DRUMMONDVILLE, Quebec — Type A school bus manufacturer Micro Bird has expanded the passenger capacity in its G5 bus in an effort to bolster efficiency.

Micro Bird’s G5 model school buses had featured a passenger capacity of 30, but now can accommodate 36 passengers. For the buses that are equipped with wheelchair lifts, the G5 now has room for six passengers with wheelchairs and three passengers not using wheelchairs.

Previously, the G5 was able to fit five wheelchairs, but no additional passengers, Erik Boisvert, a spokesperson in charge of marketing for Micro Bird, told School Bus Fleet.

The Type A school bus builder rolled out the new G5 with increased capacity on Feb. 1, displaying it to its dealers.

The new G5 platform retains all of Micro Bird’s key features and benefits, including its 8-inch rear impact buffer and 32-inch entrance door.

What prompted the additional capacity was a desire to help customers get more for their money, said Normand Pâquet, chief commercial officer for Micro Bird.

“Micro Bird anticipates that with the expanded G5, bus drivers will experience more efficiency on routes, and that customers will experience an overall lower cost of operation,” he added.

At a ride and drive for the new G5 in March, Mike Gardner, superintendent of buildings, grounds, and transportation at Town of Webb Union Free School District in New York, noted the smooth ride.

“I especially liked the ride comfort. The weight distribution is excellent, and [there is] no bounce from the front end,” he said.