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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions


What is an "MFSAB?"
Short for Multi Function School Activity Bus, an MFSAB meets the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) as school buses but is not required to have stop-arms or traffic-control lights and in most states is not required to be yellow. Studies have shown that school buses (including MFSABs) are the safest form of surface transportation. The National Safety Council estimates that the risk of death to a passenger traveling in a school bus is 172 times less than someone traveling in an automobile or other non-compliant vehicle.


Since a van has seat belts, isn't it safer than a MFSAB like the Minotour® bus?
No. School buses are built with sturdy steel roll cages so they can withstand a rollover better than other vehicles. In addition, seating is designed to compartmentalize passengers in the event of an accident and seat backs are engineered to absorb energy. School buses are also required to have multiple emergency exits and rugged body construction for side impact protection. In fact, school buses have better per road mile safety records than all other vehicles. Thomas type A school buses (including MFSABs) are equipped with lap belts as standard equipment; 3-point safety belt seats are optional.


What is Jacob's Law?
Jacob's Law is a South Carolina law passed to correct a non-compliant vehicle loophole that currently exists in federal law. It is named for a young boy whose death in a non-compliant vehicle might have been prevented had the school been using a Multi Function School Activity Bus. Although the Motor Vehicle Safety Act prohibits the sale or lease of non-compliant vehicles to schools for transporting students if that vehicle does not meet stringent Federal School Bus Safety Standards, some un-informed operators across the country continue to use them.


Aren't school buses significantly more expensive than vans?
MFSAB prices range from about $36,000 for a basic model to $53,000 for a model with options such as high-capacity air conditioning, integrated child seats, acoustical ceiling and shoulder/lap belts. Centers may want to consider a 30-passenger mini-bus instead of two 14- passenger buses to save on maintenance and driver costs - if a one-bus plan meets their transportation needs. Small bus bodies are built of sturdier materials and don't need to be replaced as frequently as vans do. Plus the added level of safety may reduce your liability exposure.
When pricing transportation options, be sure to consider the price of the vehicle plus the cost of insurance. Often the least expensive vehicles require the most expensive insurance. For example, the cost of insuring non-compliant vehicles has risen dramatically. On the other hand, insuring Type-A buses can be quite reasonable.


Do I need a special driver's license to drive Minotour® bus?
Yes and no. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required for drivers of vehicles designed to transport more than 14 passengers. We offer the Minotour® bus in 2 basic sizes:  Our Minotour DRW (dual rear wheel) model is typically seated for 14 passengers plus the driver; therefore no CDL is required. Our Minotour® EL (also a DRW) bus can carry up to 30 passengers. For more info on CDLs, please visit the national DMV website.


I really want to get a Minotour® bus, but I don't know if we can afford it?
For over 10 years, DaimlerChrysler Truck Financial has been helping customers obtain the Thomas Built Buses they need to be productive and safe. We offer numerous commercial finance options that fit your needs. We understand the specialized funding requirements of the childcare business, and our experienced, hands-on credit team can help you squeeze the most out of a tight budget.
Give us a call to learn more about the custom financing solutions available for the entire line of Thomas Built Buses from DaimlerChrysler Truck Financial.


Where can I get a Minotour® bus serviced?
When you purchase a vehicle from Florida Bus Unlimited, you're getting more than a high-performing bus. You become a member of our family. And as a member, we take good care of you and your vehicle. We know our success is dependent on yours, and we've built a service and support organization designed with your needs in mind. With facilities in Orlando and Tampa, as well as our Warranty on Wheels (WOW) mobile service trucks, Florida Bus Unlimited is dedicated to Service After the Sale.  Our technicians are factory trained and up to date on the latest  technology.


Thomas has the most extensive Type A bus dealer network in North America, with factory-trained service personnel in every U.S. state and several locations throughout Canada. If you have more questions on Thomas, please visit their website at http://thomasbus.com .