How Much Does It Cost to Operate a Church Bus?
Having a church bus is an investment for your congregation that can benefit your outreach efforts as well as increase your members' participation in services and other group activities. Before making the investment, however, you must make sure your church budget can support the initial and ongoing costs, as they can be quite substantial.
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Benefits
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A bus might be just the right thing for your church---aiding older worshippers' attendance, picking up neighborhood children to encourage them and their parents to get involved, and transporting members to different group events at a lower cost than if everyone drove separate cars. Buses may take up less space in your parking lot if a regular pick-up schedule for members is in effect, allowing more individuals to "carpool" and resulting in fewer cars clogging your lot.
Initial Cost
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The initial cost of your church vehicle is more than just its sticker price. If the vehicle requires specialized accommodations such as a wheelchair lift or seatbelt installation for children, those expenses must be considered part of your overall cost. If the bus will transport children, federal safety requirements must be met. However, a vehicle that meets the regulations for transporting children may not be comfortable for older adults. Consider the costs of making adjustments to the vehicle so it can be used to transport people of different ages.
Some organizations, such as Churchbus.com and Major Vehicle Exchange, offer competitive prices for churches to acquire a bus that fits their needs and budgets. It may be possible to negotiate monthly payments in the range of $590 to $700 for a new church bus. Churches with less money to spend on transportation may also want to consider leasing a bus as an alternative to buying it.
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Fuel
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The high cost of fuel is a challenge no matter what vehicle you drive. Standard buses using unleaded fuel get approximately 11 mpg. Buses using diesel fuel will tend to have a better mileage per gallon ratio, perhaps up to 17 mpg. Consider the costs of fueling your bus.
Ongoing Costs
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Any large vehicle such as a bus or van requires maintenance and repair costs. Several thousands of dollars might be needed annually to maintain and repair your vehicle, even for such wear items as tires, brakes, and fluids. Older buses may require more maintenance and therefore incur a greater cost. Insurance for drivers and the vehicle itself is an additional regular cost that is higher for multi-passenger vehicles than for individual cars.
Driver Licensing
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Bus drivers need to have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement. Costs vary from state to state, so check with your state's motor-vehicle department for that specific information. The basic costs range from $50 to $65 annually for a bus operator's or chauffer's license plus the CDL designation. Additional endorsements, such as the "passenger" endorsement, cost $5 to $15 each.
Risks
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Some churches would suggest that the cost of a 15-passenger van is better than that of a large or small bus. However, the National Transportation Safety Board has issued three warnings about the dangers of 15-passenger vans. Investing in safety is as important as investing in a quality vehicle, and churches should consider the human costs over financial costs when considering buying a bus.
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