School bus sales up 10%
SBF finds that North American school bus sales rose from 29,060 units in 2011 to 32,034 units in 2012. The increase comes after five straight years of declining school bus sales.
North American school bus sales rose from 29,060 units in 2011 to 32,034 units in 2012.
After declining for five years in a row, North American school bus sales rose more than 10% in 2012.
SBF research found that in the 2012 sales year (Nov. 1, 2011, to Oct. 31, 2012) school bus sales grew from 29,060 units in 2011 to 32,034 units in 2012 — an increase of 10.2%.
The positive turn comes after school bus sales dropped for five straight years, from 47,614 units in 2006 to 29,060 units in 2011.
In 2012, there were large increases in Type C and D school bus sales. Type Cs (conventionals) went from 20,146 units in 2011 to 21,447 units in 2012 — up 6.6%.
Type D (transit-style) school buses went from 2,507 units in 2011 to 4,109 in 2012 — up 63.9%.
SBF compiles the sales data each year from the U.S. and Canadian school bus manufacturers.
More details on the 2012 North American school bus sales are in SBF’s forthcoming 2013 Fact Book. SBF premium members can download the sales report now in our research center.
More Management
Key Moments from the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting in the Mile High City
From federal policy updates and OEM presentations to speed networking and industry awards, see photos and highlights from the contractor association’s summer conference in Denver.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Launches Spanish-Language App Update, Plans Additional Language Support
The update aims to improve communication with multilingual families by offering ride tracking, notifications, and support in Spanish, with more languages planned for the 2026-2027 school year.
Read More →
Where the Yellow Bus Takes Us: School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year Winners
See the winning photos from School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year contest, featuring stunning school bus images from across the U.S., from scenic landscapes to everyday moments.
Read More →
2026 Back-To-School Readiness Report
Staffing gaps, flat budgets, and the distance between “mostly prepared” and ready for the 2026-2027 school year.
Read More →
National School Transportation Association Presents 2026 Award Winners
Twenty-one individuals and contractor companies were recognized for excellence in student transportation at NSTA's annual meeting and convention in Denver.
Read More →
School Transportation Data Is Only as Powerful as the Story It Tells
Leaders say turning operational metrics into student-centered narratives can help districts justify investments and improve service.
Read More →
Photos: NYAPT Celebrates 50 Years at 2026 Conference & Trade Show
See highlights from NYAPT's 50th anniversary conference in Saratoga Springs, featuring educational sessions, awards, a trade show, networking, and more.
Read More →
Ohio Transportation Workgroup Calls for End to 'Impractical to Transport' Payments
A final report from Ohio's Pupil Transportation Workgroup proposes ending "impractical to transport" payments and expanding transportation options through regional partnerships, but not all industry pros agree on the approach.
Read More →
Transfinder Expands California Footprint with Multiple School District Wins
Six California school districts selected the company's routing platform and related transportation technology as Transfinder continues expanding its presence across the state.
Read More →
NSTA's Curt Macysyn on Student Transportation History and What's Next
Hear from NSTA's executive director as we discuss student transportation's role in American history, federal regulation, driver recruitment, illegal passing, AI, and what might be next, in this Route interview.
Read More →