Ten Considerations when Selecting Ministry Transportation
1. Experience Transportation
Committee members who have experience in the industry are the most likely to anticipate issues. This experience can range from Metro Transit, Automotive/Truck sales to federal, state or local purchasing experience. Purchasing a bus is frequently a lengthy process. Interview several bus dealers to determine which have a heart and mind for ministry transportation. Ask for, and check with, references. Look for a dealer who asks questions such as: What ministries (children, youth, seniors or others) will be using the vehicle? Will its main function be local transportation or long distance travel? What is your driver complement like? Is a wheelchair lift needed?
2. Finances
Church transportation is a large capital expenditure. Regarding this, things to consider when buying a bus are: Will it be financed locally or handled through a major company? Does the dealer have resources to assist in locating financing? Depreciation is an issue. Does the dealer have a formal way of estimating vehicle values over time? Does the dealer allow customers to try the vehicle for a period of time without purchasing?
3. Warranty
The bus industry differs from the automotive industry because it does not have a single, all-encompassing warranty plan. The chassis, coach, alternator, rear air conditioner, video system, and tires all have separate warranties. The dealer should be able to handle or direct you to reputable local service providers. Additionally, each warranty varies in length and mileage. Be sure to get a detailed explanation of each warranty.
4. Presentation
Today, more and more churches are sensitive to presenting the best possible image to their community. Bus manufacturers offer a wide range of products. Fit, finish, and amenities speak volumes. Seating ranges from vinyl to leather, with fabrics offered in six levels. Fabrics are offered in denominational patterns, non-denominational patterns, and commercial patterns. "Side sliders" (an option that allows the aisle seat to move 2 inches toward the center) create additional hip and shoulder room. Footrests and overhead storage are frequently requested. Lap trays, book or magazine storage, and beverage are offered as well. Rear luggage compartments and under-floor storage compartments are popular options. Ministries are concerned about passenger comfort. New advances in ride improvement are a regular part of ministry vehicles regardless of size.
5. Safety
Fifteen-passenger vans are unsafe. Insurance companies and legislators are implementing requirements to phase them out over the next several years. Fifteen passenger buses are the safe alternative. Buses are built to safely carry passengers to their destinations. They are designed with a lower center of gravity to reduce the possibility of rollover. Dual rear wheels add comfort, safety, and security to the bus. Buses are much easier to enter and move through. A low first step, grab rails, and wide aisles add to the traveler's convenience.
6. Legislation
While commercial buses are acceptable for most ministry applications, ministry schools may have to meet different requirements, such as providing Type "A" school buses. Dealers should be able to advise as to requirements and solutions.
7. Vehicle Life
The average ministry vehicle life is eight to ten years. Ministry vehicles are reputed to be the least serviced vehicles in the nation. Maintaining an ongoing commitment to regular safety and service checks is critical to the mechanical longevity and overall value of the vehicle. Where will the vehicle be parked? An oversized garage, barn, or shed can improve appearance and trade-in value in years to come. Who will be responsible for servicing the vehicle? Tire condition and regular maintenance go hand-in-hand with the dependability and safety of the vehicle.
8. Popular Sizes
For churches, over the past few years, the most popular selling modes of transportation have been our 14 passenger + dedicated rear luggage church buses. We always try to have a large number of non-CDL buses in stock, very well equipped with the church user in mind. These buses do NOT require any sort of special drivers license to operate, which can be a huge convenience to the church.
If a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) is not an issue, a 25-28 passenger church bus is very close in price to that of a 14 passenger. Depending on the trips that the congregation may take regularly that may include 20 – 48 passengers, we have a large selection of medium & larger sized buses in-stock at all times as well.
9. Investment
What can you expect to invest in purchasing new ministry transportation? Prices on NEW NON-CDL church vans/buses are going to range anywhere from the $65 - $70k range to approximately $110-$125k range. For medium CDL buses seating up to 28 passengers you can expect a price range from $110k - $130k, and larger CDL buses that seat all the way up to 44 passengers can get up to approx. $210 - $230k, depending on the make and model, and also how the vehicle is equipped. We also provide cutaway Executive Church Coaches that can seat up to 54 passengers that are priced anywhere between $330k - $425k. We also have a large selection of great, AME Certified, Pre-Owned units that can fit into multiple church budgets starting in the $24,000 range, depending on Year, Make, Model, Mileage, Seating Capacity and overall condition.
10. What's New
Insurance companies are willing to share costs with customers who install driver cameras. Installing a global position locator makes tracking the progress of your vehicle easy and improves overall safety.
Call 800.464.2799 for more information.