SchoolBus logo in red and orange
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

School Bus Sales Recover in 2025

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.

December 10, 2025
School Bus Sales Recover in 2025

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. 

Ad Loading...

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 YearType AType CType DTotal
20167,60829,4863,83140,925
20177,99732,1414,25144,389
20188,31931,5054,55744,381
20199,71831,8763,72745,321
20207,20025,9803,02436,204
20215,38622,8451,49430,582
20227,19330,6562,70740,556
202310,41228,0762,72541,241
20248,80828,2363,15340,287
20258,44930,2872,30541,041
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.

More Management

the contractor of the year award logo on an orange background with confetti
Managementby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Contractor of the Year

We're looking for an amazing school bus contractor executive who embodies dedication, excellence, and innovation. Nominate the greats you know for SBF's 2026 award! Nominations close March 31.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 2, 2026

Honoring Heroes Behind the Wheel: Award Nominations Open

Nominations are now open for the second annual 2026 School Bus Driver Hero Award. Help us honor the drivers who selflessly dedicate themselves to ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of the students they transport every day.

Read More →
two men stand in front of a school bus in tennessee
ManagementJanuary 30, 2026

A New Chapter for Tennessee Pupil Transportation: A Vision Grounded in Service, Partnership, and Purpose

Check in with Tennessee’s new state transportation manager, Josh Hinerman, as he reflects on his journey, path to leadership, and priorities for student-centered transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A b2x rewards logo and graphic reading "Read. Learn. Earn."
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Bobit Business Media Launches B2X Rewards for School Transportation Professionals

The new program rewards B2B audience readers for engaging with trusted content and suppliers, earning them points toward events, travel, and more.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 29, 2026

8 Ways To Simplify and Streamline School Bus Fleet Operations

What if your fleet technology actually worked together? Learn eight practical strategies to integrate multiple systems into one platform, unlocking clearer insights, stronger safety standards, and smoother daily operations.

Read More →
Headshots of Heather Free, Regional Director for NAPT Region 3, and Frank Marasco, Regional Director for NAPT Region 6, displayed with NAPT election results graphic.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 28, 2026

NAPT Announces Two New 2026 Regional Directors

NAPT announced the results of its 2026 special election, naming new regional directors for Regions 3 and 6.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
School Bus Fleet graphic about building better school board relationships, featuring a blurred boardroom meeting.
Managementby Bret E. BrooksJanuary 28, 2026

Building Stronger Partnerships: How School Transportation Can Improve Relationships With School Boards

Strong communication and trust between transportation leaders and school boards are essential to safe, effective operations. Here’s how to build a better partnership.

Read More →
Graphic for NAPT Love the Bus Month reading “Education, Delivered,” with a yellow school bus icon, heart graphics, and the text “February 2026” on a light background.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 27, 2026

NAPT Releases 2026 Love the Bus Toolkit

Get ready to promote our industry's favorite month of the year! Gear up to recognize Love the Bus Month with these new resources.

Read More →
headshot of eric boule and text next to it that says "five questions with eric boule micro bird" and the school bus fleet logo
ManagementJanuary 22, 2026

5 Questions: Inside Micro Bird’s Market Growth

Let’s check in with the Canadian manufacturer with a new U.S. presence! Hear first-hand about Micro Bird’s expansion and the company’s long-term North American vision.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two young students wait at a bus top while a school bus drives up with text reading "Biz Briefs."
Managementby StaffJanuary 21, 2026

School Bus Business Briefs: Tech Updates & Industry Recognition

From software updates to AI video search, major contracts, and global ratings, here’s the latest school bus supplier and OEM news.

Read More →