School Bus Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Blue Bird to unveil new Type A bus, new technology

Along with the new Micro Bird T-Series bus, Blue Bird will debut an electronic stability control system and a new Propane Vision warranty.

November 11, 2014
2 min to read


KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Blue Bird is scheduled to debut new buses and technology at the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) trade show here on Tuesday.

Among the unveilings will be a new Type A bus model. Blue Bird will debut the Micro Bird T-Series bus line. Company officials said that the new line features a contemporary and ergonomic design that highlights the bus’ narrow body, designed to provide enhanced maneuverability.

Ad Loading...

The bus, offered on a new Ford Transit chassis, has a capacity of up to 25 passengers under 10,400 pounds. Company officials said that the bus offers aerodynamics that support increased fuel economy, maximized driver visibility, optimized driver ergonomics, highly responsive power and striking aesthetics.

Full production on the Micro Bird T-Series is scheduled for spring 2015.

Another debut will be Blue Bird’s electronic stability control provided by Bendix ESP. Company officials said that Blue Bird is the only manufacturer in North America to offer school bus stability technology.

The factory-installed Bendix ESP is an anti-lock brake system based stability technology that recognizes and assists with providing increased stability and control during bus under- and over-steer driving situations. The system utilizes a series of sensors to continuously monitor vehicle parameters, including wheel speed, lateral acceleration, steering angle, brake pressure and yaw rate. The sensors combine to measure driver intent and vehicle direction, which company officials said helps to improve driving through automatic interventions such as de-throttling the engine and selectively applying the brakes — typically reacting faster than human response.

Blue Bird’s electronic stability control option is featured on the Vision and All American lines.

Ad Loading...

Blue Bird will also debut a Propane Vision warranty that provides unlimited-mile propane system coverage for five years. This includes the engine, transmission, fuel tanks and propane system.

The new Propane Vision warranty is available on the 2015 model year and beyond.

“Blue Bird is excited to debut the highly anticipated Micro Bird T-Series bus and forward-thinking technology at the NAPT Summit,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corp. “These industry-leading debuts are an extension of our commitment to offering state-of-the-art buses and options that our customers value. We encourage the NAPT conference participants to stop by Blue Bird’s trade show booth and learn more about these leading products.”

More Management

Graphic that reads “What I Learned About Leadership” over photos of school transportation professionals participating in discussions and networking at the TAPT leadership event.
ManagementSeptember 4, 2026

From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT

A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.

Read More →
Graphic announcing the 2026 NAPT Award Winners, featuring the National Association for Pupil Transportation logo on a blue background with gold stars.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 3, 2026

NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients

Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership.

Read More →
Zonar Cover for White Paper Survey Results for 2026 State of Student Transportation
SponsoredSeptember 2, 2026

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic reading “Managing Others’ Anger: Keeping Your Cool When Tempers Are High,” alongside a red balloon with an angry face against a stormy background.
Managementby Amanda HuggettSeptember 1, 2026

How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict

What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.

Read More →
Image of happy school children exiting their school bus
SponsoredSeptember 1, 2026

What Readiness Looks Like This School Year

Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.

Read More →
Graphic for School Bus Fleet’s August 2026 “Changing Lanes” personnel roundup featuring Cameron Nazemzadeh of STA, Jim Wojciechowski Jr. of Summit School Services, Matthew Klein of Zum, Kristen Shaheen of Transit Technologies, and James Hopkins of Cummins Inc.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsAugust 31, 2026

Changing Lanes: Executive Moves at Summit School Services, Zum, STA, Cummins, Transit Technologies, Driventic, & Cadex

See who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and private contractors.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Student-created poster titled “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes” shows a yellow school bus at a crosswalk, students waiting nearby, and school bus safety reminders about stopping, school zones, safe pickup and drop-off, and buckling up.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseAugust 31, 2026

Texas Sixth Grader Wins 2026 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest

Sai Darshana Yekolu of Moseley Middle School in Prosper, Texas, was named the newest winner for her artwork, bringing the theme of “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes” to life.

Read More →
A green and white graphic with a black and white image of a new Bendpak facility with text reading "Industry Moves: Companies Expand & Relocate."
Managementby Elora HaynesAugust 27, 2026

Industry Moves: Companies Expand Fleet Service & EV Infrastructure Footprints

The new facilities and regional hubs could mean faster access to shop equipment, charging support, and transportation technology for fleet operators.

Read More →
Cover of a Pro-Vision whitepaper titled “Doing More With Less: A Transportation Director’s Guide to Managing Safety Budget Uncertainty,” featuring school buses, a school transportation scene, and safety technology imagery.
SponsoredAugust 27, 2026

Doing More With Less: How Transportation Directors Can Prioritize Safety Amid Budget Uncertainty

With diesel prices soaring and nearly one-third of transportation directors expecting budget cuts, maintaining student safety has never been more challenging. Download this guide to learn how leading districts are prioritizing risk, funding critical safety technology, and building stronger budget cases with data.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Gatekeeper Systems camera mounted on the side of a school bus.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsAugust 26, 2026

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 →