PORTLAND, Ore. — Thomas Built Buses has launched a program that offers a delay to the warranty start of new buses until schools reopen and pupil transportation resumes.

The “Delayed Warranty Start” program is designed to assist customers with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release from the school bus manufacturer.

“The customers of Thomas Built Buses have stepped up to serve their communities in unprecedented ways in the past several months as the nation grapples with the effects of this global pandemic,” said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “It’s our turn to step up for those customers and provide an opportunity to give back a little extra peace of mind as schools reopen.”

Under the terms of the program, new buses received by customers after Feb. 1, 2020 will be eligible to have the in-service date changed to the school restart date as specified by the school or district they serve. The program will accommodate variances for those districts with year-round schools, schools reopened for the 2019-20 school year, as well as for schools that remain closed until the 2020-21 school year starts in the fall.

For buses financed through Daimler Truck Financial (DTF), Thomas Built Buses and DTF are also offering 90-day delay to first payments for new school buses and offering payment relief for existing customers. (Restrictions apply. Program eligibility is determined by DTF’s credit team based upon the creditworthiness of the customer. DTF reserves the right to modify or terminate this program at any time with no notice, according to Thomas Built Buses.)

For more information, contact your Thomas Built Buses dealer.