Shuttle buses are a valuable investment for many businesses churches, and not-for-profit organizations, with so many factors to consider when making a purchase, it can be difficult to know where to start. One factor that is often emphasized is fuel economy, but in reality, it is the least important financial aspect of a shuttle bus purchase.
Depreciation, driver expense, insurance cost, and maintenance are the most substantial cost factors in operating a shuttle bus.
Depreciation is the loss of value of an asset over time. New shuttle buses depreciate rapidly, while used shuttle buses hardly depreciate at all so it is important to choose a bus that will hold its value well.
Driver expense is another major cost factor. Shuttle bus drivers must be paid a fair wage and benefits, and they must be properly trained and licensed.
Insurance cost is also a significant expense. Shuttle buses must be insured against liability, and comprehensive and collision damage is highly desirable.
Maintenance costs can also be high. Shuttle buses are fairly complex machines that require regular maintenance to keep them running safely and efficiently.
Fuel economy is important, but it is a relatively minor expense compared to the other cost factors listed above. In today’s economy, gasoline-powered buses have a lower initial cost, less expensive maintenance, and a lower price per gallon, easily offsetting the slightly higher miles per gallon of diesel-powered shuttle buses.
There is almost no difference in the fuel economy of used shuttle buses and new ones. CNG, EV and Hybrid shuttle buses are expensive to purchase and difficult to maintain and many of the builders have gone into bankruptcy making replacement parts and repair information inaccessible to bus owners making retrofitting used CNG, EV, and Hybrid shuttle buses costly and impractical.
When choosing a shuttle bus, it is important to consider all of the cost factors involved, including depreciation, driver expense, insurance cost, maintenance, and fuel economy. Fuel economy is the least important financial aspect of a shuttle bus purchase, especially in today’s economy where gasoline-powered buses have a lower initial cost, less expensive maintenance, and a lower price per gallon.
* Consider the specific needs of your organization. What size bus do you need? How many passengers will it be carrying? What type of terrain will it be operating on?
* Research different bus manufacturers and models to find one that is reliable and meets your specific needs.
* Find a trustworthy and reliable dealership before making a purchase.
* Be sure to factor in the cost of financing, insurance, and maintenance when making your decision.
Visit our website at www.SuperiorBuses.com and call the owner Charles Kaufman at 516-692-1111 today! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube