Collins Buses
Available in Idaho, Ohio, Texas and Utah
For over 50 years, Collins has built trusted transportation solutions with a focus on safety, strength and flexibility. From Type A school buses and multi-function school activity buses to compact multi-purpose vehicles and childcare buses, Collins offers versatile configurations for daily student transportation, activities, accessibility needs and specialized programs. With multiple chassis, seating and accessibility options available, Collins buses can be configured to meet the needs of schools, childcare providers and community organizations.
School Buses
Collins' Type A school bus offers safe and flexible solutions for shuttling students to and from school. With a max capacity of up to 35 passengers as well as a wide range of seating and chassis configurations, there’s a Collins school bus to fit your needs.
Multi-Purpose Buses
Collins multi-function school activity buses and multi-purpose vehicles combine trusted school bus safety with the flexibility to serve transportation needs beyond the daily school route. From athletics and field trips to community programs, childcare and youth groups, the Collins MFSAB and "Mini" MPV offer adaptable configurations for a variety of passengers and programs.
Childcare Buses
The Collins Childcare Bus is designed with school bus safety standards to help protect its youngest passengers. With seating for up to 14 passengers with optional storage, versatile seating configurations and enhanced driver visibility, the Collins Childcare Bus provides a flexible transportation solution for daycare centers, preschools and other childcare programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manufactures Collins buses?
Collins buses are produced by Collins Industries, a wholly owned subsidiary of Forest River, Inc. All Collins buses are assembled at Collins Industries’ 94,000-square-foot facility in South Hutchinson, Kansas.
What Collins bus models are available?
Collins offers four bus models designed for a variety of student, activity and childcare transportation needs:
- Type A School Bus: A versatile Type A school bus designed for daily student transportation, with a variety of seating and accessibility configurations.
- MFSAB: A Type A multi-function school activity bus designed for after-school activities, athletics, field trips, community programs and more.
- "Mini" MPV: A non-CDL multi-purpose vehicle ideal for school activities, childcare, sports teams, church youth groups and more.
- Childcare Bus: A Type A bus built to meet the unique transportation needs of daycare centers, preschools and other childcare programs.
What is a Type A bus?
A Type A school bus is built with a bus body mounted on a cutaway front-section vehicle chassis, with the driver’s door located on the left side. Compact and versatile, Type A buses are commonly used for smaller student groups, specialized transportation and routes where a full-size school bus may not be necessary.
Do I need a CDL to drive a Collins bus?
CDL requirements depend on the Collins model, passenger capacity and applicable state regulations.
The Collins "Mini" MPV is designed for non-CDL operation. The Collins Type A School Bus, MFSAB and Childcare Bus configurations accommodating 14 or fewer passengers are also designed for non-CDL operation.
CDL requirements may vary by state and application, so operators should confirm applicable licensing requirements when selecting a bus.
What chassis are available for Collins buses?
Collins buses are available on Chevrolet, Ford E-Series and Ford Transit chassis, depending on the model and configuration. Type A School Bus and MFSAB models are available with all three chassis options, while the Collins "Mini" MPV and Childcare Bus are available on Chevrolet or Ford Transit chassis.
What engine options are available for Collins buses?
Collins buses offer Chevrolet and Ford gasoline powertrains, depending on the model and chassis. Chevrolet chassis are available with a 4.3L V6 or 6.6L V8 gas engine, Ford E-Series chassis feature a 7.3L V8 gas engine and Ford Transit chassis feature a 3.5L V6 gas engine.
Are Collins buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Wheelchair-accessible configurations are available on select Collins buses. Depending on the model and configuration, Collins buses can accommodate wheelchair passengers while offering flexible seating options to meet a variety of transportation needs. Contact Rush Bus Centers to determine which configuration best meets your accessibility and passenger capacity requirements.
How many passengers can Collins buses hold?
Collins bus passenger capacity varies by model, seating configuration and accessibility requirements. The Type A School Bus and MFSAB can fit up to 35 seated passengers, with wheelchair-accessible configurations accommodating up to eight wheelchairs on select models. The "Mini" MPV accomodates up to nine passengers, or up to five passengers with one wheelchair. And the Childcare Bus holds up to 14 passengers..
What safety features are available on Collins buses?
Collins buses are engineered with a focus on passenger protection. Interlocking cross members and floor beams create a roll cage structure designed to provide rollover and side-impact protection. And a one-piece tubular roof bows form a sturdy shell designed to resist crumpling and breakaway in the event of a rollover.
Depending on the model and configuration, other available safety features include:
- Three-point seat belts
- Integrated child restraint seats
- Backup/rear sensor cameras
- LED dome and red warning lights for enhanced visibility
- Tinted safety glass entrance and view window for driver visibility
How much does a Collins bus cost?
The cost of a Collins bus depends on several factors, including the model, seating capacity, powertrain, accessibility features, additional safety packages and other optional equipment. Whether you're purchasing a single bus or replacing an entire fleet, Rush Bus Centers can provide a customized quote based on your transportation needs. Browse our available inventory or contact a Rush Bus Centers sales representative to request pricing.
How many Collins dealerships does Rush Bus Centers have?
Rush Bus Centers is the country’s premier bus dealer network and currently operates nine full-service Collins bus dealerships in Idaho, Ohio, Texas and Utah.
Is Rush Bus Centers certified to service and sell parts for Collins buses?
Our Rush Bus Centers service departments are staffed by factory-trained, ASE-certified technicians qualified to work on Type A buses. We currently have 36 dealerships certified to service and sell parts for Collins buses.
