Related: Collins parent Allied Specialty Vehicles changes name, tagline
Collins reveals new small bus on Ford Transit chassis
Key features of the new Type A include enhanced driver visibility, improved fuel economy and a narrow body with easier maneuverability, company officials say.

Key features of Collins' new Ford Transit chassis Type A include enhanced driver visibility and improved fuel economy, company officials say.
RICHMOND, Va. — Type A school bus manufacturer Collins unveiled its new bus on a Ford Transit chassis here on Monday night.
The new bus is available in single rear wheel (SRW) and dual rear wheel (DRW) models. The SRW transports up to 20 passengers, while the DRW can carry up to 25.
Company officials pointed to the vehicle’s large view-out window on the passenger entry side, which they said reduces blind spots and enhances visibility when loading and unloading students.
Matt Scheuler, president and general manager of Collins Bus Corp., said that the new bus is now in production, and the company has already started taking orders for it.
Scheuler said that some of the key features are the enhanced driver visibility, improved fuel economy and a narrow body with easier maneuverability. He also noted that the air-conditioning system is flush against the rear wall.
The bus is Altoona tested, simulating seven years and 200,000 miles of wear. Collins offers a five-year body warranty and a limited lifetime paint warranty.
More Management

Walton County Schools Adds Gatekeeper Stop-Arm Enforcement System
The Florida district will deploy Gatekeeper’s updated Student Protector technology, which now incorporates AI to improve video evidence.
Read More →
Zum Reaches 19 States With New York Expansion
The addition of the Empire State to the student transportation company's roster marks a growing expansion in the Northeast as it scales its tech and school bus services.
Read More →
First Student Updates Its Parent App
First View connects both yellow bus and alternative transportation, giving families one platform to track student trips for the new school year, with 15 languages supported.
Read More →
The Back-to-School Checklist Every Director Should Complete Before the First Bell
Help your transportation team start the school year strong with these tips for contingency planning, communication, fleet visibility, technology, and trip management.
Read More →
How a New York District Cut Nearly $1M in Transportation Costs While Expanding Bus Access
A data-driven overhaul with BusRight reduced Poughkeepsie City School District's planned routes from 26 to 17 while extending school bus service to about 1,200 additional students.
Read More →
Budgets Down, Enrollment Shifting: What the Data Says Districts Should Watch
School transportation departments face two converging challenges this year: tightening budgets and shifting enrollment. Most districts still address these issues separately, but the assumption that either trend will simplify operations is proving incorrect.
Read More →
These 8 School Transportation Companies Made the 2026 Inc. 5000 List
Find out which school transportation contractors, technology providers, and suppliers ranked among America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Read More →The Link Between Emotional Intelligence and School Bus Safety
How can emotional intelligence help transportation pros navigate stress, manage change, and build stronger relationships? Listen to find out.
Read More →What Emotional Intelligence Has to Do With School Bus Safety
In this video, discover how emotional intelligence can help transportation leaders and drivers navigate stress, manage change, and build stronger relationships. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
Beyond Two-Way Radios: School Bus Communications Evolve With Push-to-Talk Over Cellular
PRYME Radio and PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free radio use and reduce distracted driving. See how PoC compares with traditional radios on range, cost, safety, and connectivity.
Read More →

