Customizing for the future: how versatility adds to the affordability of a mid-size bus.

By now, most long-term care providers are at least somewhat familiar with the basic mid-size bus - the potential benefits, the costs, the lease versus purchase option. What they may not know, however, is that these vehicles can be customized to meet a range of needs, as a facility diversifies or integrates services.

A few examples:

The "Combination Bus". Nursing homes tend to need more wheelchair capacity, assisted living facilities more room for ambulatory passengers - but there is an option that can meet both needs: a "combination bus." These buses have flip seats installed in the spaces designated for wheelchair securement. When the wheelchairs aren't on board, the seats simply flip down to accommodate ambulatory passengers.

A typical bus for this application, approximately 25 ft. in length, can accommodate as many as seven wheelchairs. With the flip seat option, the bus can transport 20 ambulatory passengers and still have one wheelchair securement available. Many combinations of wheelchair placements and ambulatory seats can be made available on the same bus.

All in all, this type of "either-or" bus will run approximately $5,500 more than a standard 16-passenger lift bus with two wheelchair spaces. Price will vary depending on the type of wheelchair securement and the number of flip seats chosen.

Wheelchair Lifts. The minimum platform dimensions, design and operational characteristics have been predetermined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Today's ADA-compliant wheelchair lifts are not just for the loading and unloading of wheelchairs. As stated in Part 38 of the ADA Act, "lifts shall accommodate persons using walkers, crutches, canes or braces or who otherwise have difficulty using steps." This is a valuable feature for many nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Whether loading a wheelchair or an ambulatory passenger, however, an attendant must always be present.

Seat-Back Height. The choice of seat-back height (high, mid or low) depends primarily on the way in which you plan to use your bus. If the bus will be used for relatively long trips, you'll probably want high-back seats that recline. If, however, the bus will be used primarily for short trips around town, high-back seats would tend to hinder conversation and reclining seats (at $40 to $45 each) would probably be a waste of money.

Grab Handles. If you decide to go with a mid-back seat, you'll be able to add a tremendously useful feature called a seat-back grab handle for about $25 per seat. These grab handles can be placed on the aisle seats, the window seats or both, and are used by passengers to help them get into and out of their seats. When grab handles are placed on aisle seats, passengers can also use them to steady themselves as they walk onto the bus and to their seats.

Seatbelts. It's important to realize that, unless your State has a law that requires seatbelts on buses, seatbelts will not be standard on your mid-size bus. While a conscientious vendor will always ask if you want seatbelts, it's always best to specify this need.

Customized Storage. Storage areas can be custom designed to meet almost any storage need, from the simple to the elaborate. Always consider your individual needs. You may need storage space for walkers, collapsible wheelchairs, grocery carts or oxygen canisters, for example. A simple method of securing such items during transit would include strapping them into a designated empty space. A more elaborate method would include custom-designed cabinetwork and shelving with mechanical fasteners for securement. Remember, however, that designated storage space may reduce the number of seats and/or floor space available for wheelchair securement.

Overhead parcel racks are another option. This option is excellent for storage of lightweight carry-on items such as pillows, purses, etc. Most manufacturers offer individual reading lights with this option. As a practical matter, the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Air Conditioning. Adequate air conditioning for your bus is an absolute essential. Bus air conditioners range in price from about $1,500 to $6,000 - and the lowest cost may not be the best option. A proper air conditioning system must be specified if you want your bus to be a functional, comfortable feature of your facility year-round.

Based on predetermined zones throughout the country and the size of your bus, your vendor will recommend an air conditioner size that's adequate for your needs. A bus in service in Florida, for example, would require an air conditioner with a higher BTU rating than one in Virginia.

Bus air conditioners need to be serviced annually. The bus should be taken to an authorized service center for the particular air conditioning unit. Annual maintenance should best occur prior to the cooling season.

Exterior graphics. For about $400 to $500, you can purchase a basic graphics package that will allow you to put your facility name and logo on the exterior of your bus. These graphics, which can be as tasteful and understated as you like, can turn your bus into a rolling marketing tool.

First Aid. While first aid kits are standard in the industry, they are not always automatically placed on mid-size buses and should be requested. Availability of this and other options may vary. Our dealership, for example, offers as standard a fire extinguisher, emergency triangular reflectors, a first aid kit and an OSHA-approved body fluid spill clean-up kit.

Entertainment. For about $1,600 to $1,700, you can purchase a basic TV-VCR package for your bus to be used as an informational tool and for entertainment on longer trips.

Chassis Choice. Ford and Chevrolet, as well as other manufacturers, now offer a full range of chassis for the small bus industry. When choosing your chassis you should consider the availability of local support. If you have an existing relationship with a dealer, you may feel more comfortable utilizing a chassis from the manufacturer the dealer represents. This may simplify warranty work and repairs.

New Services. A note to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to expand their facilities' offerings to the growing elder care industry: The mid-size bus can easily be adapted to many special-purpose functions, such as health care services, hair salons or other services you may wish to "bring to the residents." Many dealers can assist with the design and construction of such a vehicle.

Words of Advice

With the mid-size bus, you don't "shop the lot" for an in-stock vehicle. It is important, before making a purchase, that you research not only the bus, but the dealer as well, to ensure that they have the expertise to design the bus body to accommodate your needs. It is also important to find out exactly how the warranty will be handled. As a rule, bus dealers are responsible for large geographic territories. Our dealership, for example, has a network of people who do warranty work for us. In short, you need to make sure that there will be an accessible support system in place after the purchase is made.

By researching and planning ahead for your needs and communicating those needs to your vendor, you will ensure that the mid-size bus investment you make today will pay for itself many times over in the future.

Mark Roberts is Vice President of Sales for Sonny Merryman, Inc., Lynchburg, VA, the Virginia distributor for Startrans and Thomas Built Buses.