Best Safety Features To Check Before Purchasing A New Or A Used Shuttle Bus In 2022

Are you looking to purchase a new or a used shuttle bus in 2022? Whether it be large or small, 15-passenger or 56-passenger, make sure to check out for/follow these safety features before purchase.

Scrutinize For General Safety Features In A Shuttle

First off, you need to conduct a thorough analysis of the bus. Ideally, you should go for shuttle buses with the safety features are embedded within it. Anti-lock brakes, emergency equipment, seatbelts (small shuttle buses, like school buses, come with lap or lap/shoulder belts) and so on.

Paperwork

In addition to inspecting the physical frame of the shuttle, its interiors and exteriors, scanning the maintenance records is also another effective method to check whether the used shuttle has been kept in good condition. The rule of thumb, if possible, is to check the records of the last 10,000 miles. If the used shuttle bus is part of a fleet, from 15 to 56 passengers, you are more likely to get your hands on such records. Here are a few of the recommended items to request documentation for current safety conditions:

FIRE EXTENGUISHER
WARNING REFLECTORS
FIRST AID KET
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
SEATS SECURE
SEAT BELTS
WINDSHIED AND WIPERS
MIRRORS
FLOORING
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS
TURN SIGNALS
HORN
SWITCHES AND WIRING
DOOR SECURMENT
DOOR OPERATION
ALTERNATOR
STARTER
WIRING-MOUNTING
BATTERIES
ALL FLUIDS
BATTERY TERMINALS AND CABLES
RADIATOR AND HOSES
WATER-PUMP
ALL BELTS CONDITIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS
THROTTLE LINKAGE
FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS
AIR CLEANER
MANIFOLDS
GASKETS
ENGINE MOUNTS
OIL LEAKS
BRAKES – INCLUDING FLUID LEVELS
LEAKS HOSES AND TUBING
AIR GOVERNOR MIN 85 – MAX 130
AIR RESERVOIR TEST
AIR WARNING OPERATION
AIR TANKS SECUREMENT
AIR TANK DRAIN
LOSS 3’ PER MIN
ADJUSTMENT
LININE AND DRUMS
PEDAL HEIGHT
PARKING BRAKE
EMERGENCY STOP SYSTEM
CHASSIS – WHEELS
TIRES
LUGS
WHEEL SEALS
CHECK STEEERING GEAR AND MOUNTING
STEERING ARMS
DRAG LINKS
TIE RODS
BALL JOINTS
FRAME CROSSEMEMBERS
SPRINGS AND SHACKLES
U BOLTS
KING PINS
SHOCK ABSORBERS
BUSHINGS
TRANSMISSION
DIFFERENTIAL
FLUID LEVELS
SEALS MOUNTING
DRIVE SHAFT
U JOINTS
EXHAUST CONDITION
LEAKS
BUS AND CHASSIS BODY UNDERSIDE

Test Drive The Shuttle Bus

As good as it is to trust an expert, test drive the shuttle bus yourself if possible. Make sure to hit all gears, including reverse, and get a good feel of the control the bus offers. Generally speaking, automatic transmissions are the mostly what you’ll find in later model shuttle buses in the U.S. While testing, pay special focus on the engine with respect to fuel type and efficiency. A good tip here is to be clear on where you are going to be driving. What type of terrain will you be using the bus? Is it going to snow a lot there? Or is it a sunny state like Florida?

Emergency Exits Safety In The Shuttle

All types of Shuttle buses, from brand types like Ford Transit, Turtle Top, Diamond, or Champion, or Grech Motors– or size varieties like 15-passenger shuttle or 24-passenger shuttle, need to have emergency exits at the right place. As basic as it sounds, its importance cannot be overstated. Multiple exits are always welcome. Well-designed shuttle buses should have exits that facilitate older and/or disabled people to exit in a timely fashion if there is a loss of power or some type of accident.

Shuttle Bus Tires Safety

Tires have a speed rating. Do not speed excessively, or it might lead to premature tire failure or tire damage. In accordance with the rules laid out by the US Department of Transportation, only opt for approved rim and tire combinations (the width and diameter should be appropriate per the chassis manufacturer). A mismatch of tire-rim could lead to a possible explosion.

Even after purchase, keeping the right inflation pressure is crucial from the safety standpoint. Otherwise, tire wear and fuel efficiency could be affected. One needs to be watchful, on a daily basis, of irregular tread wear, cracking, bulges, inadequate tread depth, cuts, foreign objects, or any other visible damage to the tires of the shuttle.

Knowledge Is Key! – Ask For The Opinion From An Expert Before Buying The Shuttle

Apart from checking these safety features, you need to understand critical pointers as regards the usage of these features. Understand from your seller how the crash force could be distributed in case of an accident. Similarly understand the functioning of other safety and securement devices, the emergency doors and windows, and the general do’s and don’ts of the shuttle bus. Bear in mind that taking an expert opinion provides much more value than asking friends and relatives. Approach the issue of safety professionally. After all, safety could be a matter of life and death.

Safety Checklist For A Used Shuttle Bus

Scanning a used shuttle bus is different and definitely more important as compared to a new one. Conduct an exhaustive inspection of the condition of the bus. Here are some key things to inspect: You must manually check things like the frame of the shuttle bus, the audio equipment, the HVAC systems, etc. Pay special attention to any leaks and/or rusts on any body part. The only way to completely fix rusts is to replace the part in question, so you might want to do that. While at it, check the long-term availability of the parts in the market. The external paint should have ideally been regularly touched up. A qualified vehicle inspector should be able to take you through the inspection process smoothly.

Airbags In The Shuttle Bus

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) cites that from 1987 to 2017, frontal air-bags saved 50,457 lives. Air bags are a plus for the driver, and when used along with seatbelts, are arguably THE most life-saving equipment any vehicles could have.

Miscellaneous Shuttle Bus Safety Features

The same safety principle that applies to emergency exits is applicable in regular day-to-day travelling as well: seat-belts, fire extinguishers, cameras, driver assist functions, the right spacing between seats, overhead luggage, etc. Some of these are vital while others just prevent daily/occasional injuries.

Speaking of safety in choosing the right bus type, here’s an example: 15-passenger buses are way safer than 15-passenger vans due to a better centre of gravity that prevents rollover on speedy turns or side impact.

Secure brake linings resist corrosion, punctures, and wear, and stem the possibility of leaks ruining your braking system. Make sure you have them, and maintain them.

Legalities

Finally, adherence to the federal and state laws when buying a new or used shuttle bus is a must. The laws are made specific to the particular safety requirements of an area, and adherence to them will only contribute to the bus safety.

FINALLY, REMEMBER, SAFETY DOES NOT COME WITH LUCK

IIt has to be prepared for. We at Nations Bus Sales hope you will prioritize safety when making any vehicle purchase. In case you need assistance in purchasing a shuttle bus, or simply need an expert opinion to help you through the process, drop us a line at sales@nationsbus.com or call us at our toll-free number 800-523-3262 if you want to discuss anything about buses. We’re here for you. Safe travelling!