Used Collins busesCollins Buses for Sale
Collins Bus builds Type A school buses and small activity buses on Ford and Chevrolet cutaway chassis. A used Collins suits schools, daycares, camps and youth programs that want a compact bus that is easy to drive and park.
Why choose a Collins bus
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Collins builds small school buses (Type A) as its core product rather than a sideline, so its range covers single-rear-wheel and dual-rear-wheel models.
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Many units are built to the federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) that apply to school buses, so students ride in a purpose-built school vehicle.
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ADA layouts with lifts and securements are common for special-education routes.
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MFSAB versions carry children to activities without the yellow paint and stop arm, which suits daycares and camps.
Collins bus specifications and capacity
| Model Family | Typical Capacity | Primary Use | Engine Options | CDL Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collins on Ford Transit (single rear wheel) | 10 - 14 Passengers | Daycare, Special Needs, MFSAB | Gas | Depends on Size |
| Bantam / Super Bantam / Magellan / DH500 (Express, E-Series, GMC 4500) | 14 - 30 Passengers | School Routes, ADA Routes | Gas (most), some Diesel | Depends on Size |
| Collins MFSAB / Activity (Express, E-350) | 14 - 24 Passengers | Daycare, Camps, Athletics | Gas | Depends on Size |
Find the right Collins for your operation
Best for School Districts
Type A Collins buses handle small routes, rural stops and special-education runs.
Best for Daycares & Preschools
Collins MFSAB units meet school-bus safety standards for non-route child transport.
Best for Special-Needs Transport
ADA Collins buses with lifts and securement positions serve students who use wheelchairs.
Best for Activity & Athletic Programs
Collins activity buses move teams and clubs without tying up full-size school buses.
About Collins Buses
Table of Contents
About Collins Bus
Collins Bus is based in Hutchinson, Kansas, and has long focused on Type A school buses. It was part of REV Group before Forest River acquired it in January 2024. Collins now sits alongside Starcraft, Glaval and Trans Tech (which joined Forest River in June 2024) in the Forest River bus family.
What Buyers Look for in Used Collins Buses
Buyers usually compare chassis (Ford or GM), single- vs dual-rear-wheel design, lift and securement condition, seat type (child-safety-restraint-ready seats matter for preschools), and state inspection history. Confirm the GVWR, since it affects whether your drivers need a CDL.
How to Shop Collins Inventory on BusesForSale.com
Filter by year, mileage, fuel type and seating, and search Collins alongside chassis names such as "Chevrolet Express" and "Ford Transit." As of October 2026, priced Collins listings on BusesForSale.com ranged from about $17,500 for a 2003 Ford 24-passenger ADA bus to $134,000 for a nearly new 2025 Ford E-450 Collins 14-passenger bus.
Did you know?
A Collins MFSAB looks like a school bus but isn't painted school bus yellow and has no stop arm. It's built for activity trips, not daily home-to-school routes, which is why many daycares choose one.
Featured Collins inventory
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2024 Collins De416wr School Bus ADA
The 2024 Collins DE416WR School Bus sets the standard for fleet-ready school transport, expertly designed to accommodate students, employees, and adults with the highest levels of safety and reliability. Built on a robust GMC chassis and powered by a dependable 6.6L V8 gasoline engine paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, this bus provides consistent, powerful performance for daily routes or fleet operations. Its -pound GVWR ensures it meets the rigorous demands of school districts, camps, and employee shuttle services, while thoughtful engineering delivers a low TCO for long-term fleet buyers.
Equipped with a Braun wheelchair lift and SURE-LOK Retraktor System, the Collins DE416WR emphasizes accessibility, making it ideal for organizations requiring ADA-compliant transport. The spacious and durable design supports a comfortable ride for children and adults alike, enhancing safety and peace of mind for fleet operators. Collins is renowned for innovative, reliable chassis solutions that optimize uptime and passenger protection. With a legacy of quality, Collins buses are a trusted choice for dependable school transport and versatile fleet needs.
2025 Collins Dh500 School Bus
Experience top-tier school transport with the 2025 Collins DH500, expertly engineered for safety, reliability, and efficiency. Powered by a robust GM 6.6L V8 gasoline engine and built on a reliable chassis with a lbs GVWR, this bus is fleet-ready and designed to deliver low total cost of ownership (TCO) for school districts, private organizations, and fleet operators. The DH500 offers spacious, comfortable seating for students, employees, and adults, making it an ideal solution for a wide variety of transportation needs including public and private schools, day/summer camps, and employee or construction crew shuttling. The bus’s modern design ensures easy navigation in urban and rural environments, while advanced engineering provides smooth and dependable rides for every passenger.
The Collins brand is renowned for its commitment to safety, durability, and innovation, making it a trusted choice for school and commercial fleets. With the 2025 DH500, you invest in a proven solution backed by decades of industry expertise.
2025 Collins De516wr School Bus ADA
The 2025 Collins DE516WR is engineered for organizations that demand top-tier reliability, fleet-ready performance, and a low total cost of ownership. Built on the robust GMC chassis and powered by a durable 6.6L V8 engine, this mid-size school bus is the ideal solution for public and private schools, employee transport, day camps, daycare centers, tech and trade schools, and fleet operators seeking dependable school transport. The smooth 6-speed automatic transmission ensures easy handling across urban and rural routes, empowering drivers with reduced fatigue and seamless shifts. Spacious seating and ergonomic design provide a comfortable, secure environment for students, children, employees, and crew members, whether on daily routes or special trips. The Collins DE516WR’s proven chassis and powertrain deliver consistent performance and reduced maintenance needs, maximizing uptime and reliability for your fleet.
Collins is a trusted leader in school bus manufacturing, renowned for its commitment to passenger safety and operational excellence. Investing in a Collins bus means choosing a brand dedicated to quality, innovation, and long-term value for your transportation needs.
2024 Collins De516wr School Bus ADA
The 2024 Collins DE516WR School Bus stands out as a fleet-ready solution designed for reliability, comfort, and safety in school and employee transport. Built on a dependable GMC chassis with a powerful 6.6L V8 engine and smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, this bus ensures consistent, low TCO performance for districts, private schools, camps, and fleet operators. Its robust lb GVWR allows for flexible passenger and cargo configurations, making it ideal for transporting students, adults, or work crews with ease.
Inside, the DE516WR offers a spacious, thoughtfully designed cabin that prioritizes both driver ergonomics and passenger comfort—ensuring a pleasant ride for every journey. Collins is renowned for blending modern engineering with lasting durability, making their buses a trusted choice for school and community transportation. Experience peace of mind and operational efficiency with the 2024 Collins DE516WR, perfectly suited for fleet expansion and dependable daily service.
2014 Collins Express 3500 School Bus ADA
Discover the fleet-ready 2014 Chevrolet Express 3500 Collins School Bus, expertly engineered for safe, efficient school transport and staff shuttling. Designed with a durable Vortec 6L V-8 engine and automatic transmission, this bus delivers exceptional reliability for schools, daycares, camps, and employee transportation. With miles, it is built on a proven, low TCO platform ideal for fleet operators seeking consistent performance and minimal downtime. Its wheelchair accessibility ensures inclusivity, making it perfect for transporting students, adults, and employees with diverse mobility needs.
Collins is renowned for crafting robust, dependable school buses tailored for intensive daily use. Chevrolet’s Express 3500 chassis is a leader in reliability and ease of maintenance, making this bus a smart choice for expanding or updating your fleet.
Financing and leasing options
Need a payment structure that matches your operation? We help buyers compare financing and leasing options that support faster approvals and predictable monthly costs.
Commercial Financing
Competitive rates for qualified buyers, with terms built for school, daycare, camp, and nonprofit acquisitions.
Leasing Programs
Flexible lease structures for organizations that need predictable monthly costs and regular fleet refresh cycles.
Common Questions
Collins bus FAQs
The questions our team hears most about buying a used Collins, answered in full.
When was Collins Bus founded?
Collins Bus traces back to 1967, when Don Collins started E-CON-O Conversion in Kansas City, Missouri, building small van-based school buses. The company was renamed Collins Industries in 1971 and moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1972. Collins is credited with an early wheelchair-lift school bus in the mid-1970s, rebuilt after a 1979 plant fire, and today builds its buses in South Hutchinson, Kansas.
How does Collins compare with other Type A school bus makers?
Collins is one of several major Type A school bus builders, competing mainly with Blue Bird's Micro Bird, Thomas Built Buses' Minotour and Trans Tech. Collins builds on Chevrolet/GMC and Ford E-Series cutaways as well as the Ford Transit, in single- and dual-rear-wheel versions. Collins is part of Forest River, which also owns the Starcraft and Glaval bus brands, so dealer and parts support often runs through Forest River's bus network.
Does Collins make electric school buses?
Yes, Collins offers electric Type A school buses, including a model on the Ford E-Transit with a 68 kWh battery and about 100 miles of range. Collins has also offered an electric version on the GM 4500 cutaway, listed with a 120 kWh battery and about 130 miles of range. Around 2018, Collins built an earlier electric Type A on Motiv's Ford E-450-based chassis with up to about 75 miles of range.
Do Collins buses need a CDL?
Most Collins buses do not need a CDL under federal rules if they seat fewer than 16 people including the driver. Every Collins Type A chassis is well under the 26,001 lb GVWR threshold, so seating decides it: a 14-passenger Collins usually needs no CDL, while 20- to 30-passenger Collins buses need a CDL with a passenger endorsement. Many states also require school bus endorsements or certificates for any bus carrying students.
Where can I get parts and service for a Collins bus?
Collins bus service is split between the chassis maker and the Collins body dealer network. Engines, transmissions and brakes on Chevrolet, GMC and Ford chassis can be serviced at those brands' commercial dealers. Body parts such as doors, seating, lifts and electrical components are supplied through authorized Collins dealers, including large bus dealers such as Rush Bus Centers and Model 1. Recording the bus's serial number and floorplan speeds up parts matching.
Not sure which Collins fits your route?
Tell us your passenger count, route profile and budget. We will shortlist the Collins stock that matches and tell you what is realistic.