of vehicle purchase and maintenance,” Patton noted. She added that costs are offset by avoiding the ineffi-
ciency of running large buses, including Type A buses, with very few riders. St. Charles leases its vehicles, but cost isn’t the primary
factor. “While cost is something we always consider, the main driver for acquiring MPV’s is to help mitigate the driver shortage,” Fowler said. “One-off trips with a few student passengers do not require a CDL.” Another plus is the lack of need for special mainte- nance strategies. “My mechanic and I have been turning wrenches for over 50 years combined on everything from cars to buses to tractors,” Hillsboro’s Gregg said, adding his staff keeps track of mileage, inspects vehicles during fueling, and follow up on forms completed by drivers when they notice any problems. “We just use the manufacturer’s recommendations on service intervals.”
Moving Forward When considering the best transportation options for
students, it’s important to recognize the specific benefits that both MPVs and Type A buses offer, Dukes-Spruill suggested. This includes weighing the needs of students with disabilities.
“For students who may struggle with riding on larger school buses, such as those with sensory sensitivities or certain disabilities, vans can be a very useful and cost-effective means of transport,” she said. “They pro- vide a smaller and relaxed environment, making it easier for these students to adjust during commutes that might be longer than usual.” Morris is also a proponent. “If the vehicles are avail- able and your departments are resourced well enough to utilize the vehicles, then I believe they are advantageous to providing more efficient transportation services and better customer service,” he advised. Baldwin advised starting with a clear operational plan
that outlines how MPVs or Type A buses will align with your district’s broader goals. “While cost efficiency matters, safety must always be
the foundation of any transportation strategy,” he said, adding that he encourages creation of an advocacy plan that ties the use of MPVs—or any alternative vehicle type—to student success, district strategic priorities and equity in access to education. “When implemented thoughtfully, these vehicles can
become powerful tools for flexibility, safety and service continuity,” Baldwin concluded. ●
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