Bus Reports
Thomas Built Buses regularly publishes the BUS REPORT to provide important information and keep you informed.
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May 2014
New Propane-Fueled Saf-T-Liner C2 In Production At Thomas Built Buses
“Thomas Built Buses is pleased to announce the expansion of its green vehicle lineup with the new Saf-T-Liner C2 fueled by propane autogas. The first few propane C2 models have already been delivered to a select few customers, and Thomas Built Buses is now beginning to ramp up full production.
How is it spec’ed?
Built upon the popular Saf-T-Liner C2 mo...
Total Cost of Ownership Pro Tip
Save Money by Spec’ing the Right Parts
Durability and performance of parts definitely play a role in total cost of ownership. Newer parts in the market oftentimes last longer, increase school bus efficiency, and require less maintenance than traditional parts that were on the market 10 or 15 years ago. Air disc brakes, bonded windshields, multiplex wires, LED lights, and corrosion protection are just a few options that may seem like unnecessary add-ons or may appear a little more expensive than traditional parts, but they each individually can decrease your total cost of ownership. To learn more, speak to your local dealer about what parts may be right for you.
March 2014
Can Driving Differently Actually Save You Money?
“The cost of fuel and overall fuel efficiency are significant factors that can drastically affect the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your fleet. Thomas Built buses, which have Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) emissions systems, can provide from 7% to 27% better fuel economy than traditional Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology. Alternative fuel buses with compressed natural gas...
Total Cost of Ownership Pro Tip
Enhance Your Technician Training
Downtime is costly. Technician training is an important aspect of TCO because the more quickly your technicians can perform routine maintenance checks, the sooner your buses can be back on the road. Not only does solid training keep your buses in optimal condition, it also saves you time and money on maintenance that can be performed quickly on-site. Each year, Thomas Built Buses offers hands-on intensive technician training and factory-certified curriculum all in one week. The Thomas Built Institute’s Service Training East will take place in Greensboro, NC from April 29 – May 2. For technicians unable to make the April event, a second training session will take place from September 9 – 12 in Dallas, Texas. To register or learn more, visit the Thomas Built Institute page.
January 2014
Corrosion Protection Can Save Your Investment.
“Corrosion protection has never been more important than it is today, especially since winter weather de-icing chemicals are stronger than ever. Road salt is a major corrosion culprit, but even worse are newer de-icing formulas, which include calcium chloride and magnesium chloride.
On any bus, protective finishes can wear off over time, or become damaged from rocks or gravel. When...
Total Cost of Ownership Pro Tip
Oil Testing
Not every oil type is created equal. Some engine oils can provide higher miles per gallon (MPG) for your fleet while others will help to better protect your engine. Test your current engine oils, along with fluids in the transmission and rear end, with others on the market and closely monitor fleet MPG and engine wear and tear. Just by switching fluids, you can significantly lower the total cost of ownership of your fleet.
December 2013
How Much Do You Pay For a Bus After You Pay for a Bus?
“How much do you pay for a bus after you pay for a bus? It’s not just about the purchase price. You have to consider fuel costs, as well as maintenance cost, warranty reimbursement, replacement parts and overall durability. All of these add up to the real cost — the total cost of ownership.
The problem is, if you don’t truly know what your total cost of ownership is — t...
Total Cost of Ownership Pro Tip
Knowing “When” is Key — When to Buy a New Bus
As your buses age, the costs to operate and maintain them will inevitably increase. When looking at the total cost of ownership of your fleet, use fuel and maintenance data to determine the best time to purchase a new bus. Calculate how much you are spending to operate and maintain each bus to identify the tipping point when buying a new bus becomes the better financial decision. This tipping point can occur any number of years after the initial purchase of the bus depending on the type of bus, maintenance schedule, terrain, road conditions, miles traveled and even weather conditions.