SchoolBus logo in red and orange
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

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 →