School & Commercial Buses For Sale in AK, AZ, CA, OR, & WA

Finding the Best Bus For Your Operation

Many types of businesses require buses to transport passengers from place to place. Shopping for a bus does require some careful thought, as it’s a rather large expenditure and there are several factors impacting the type of bus you choose.

RWC Group, with several locations across the western states, is proud to be a premier bus dealer for the West Coast, as well as the state of Arizona. Read on to learn more about what you should take into consideration when shopping for a bus.

Seating Needs

First, you’ll want to think about the number of passengers that your business needs to transport on a regular basis. It’s important to know how many seats will be needed at present as well as whether seating needs will increase in the near future, since this may mean buying a bigger bus than you currently need.

The type of seating is also of import, as certain factors will improve passenger comfort. Vinyl and cloth are the two most common materials used to cover seats on buses. Vinyl is easy to clean, but cloth is considered more comfortable. You may also wish to choose particular colors to suit your businesses’ color scheme.

Accessibility Concerns

If passengers with disabilities or limited mobility will need to use the bus, then a bus that meets or exceeds ADA requirements is necessary. Wheelchair lifts are one option for improving accessibility, and these may be installed at the front or the rear of the bus. Kneeling buses can help users with walking aids to easily board the bus. Grab bars and wider aisles are other potential features you may want to improve accessibility.

Storage Space

You’ll also want to take storage needs into consideration, as passengers may be carrying luggage or personal items that need to be placed out of the way. Overhead luggage racks are one option and are best for extended journeys where passengers may frequently need to access their items. Rear storage compartments are another option, although less accessible. Some buses have undercarriage storage for large pieces of luggage that won’t be needed during the journey.

Licensing Requirements

Finally, you should consider whether the drivers of your buses will need additional licensing to drive it. A CDL is necessary for vehicles that weigh over 26,000 pounds or carry more than 15 passengers. Investigate the state laws on your state’s DMV website to determine what you’ll need to do.

Searching for buses for sale near you? Visit one of our dealership locations in Arizona, Alaska, California or Washington or check our website to see our full stock of buses for sale. RWC proudly serves the western United States.