home icon

Saf-T-Liner® C2 School Bus.
Always Innovating.

Over the years, the Saf-T-Liner® C2 school bus has earned a reputation for safety and efficiency. It offers outstanding maneuverability, exceptional driver ergonomics and best-in-class visibility among Type C buses. Yet it’s also one of the most innovative vehicles around. It revolutionized the school bus industry by introducing BusWise® Technologies, a full suite of robust safety, efficiency and serviceability features. That’s innovation for the sake of every kid’s commute. That’s Thomas Built Buses.

Passenger Capacity

Up to 81

Wheelbase

158″, 179″, 199″, 219″, 238″, 259″, 279″

GVWR

Up to 33,000 lbs.

Engine Options

Detroit® DD5™ engine
– 200 hp/560 lb-ft (2k or 3k transmission)
– 220 hp/560 lb-ft (2k or 3k transmission)
– 240 hp/660 lb-ft (2k or 3k transmission)

Cummins® B6.7 200-260 hp
– 260 hp/660 lb-ft
– 250 hp/660 lb-ft
– 240 hp/560 lb-ft
– 220 hp/600 lb-ft
– 220 hp/520 lb-ft
– 200 hp/520 lb-ft

Telematics

Zonar® V4™ advanced telematics system
Detroit Connect® available on DD5 engine
Cummins® Zonar OTAir™ – 2017 or newer

Page 1
Drivability/Comfort
  • Up to 55-degree wheel cut*
  • Tapered leaf suspension
  • Obstruction-free open driver’s area
  • Large overhead driver’s storage compartments
  • Side storage for clipboards and personal objects
  • Customizable driver smart switch placement
  • Non-reflective instrument panel
  • Automotive-style heating and ventilation controls
  • 78″ full-height headroom
  • Saf-T-Vue passenger loading window
  • Low profile aerodynamic hood
  • Instrument panel visibility through steering wheel

*depending on vehicle specifications

Page 1
Safety Features

You may have noticed that the C2 school bus looks different than other Type C buses. We chose this design, quite simply, because of the outstanding visibility and safety. The windshield provides a panoramic view and, when combined with the low sloping hood, low instrument panel and A-pillar windows, the C2’s visibility footprint is the largest in the type C category. Plus, it offers a number of other features that enhance safety, including:

  • Saf-T-Net construction
    • Side skirt reinforcement
    • Extended roof bows
    • Rafter system
  • Double-bolted body mounting clips
  • Fuel tank mounted between frame rails
  • One-piece bonded windshield
  • Saf-T-Bond adhesive joints
  • 33.3″ high windows
  • Meets or exceeds FMVSS/CMVSS
available options icon
Available Options
  • BusWise Technologies platform
    • Zonar telematics system
    • PV360 camera
    • Collision avoidance systems
    • WiFi
    • Tire pressure monitoring system
    • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Detroit Connect Virtual Technician® remote diagnostics service (available
    with DD5 engine only)
  • Wheelchair lift
  • Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
  • Adjustable pedals
  • Air suspension driver’s seat with available heating
  • Air ride suspension
  • Air disc brakes
  • Variety of AM/FM radio options with PA, Bluetooth, Weatherband and speed-sensing volume controls
  • Remote control/heated mirrors
  • In dash HVAC
  • Variety of seating options
    • Bench seat without belts, with lap belts or with three-point belts
    • Latch seat
    • Integrated child seat
    • Coach-style seating
  • LED light packages
  • Engine exhaust brake
  • Acoustical ceiling
  • Luggage compartments
  • Overhead book racks
  • Reading lights
  • Tinted windows
  • Heated driver’s seat
  • Severe duty wiring harness
  • Soft open/close hood
  • Automatic headlights
  • Trash can
  • Cup holders
  • FleetShield™ corrosion protection
DD5™ Engine

Get the engine built for medium-duty applications. Power the possibilities with the Detroit DD5 engine for the Saf-T-Liner C2.

This medium-range engine also uses innovative technology such as variable exhaust cam phasing which reduces driver interactions with regen. The DD5 is available with the Detroit Connect Virtual Technician, a subscription-based remote diagnostic service (free for the first five years) that instantly transmits data to the Detroit Customer Support Center so you can make informed service decisions within minutes of an issue.

Demand it all—and get it—with the Detroit DD5, featuring:

  • The longest service intervals in the industry, with up to 45,000-mile* oil and fuel filter change intervals
  • Maximum uptime with unsurpassed efficiency and exceptional endurance
  • Power, performance and best-in-class fuel economy and reliability
  • Easier serviceability with top-load oil and fuel filters
  • Standard warranty covers the engine and aftertreatment for five years/100,000 miles/160,000 km, including 100% parts and labor
  • Extended coverage options available
  • A 4-cylinder design, which provides just as much torque as a 6-cylinder, but with better fuel efficiency
  • Variable exhaust cam phasing which allows additional heat to the exhaust stream to promote efficient operation of the aftertreatment system in low speed and stop-and-go operation. This reduces the need for active regen
  • Adherence to emissions regulations through 2023

*Or 12 months or 1,500 hours, whichever comes first

Learn more about how Thomas Built Buses and Detroit Diesel Corporation are partners in performance.

bus sales and support icon
Serviceability

Going further is about staying in tune with what your buses need and when they need it. The C2 simplifies maintenance with everything from smart design details to game-changing software.

  • Numbered fault code system for diagnostics
  • Automated light checking system
  • Mechanically fastened warning lights
  • Easy “walk-in access” to engine compartment
  • Passenger windows can be removed with just four screws
  • DD5 engine comes standard with Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostic service to help you maximize uptime
  • Comprehensive DiagnosticLink® software
  • Detroit Auto-Elevate and Cummins Stay Warm feature to reduce DPF maintenance issues
warranty icon
Warranty

At Thomas Built Buses, we know that school systems want to get the most out of their transportation budgets. That’s why we build our buses to a higher standard of durability. Thomas Built is pleased to offer a base warranty of three years or 50,000 miles on the Saf-T-Liner C2. This warranty covers the chassis, electrical and manual controls, safety equipment, assemblies and more. Normal wear items are excluded.

resources icon
Brochures
Sign Up to Receive News and Updates*
* We utilize the MailChimp platform to manage emails. View the MailChimp Privacy Statement.