Running a childcare facility involves a lot of responsibility. From playtime to snacktime, it’s necessary to provide the safest environment possible for every child. Perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of childcare is transportation.
Daily you need a safe and reliable transportation solution that fits your daycare’s specific needs. As more and more facilities make the switch from vans to buses to meet their transportation needs, we answer 3 common questions from people searching for the right bus.
How safe is a childcare bus?
One of the most important reasons to switch from a van to a bus is safety. Designed specifically to protect its junior passengers, our childcare buses are loaded with safety features, from seatbelts to steel roof bows. The federal government has even created a new category for this type of bus, known as MFSAB (Multi-Functional School Activity Bus), with specialized safety requirements. In fact, it is illegal for a dealership to sell a new 15 passenger van to someone they know will use it to transport school age children to and from school or a school-related activity (however, it is not illegal for you to use a van for this purpose). While a van is built for general usage, a childcare bus is uniquely designed to provide the ideal safety measures for your riders.
Will my childcare bus have seat belts?
A common fear about making the switch to buses is the lack of seat belts. While the federal government does not require seat belts in a bus over 10,000 GVWR, at Carolina Thomas we order every childcare bus with seat belts. Knowing that these lifesaving devices can be tricky for young users, our seat belts use alternating colors, making it easy for children to know which belt is theirs and get buckled up.
Where can I get my bus serviced?
As the miles build up, every bus will need regular service and repairs, and all too often we encounter bus owners who were promised by a dealer that their bus could be worked on anywhere. While most 15 passenger buses are built on a GM or Ford chassis that can be worked on at a GM or Ford dealership, it’s important to find a partner who can help with your whole bus, from the day you purchase through the lifetime of your bus. Don’t get stuck with a company that’s only interested in making the sale – find a partner that’s with you for the long haul.
Ready to Make the Switch for Your Childcare Facility?
Is it time to upgrade your daycare’s transportation? Contact Carolina Thomas today, or visit us to learn more about how getting out of a van and into a bus can be the right choice for you. Whatever your needs, we can find the perfect buses to get your passengers where they need to be, safely and reliably.
