Since moving to Southern California’s San Fernando Valley in the spring, I’ve logged a lot of miles commuting to and from work (SBF’s editorial office is in Torrance).

On my drive home, in particular, I see interesting things on the freeway since I am usually sitting in traffic. A vehicle that’s caught my eye on numerous occasions is a Crown school bus that I’m fairly certain is someone’s personal vehicle: emblazoned on the sides and back of the bus are the words “COOL BUS.”

Because I’m behind the wheel whenever I see the bus, I don’t have a picture of it to share with you, but I chuckle when I see it, and I wish I had an opportunity to talk to the driver to find out how this retired school bus came into his possession.

We at SBF have learned of other interesting uses for school buses once they're no longer used for pupil transportation. As Executive Editor Thomas McMahon reported earlier this year, architecture student Hank Butitta bought an old school bus on Craigslist for $3,000 and turned it into a home on wheels.

The bus home is broken into four primary zones: bathroom, kitchen, seating and sleeping. The driver area can be separated from the living space with a sliding door panel; while on the road, it is left open.

And in this photo gallery, we feature school buses that have been turned into a gym on wheels, a produce delivery vehicle and a mobile art gallery, among other uses.

Have you come across any retired school buses that are now used for a new purpose? Post a comment below with information about what they’re used for, or send an e-mail to info@schoolbusfleet.com. We also welcome photos of the buses.

Until next time,

Kelly Aguinaldo
Managing Editor