.
Here's some of the major options that they have on them:
- Cummins Diesel, Allison Transmission
- Telma Retarder
- Air Conditioning
- Wheelchair Lift
- Adjustable Track Seating
- Heated Mirrors
- LED Tail Lights 
The wheelchair lifts that these three buses have are't like your everyday kind. They actually go back into the body of the bus itself; they don't fold up and into the bus like most others. It's hard to explain.
Among other things, they also have the nice air-ride driver's seat, tinted windows, white roof, high headroom (which is more of a standard in Calif.), a nice AM/FM radio, PA, etc., etc., etc.
I don't drive them often enough to remember anymore of the options that are on there. But that probably gives you a little idea about what they're like.
Crown Supercoach - The “Royalty” of Pupil Transportation |
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Buskid
Top Member
USA
3368 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2002 : 10:22:06 AM
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Also, in case anyone is interested...
We have a mix of Crown Supercoaches in our fleet that range from 1976-1990 year models.
Some of the options that a couple of them have probably aren't widely used in other parts of the US (apart from in maybe Washington State and Oregon).
Two of our 1978 Crowns have Fuller 10-speed manual transmissions. They are also equipped with Jacob's Engine Brakes. A couple other of our 5-speeds also have Jake Brakes including both of our tandem axle Crowns.
We have two tandem axle 90 pax. Crowns in our fleet. One is a 1980, the other is a 1983.
One of our 1988 Crowns is an 84 pax. 38-foot model, the rest are 36-feet long and have a 78 pax. capacity (except our 1976 which is 35-feet long and has a 79 pax. cap.)
One of our 1982 Crowns that we just retired last spring had a full air ride suspension.
Our 1988 (except # 20) and 1990 Crowns have tinted windows and El Dorado air-ride driver's seats.
That's about it. Our Crowns are simple, but nice. 
Crown Supercoach - The “Royalty” of Pupil Transportation |
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2002 : 1:09:35 PM
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Well, it has been becoming more and more common, but in 1993 we started specing high headroom on all of our buses. We also don't spec visors on the new buses, usually, which is different from most districts in MI.
Stop at: http://www.buses.cjb.net
Forums: http://thebusboy.proboards2.com
Quote:
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." - Charles Schultz
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bluebirdr#1
Senior Member
USA
50 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2002 : 1:49:22 PM
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Quot:
"The wheelchair lifts that these three buses have are't like your everyday kind. They actually go back into the body of the bus itself; they don't fold up and into the bus like most others. It's hard to explain."
That would be the Ricon Mirage lift. Very nice lift.
We include options such as roof strobe light, suspension driver's seat, acoustical headliner full length, storm window 1st passenger window on both sides, storm glass in entrance door, driver's storm window, back up alarm, kevlar upholestry, heated remote mirrors, heated wiper blades.
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Bus Boy 39
Top Member
USA
1315 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2002 : 3:30:32 PM
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My 2001 All American FE has:
- Strobe
- Crossing Arm
- Flip up seating
That's about it!!!
All the other buses have cameras and cell phone along with the things mentioned above. I don't know why we didn't get them.
 "What can your bus do?" |
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BlueBird44
Top Member
USA
1639 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2002 : 4:16:50 PM
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On our buses it is up to the owner but they have to have..
A Stobe Light
A Crossing Gate
Outward opening doors(if I am correct)
Govenors are about to be made mandatory
No..
Headroom storage
 BlueBird44-"44-#1 Bus for life!" |
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B. Busguy33
Top Member
USA
3444 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2002 : 5:59:58 PM
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Most of our districts outsource their transportation needs to school busing contractors. Most of the contractors don't spec out a whole lot of options on their buses, due to budget constraints.
The First Student buses have roof-mounted strobe lights, but they are illegal to use in the state of MA. (At least this was told to me from a driver who worked for First Student.)
If I was in charge of specing out buses, here is the bare minimum I would spec them out with:
-air brakes
-air seat (Bostrom)
-air-operated entrance door
-heavy axles with air ride suspension system
-crossing gate (polycarbonate stick)
-full reflective tape marking package
-warning lamp visors
-interior/exterior P/A system
-am/fm radio with 4 or 6 speakers
-tilt/telescoping steering wheel
-2 Specialty vent hatches on the roof
-power/heated exterior rearview mirrors
-16-lamp Exterior Light Monitor (Doran)
If money was no object, I would continue specing more equipment (as far as the budget allowed for the additional equipment), such as:
-strobing stop sign
-stop sign at front and rear of bus
-strobing red warning lamps
-white roof
-tinted windows
-extended headroom (trip buses only)
-luggage bay access (trip buses only)
-LED clearance lamps, tail lights, and front and rear turn signals
-2 body-side turn signals on each side of the bus, under the passenger windows...one rear, one front
-full-length acoustic ceiling panels from front to back of ceiling
Bob
(B. Busguy33)
"Blue Bird: Always flyin' high above the rest... 
Blue Bird: One of America's Best!!!  " |
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Buskid
Top Member
USA
3368 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2002 : 06:49:08 AM
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quote:
That would be the Ricon Mirage lift. Very nice lift.
Yeah, that's it. Hehe, I couldn't remember what they were called. Thanks.
Crown Supercoach - The “Royalty” of Pupil Transportation |
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Thomas00
Top Member
USA
546 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2002 : 09:51:58 AM
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Sup peep!
Well let see since my district just started moving on up! lol... But here are the options that we are now getting...
-air seat (Bostrom)
-air-operated entrance door
-interior P/A system
-am/fm radio with 4 speakers (On the 2002 buses)
-tinted windows (On the 2002 buses)
-full-length acoustic ceiling panels from front to back of ceiling
-cameras
-Overhead emergency equipment storage
Hey BusKid how do you like the new lift?
~Georgia Drivers Together We Fly High~ |
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largebus
Advanced Member
USA
468 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2002 : 10:01:04 AM
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Let's see-
-AM/FM radios-standard on all new buses
-In/Out PA systems-also standard
-Luggage bays (standard but they are so small they are worthless)
-Arm rests but the garage always removes them
-Door handles
Really not very much!
"They carry your kids-SO LET 'EM THROUGH!!" |
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wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2002 : 10:43:20 AM
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Our state bid has made standard: Inline 6 cyl engine, Allison automatic, air door, high back air seat, tilt stering, double nickle type mirrors, reflective marking package, LED tail, stop and turn lights, sealed marker and warning lights, Roof strobe, air stop sign(s) with strobes, front crossing guard(air operated), Polyurethane paint, Radial tires on steel disc wheels, automatic slack adjusters, flame retardent seat covers, white roof, tinted glass, etc.
We add to that: Dual split system air conditioning, baggage bins, am/fm radio with 6 speakers, High output alternator(200amp), Michelin XZE tires 11rx22.5, Cummins 260hp ISC engine, 100 gallon fuel capacity,air ride suspension, remote control mirrors, REI bus watch color live camera with 8 hour VCR, and tow hooks.
All this comes on our 84 passenger Bluebird All American RE.
For lift buses we use the International front engine transit with 5 wheelchair positions mounted in between the axles, a Braun lift, "L" track securement system with track on the floor and side (for a shoulder belt), the DT466E 230 hp engine on the 77 passenger type "D" forward control transit units.
Joe
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Brad Barker
Administrator
USA
874 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2002 : 11:44:35 AM
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Acoustic interior ceilings full length.
Dual roof hatches.
Bus Watch surveilance systems.
Rosco remote heated exterior mirrors.
Bostrom routemaster plus air,8 way, tilt cushion, adjustable lumbar air seat.
Air door,jack knife.
AM/FM Cassette PA system with exterior speaker, 8 speakers.
SMC Led Air operated stop arms front and rear.
LED lighting full exterior.
Daytime running lights.
Cat 3126B 275 HP with MD3060 transmission.
Air ride front and rear.
16 Gauge sheet metal, smooth side, 19-1/2 skirt.
Tow Hooks.
16-1/2 x 8-5/8 rear and 16-1/2 x 6 front brakes.
Tilt, telescoping steering column.
Emergency equipment compartment.
Glove compartment.
Aluminum isle trim.
2" heavy duty insulation.
Step well rubber lined.
Increased interior headroom 76-1/2"
Hand rail right side step well.
Drivers heater 12,000 btu.
Fans, defroster auxiliary, two.
Plywood flooring, 5/8" marine grade.
Plywood floor screwed down in lieu of nails.
Abrasive strip grit entrance steps.
Abrasive strip grit floor wear plate.
Gray rubber floor covering.
Clock, dash instrument panel.
Ammeter.
Tachometer on dash.
Gray fabric/black vinyl upholstery drivers seat.
Modesty panel entrance door barrier mounted aluminized.
Barriers, gusset mounted, INSET LEGS.
SB seat frames belt ready w/o seat belts, 1st row.
Hi intensity tapes and signs.
Roof painted white.
100 gal fuel tank.
HD bumpers.
Air horns roof mounted.
Mud flaps in front of rear duals.
Radiator shutters air operated.
Hoses, coolant system, silicone.
Heated fuel water seperator, Racor.
8 year engine warranty, 5 year transmission.
Locking diffential.
Bendix air dryer.
Vandal lock rear emergency door and entrance door.
Intermittent windshield wipers.
Window, storm glass, drivers side.
Window, storm glass, entrance door.
Window, storm glass, 9" split sash, 1st & 2nd RH only.
Interior safety mirror, 10" X 30".
Parking Lamps front, two.
Mercury light under hood automatic.
Exterior approach light.
14 CP step light.
Drivers dome light w/separate switch.
Dual row of dome lights.
Ignition switch keyed alike.
Pilot light for parking brake applied.
Back up beeper alarm.
Battery disconnect switch.
Three, 12 volt, group 31 batteries.
Insulation, foam foil, drivers area exterior.
Override switch 8 light warning.
Stemco #3484009 wet axle front oil seals.
Insta-chain automatic tire chains.
Penn Tex charging system monitor.
Bostrom Motion master driver seat pedestal.
Upholstery, seats, TEAL
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thomasvista2012
Top Member
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2002 : 5:00:44 PM
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Wagonmaster,
Do you mean that FL now specs 6-cylinder engines on ALL buses?
If it's big and yellow, then it's a school bus!
http://www.geocities.com/jasonsbuspage |
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2002 : 5:13:56 PM
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Since others are too, I'll list the options my district usually specs.
Dual SMC roof hatches, gray or white
Seems to be having gray interiors now
Full sound insulation
AM/FM/Cass Stereo w/ PA in and out
16 lamp monitor, usually
Visors are iffy
Heated mirrors
Computer diagnostic systems
Extra kneeroom (ie: bus rated for 90 only has seats for 84)
BusBoy Mirrors
White roofs
High headroom
4 exit windows on 84 pax buses, 2 on 65 and 72
air operated o/o doors
dual dome lights
Reflective Packages
Right now I'm having a senior moment, so I can't quite remember... I'll add to this list as I think of things.
Here's what I'd like to add to my bus over the years:
LED lights all over
Visors
3 Webasto low-profile roof hatches (I NEED low profile)
dual stop arms
CRS Strobe LEDs for all warning lights
CRS Wig Wag flasher
CRS Child Reminder
I originally wanted the new look 12 lamp monitor for my bus, but Thomas sent me the older one, so if the one I have now ever decides to break or is vandalized, I may get the new style.
White roof
Full reflective package
Air operated j/k door
6 exit windows w/ red light at every emergency exit
Heated Eurostyle mirrors w/ remote control
SMC Crossing arm
Rebuilt engine!!!
once agian, I can't quite think of what I had in list before...
Stop at: http://www.buses.cjb.net
Forums: http://thebusboy.proboards2.com
Quote:
"The old law, an eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Silas J.
Top Member
USA
938 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2002 : 6:50:26 PM
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Well,I can't quite remeber everything.But here's what I do remember....
1.Acoustical ceiling;full length
2.Mix of stick/fig 8 crossing guards.Mostly sticks now though.
3.One stop arm w/strobes
4.Air door since '01
5. 8-ways (I think 2 buses have LEDs)
6.Thomas have grey/black/grey,Birds and International Brown/Black/Tan interior.
7.Cameras (I think the HS welding class made a bunch of fake cameras to put in the bus without cameras).
8.2 roof hatches (not sure of brand)
9. 4 window pushouts,usally
10.2/2 seating in Thomas;3/3 in Bird and AmTran/IHC
11.Tinted windows since 1991
12.1 Driver's fan (2 on IC)
13.Rooftop strobe mounted close to the back.
14.Daytime running lights.
15.Heaters on board
16.IHC buses have DT466
17.There has to be tons more options........
Silas J.
97-12 It will outrun your bus.
Stop by http://geocities.com/bluebirdtwelve/
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wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2002 : 05:54:26 AM
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Thomas 2012,
The short answer is, yes. This doesn't include type "A" buses, but very few of them are purchased in Florida anyway. The T444E can be ordered as a credit option, but the Mercedes diesel is excluded due to our displacement requirements (on Freightliner).
Joe
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UncleNeal
Senior Member
USA
153 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2002 : 07:26:29 AM
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It is my understanding that unless your state has specific requirements or prohibitions, you can order any bus with any options that the manufacturer has available. Some options can be retrofitted at the dealer if it is not available from the manufacturer, again only if there are no laws against the item. Some options must be approved prior to installation, so it is a good idea to check with whatever agency is responsible for school bus safety or equipment.
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2002 : 05:34:29 AM
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Hey Joe!
Do you think the Mercedes diesel will go over well in the School Bus Market?
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wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2002 : 05:51:15 AM
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Hard to say. I have two trucks ordered with that engine to at least check it out. We'll see how they do. Mercedes-Benz has been building them for a long time, so the experience level is there. Durability and servicability remain to be seen, and time will tell. If anything significant develops I'll post it on these forums for all to see.
Joe
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Topic |
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Options on your School Buses?
