How did school bus sales trend this year compared to previous periods? Get the data right here!
School Bus Fleet gathered sales stats from each school bus OEM to provide you with a snapshot of the industry. Here's what we found.
School Bus Sales Dip 2% in 2024
Get the scoop on North American 2024 school bus sales totals, plus a historical look over the last 10 years for comparison. This report is sponsored by First Light Safety Products.
December 10, 2024
Photo: SBF/Canva
1 min to read
While total bus sales are down just 2% due to early-year production issues, type D sales rose the most — the highest number of transit-style school buses since COVID. Type As dropped in popularity, and Cs remained steady as usual.
Source: School Bus Fleet
North American School Bus Sales by Type
| Sales Year | Type A | Type C | Type D | Total |
| 2015 | 7,506 | 28,340 | 4,344 | 40,190 |
| 2016 | 7,608 | 29,486 | 3,831 | 40,925 |
| 2017 | 7,997 | 32,141 | 4,251 | 44,389 |
| 2018 | 8,319 | 31,505 | 4,557 | 44,381 |
| 2019 | 9,718 | 31,876 | 3,727 | 45,321 |
| 2020 | 7,200 | 25,980 | 3,024 | 36,204 |
| 2021 | 5,386 | 22,845 | 1,494 | 30,582 |
| 2022 | 7,193 | 30,656 | 2,707 | 40,556 |
| 2023 | 10,412 | 28,076 | 2,725 | 41,241 |
| 2024 | 8,808 | 28,236 | 3,153 | 40,287 |
| Change | -15% | +1% | +16% | -2% |
U.S. sales remained largely similar to last year, with the exception of transit-style Type Ds that saw the most notable increase.
Source: School Bus Fleet
U.S. School Bus Sales by Type
| Sales Year | Type A | Type C | Type D | Total |
| 2015 | 6,560 | 24,830 | 4,103 | 35,493 |
| 2016 | 6,699 | 25,796 | 3,746 | 36,241 |
| 2017 | 6,966 | 28,667 | 4,157 | 39,790 |
| 2018 | 7,216 | 27,986 | 4,490 | 39,692 |
| 2019 | 8,242 | 28,787 | 3,685 | 40,714 |
| 2020 | 6,206 | 23,229 | 2,946 | 32,381 |
| 2021 | 4,872 | 20,321 | 1,460 | 26,653 |
| 2022 | 6,777 | 28,238 | 2,673 | 37,688 |
| 2023 | 7,070 | 26,158 | 2,695 | 35,951 |
| 2024 | 7,160 | 25,779 | 2,996 | 35,935 |
| Change | +1.3% | -1.4% | +11% | -0.1% |
Historically, bus sales trends in Canada have been volatile. This year, Type Ds saw a small swell, as Type As had a notable drop.
Source: School Bus Fleet
Canada School Bus Sales by Type
| Sales Year | Type A | Type C | Type D | Total |
| 2015 | 946 | 3,510 | 241 | 4,697 |
| 2016 | 909 | 3,690 | 85 | 4,684 |
| 2017 | 1,031 | 3,474 | 94 | 4,599 |
| 2018 | 1,103 | 3,519 | 67 | 4,689 |
| 2019 | 1,476 | 3,089 | 42 | 4,607 |
| 2020 | 994 | 2,751 | 78 | 3,823 |
| 2021 | 514 | 2,524 | 34 | 3,072 |
| 2022 | 416 | 2,418 | 34 | 2,868 |
| 2023 | 3,342 | 1,918 | 30 | 5,290 |
| 2024 | 1,648 | 2,657 | 47 | 4,352 |
| Change | -51% | +39% | +57% | -18% |
As usual, conventional Type C bus sales dominated, representing more than two-thirds of total sales. Type As fell a bit, with Type Ds slowly gaining popularity.
Source: School Bus Fleet
Get more industry information and statistics in School Bus Fleet's 2025 Fact Book, available in full Dec. 18, 2024.
More Management
School Bus Laws to Watch: Anti-Trafficking Curriculum, Passing Loopholes & Tougher Penalties
From Nebraska CDL training add-ons, tackling stop arm passing loopholes in Minnesota, and increased penalties for school bus driver DUIs and firearm incidents, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
Cooperative Purchasing Explained: A Guide for School Transportation Pros
Stop bidding everything and consider a simpler way. Learn how cooperative purchasing can streamline purchases while maintaining compliance. Sourcewell breaks down the process in this episode of The Route, sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
Sponsored•March 13, 2026
2026 School Bus Fleet Vendor Directory & Buyer's Guide
Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Launches In-App Ride Recording and Real-Time Student Trip Tracking Tool
New software features add smartphone-based ride recording and web trip tracking to boost safety, transparency, and caregiver visibility.
Read More →
School Bus Labor Disputes and Union Organizing Continue Across North America
School bus drivers and monitors in New York joined Teamsters, while others in Alaska and Ontario face ongoing strikes over wages and contracts.
Read More →
Zonar Announces New Executive Leadership Appointments
After a recent merger and another acquisition, Zonar looks to the future with its four new executive team leads.
Read More →
Kajeet Launches Low-Cost Internet Program for Schools and Buses
In the wake of federal funding cuts to the e-rate program and on-board WiFi, Kajeet offers a new option for Internet connectivity where it matters most for students.
Read More →
The Bus Center Named a 2025 Top 4 Forest River Dealer
The Bus Center was named a Top 4 Dealer for Forest River Bus & Van for 2025, marking its second consecutive year receiving recognition from the manufacturer.
Read More →
Model1 Opens New Illinois Location, Joins Sourcewell
The dealership's new Elgin location will serve commercial fleets across the Chicago area.
Read More →
Two Midwest Districts Turn to Transfinder
Two separate school districts in Illinois and Ohio have rolled out Transfinder's Routefinder and Tripfinder solutions, respectively.
Read More →