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Urban Transit Buses

Low-floor, ADA-compliant buses for fixed-route and demand-response service, spec'd for grant funding, procurement rules and a twelve-hour day.

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Capacity: 12–30 passengers + 2–4 wheelchairs
Wheelchair access: Kneeling low-floor ramp or lift
CDL: Required above 14 passengers
Boarding: Low-floor kneeling; fast dwell
Typical chassis: Chevrolet 4500, Ford E-450, RAM ProMaster, Freightliner

Transit agencies buy to a specification and a funding source: ADA compliance, Altoona-tested platforms for federally funded purchases, Buy America content, and a vehicle that survives a twelve-hour service day with a wheelchair boarding at every third stop.

TESCO has delivered fleets to municipal and regional agencies, including CNG-fueled Glaval Universals for an Oklahoma agency and a low-floor Frontrunner and ProMaster fleet for an Ohio agency's paratransit and dial-a-ride routes, and works through state cooperative contracts so agencies can purchase without a separate bid. Low-floor ARBOC and Frontrunner buses lead the line, with lift-equipped cutaways for paratransit.

Buyer's guide

What to spec

The decisions that matter for urban transit buses, the ones a rep will walk through with you before the build sheet.

Low-floor for dwell time

A kneeling low-floor bus boards a wheelchair by ramp in a fraction of a lift cycle and lets ambulatory riders board without a step. On a fixed route that's schedule reliability.

Funding requirements

FTA-funded rolling stock must meet Buy America content rules and use Altoona-tested platforms. Specify the funding source and TESCO quotes an eligible configuration.

Procurement path

State cooperative contracts let many agencies purchase without running their own bid. Check the fleet contracts page for the contracts TESCO holds.

Alternative fuels

CNG, propane and electric options exist across the line; the Oklahoma case study below covers a CNG paratransit fleet.

Duty cycle

Twelve-hour days with constant stops need heavy-duty brakes, a robust HVAC system and a chassis with a dealer near the yard.

Fleet standardization

One platform across the fleet simplifies training, parts and spares. Agencies typically spec a base bus and vary seating.

Fits this work

Vehicles that fit this work

The platforms TESCO specs most often for urban transit buses. Each links to its model or brand page.

Spirit of Mobility, Freedom, Independence and Equess: kneeling low-floor cutaways. Explore

Frontrunner low-floor minibus for demand-response service. Explore

Universal and Titan II paratransit and transit cutaways, CNG-capable. Explore

Also fits this work: Ford E-450 Bus Lift-equipped paratransit cutaway.

On the lot

In stock now

Live from TESCO's lot, matched to urban transit buses by body type. Open any panel for photos, floorplans and pricing.

New orders

14 on the lot · first 6

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Pre-owned

126 that fit · first 3

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Keep browsing

Every new order and pre-owned unit in the body types that fit urban transit buses, with filters, photos and pricing.

Low Floor Buses & Vans Wheelchair Accessible Buses (Non-CDL) Wheelchair Accessible Buses (CDL)

All new inventory All pre-owned

Questions

Questions we get about urban transit buses

Are TESCO's transit buses eligible for FTA funding?

TESCO quotes configurations that meet the applicable Buy America and Altoona testing requirements for federally funded purchases. Tell your rep the funding source (Section 5307, 5310 or 5311) and the quote is built to it.

Can we buy without our own bid?

Often, yes, through the state and cooperative purchasing contracts TESCO holds. The fleet contracts page lists them; your procurement office can confirm eligibility.

Low-floor or lift for paratransit?

Low-floor for boarding speed and rider dignity where the routes and budget allow; lift-equipped cutaways where the number of buses a budget buys matters more. Many agencies run both.

Do you offer CNG or electric?

Yes. CNG and propane on several platforms, and electric vans and minibuses. The Oklahoma case study describes a CNG paratransit fleet delivered to a transit agency.

Related uses

Also worth a look

RURAL TRANSIT BUSES

AIRPORT PARKING SHUTTLE BUSES

ADULT DAY CARE BUSES

Spec it with someone who's built it before

Tell a TESCO rep what your routes look like and they'll come back with a build sheet, a delivery date and a price, whether you buy new, buy pre-owned or lease.

Request a quote Call 800.227.3572

Urban Transit Buses