Prior to this aquisition, Laidlaw had a pretty good working relationship with IC Corp as did First Student with Thomas. Now that these two entities are now one in the same...which OEM do you think will get more of the school bus purchase business from First Student?
First Student bought primarily Blue Birds until the early 2000s, then they experimented with Thomas around 03-05, and now they have been heavily involved with IC. Laidlaw on the other hand has been primarily AmTrash/International/IC since leaving Laidlaw in the 80s.
Laidlaw had inked a deal with Bird last year to purchase all Type Ds from Blue Bird, although now that First Student has taken over I'd imagine IC's will stand.
My vote is the "new" First Student will be IC and Collins as always. Perhaps a few exceptions, but I don't see them leaving the most inexpensive product on the road anytime soon.
Thank you all for your responses. I will be moving over to First Student in January and I'll be sure to keep you posted of the vehicles, at least at my location, and will be posting quite a few pics on school bus central. Quite a mix of buses from what I understand.
Laidlaw and IC vs. First Student and Thomas
Posted - 11/28/2007 : 9:37:11 PM
