Get the scoop on North American 2025 school bus sales totals, plus a historical look over the last 10 years for comparison. This report is sponsored by First Light Safety Products.
After a slight decline in 2024, the school bus market saw modest gains in 2025.
Photo: School Bus Fleet
1 min to read
How did school bus sales trend this year? We collected the data for you!
After a 2% dip in overall sales last year, in 2025, the trend reversed. Looking at the historical trend, we’re still not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels, but we are on track with 2015.
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Here's what else we found.
School bus production delays from last year resolved this year, and we gained back the lost 2% in 2024. Type As dropped in popularity, Ds dropped even more, and Cs grew in demand.
Photo: School Bus Fleet
North American School Bus Sales by Type
Sales Year
Type A
Type C
Type D
Total
2016
7,608
29,486
3,831
40,925
2017
7,997
32,141
4,251
44,389
2018
8,319
31,505
4,557
44,381
2019
9,718
31,876
3,727
45,321
2020
7,200
25,980
3,024
36,204
2021
5,386
22,845
1,494
30,582
2022
7,193
30,656
2,707
40,556
2023
10,412
28,076
2,725
41,241
2024
8,808
28,236
3,153
40,287
2025
8,449
30,287
2,305
41,041
Change
-4%
+7%
-27%
+2%
U.S. sales slightly increased from last year, with Type Ds plummeting in popularity. Over the past decade, transit-style school buses have experienced extreme fluctuations.
Diesel still makes up the bulk of North American fleets, but gasoline and alt-fuels are gaining ground.
Photo: School Bus Fleet
As usual, Type C bus sales dominated, representing almost three-quarters of total sales. Type As were on par with last year, and Type Ds slightly dropped.
Photo: School Bus Fleet
Get more industry information and statistics — including the full U.S. vs. Canada sales breakdown — in School Bus Fleet's 2026 Fact Book.
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