How old is a school minibus?

It is, I admit, a strange question, but ultimately it is a meaningful question. For the fact is that a survey of these vehicles has shown that over half of the school minibuses on the road are over five years old.

That is not to say that a five year old minibus is a problem if it has been fully maintained. But the fact is that all vehicles, as they get older, become less reliable and need more attention.

Additionally after five years or so they cost more to run and take up more time in maintenance.

But there is another fact that needs to be considered. For the survey which revealed the age of the nation’s school minibus fleet also showed that minibuses are increasingly being used for regular journeys to other schools, colleges, swimming pools and the like, as well as occasional visits organised by departments.

Thus some of these buses are now doing many more miles per term than they were doing when they were new.

All of which means that vehicles are not only on average older, but they are also being used more – and this adds to the problem.

Unfortunately the simple solution to this dilemma (buy a new minibus) is often a very difficult option to pursue, as quite often the finance for a new vehicle is no longer available.

However, there is an alternative, which is to lease a minibus. At present around 20% of school minibuses are leased – but the report mentioned above shows that well over half of schools are now considering financing their next minibus via a lease.

What’s more, leasing still allows the school to have the school name and logo on the side of the bus – with a full range of models available.

If you would like to see what models are available, do take a look at our website – www.minibusleasing.co.uk/school-minibus.php

One final bonus: not only does leasing overcome the question of funding, it also offers the opportunity of putting the maintenance with the leasing company – thus ensuring that the bus is fully serviced throughout the year and running at the highest safety standards.

If you would like more information please email us at Minibus@benchmarkleasing.co.uk or call us on 01753 859 944.