Frequently Asked Questions @ BGA School Buses, Inc. Hudson, FL

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*Where are you physically located?
BGA School Buses, Inc. is located at 9538 State Road 52 Hudson, FL 34669. We are conveniently located north of Tampa, FL off from Interstate 75 Exit #285. From I-75 go west 20 miles, and we are on the south side of State Road 52. You can click here to see our location on a map

*How long have you been in business?
My family has been in the bus business since 1972. My father started his own dealership in 1974. I grew up in the bus business, and opened my own dealership in 2007. Since then my father has joined myself, and we are a team with over 40 years of school bus experience. We have driven buses over 1,000,000 miles across the country. We have personally converted school buses into campers. My father has done vegetable oil conversions for many customers. We know our buses better than any other dealer in the country.

*What makes your buses better?
We personally drive each of the school buses on our lot. Many of them are driven 1,000 miles or more before coming to the lot. Doing this helps ensure you are getting a school bus that is ready to work. Driving the school buses "home" also lets us know the buses better than the average dealer. We only buy the best buses available. Many dealers buy all the buses they can get, and sell them for as much as they can. We select only the best buses, and usually sell them for less than the other guy. Having over 40 years of experience in the bus business has allowed us to make 100's of connections to schools across the country. We know where the good ones are kept. We also know which ones to avoid.

*Where do your school buses come from?
Most of our buses come direct from the school. They are fresh off from route work, and are very well maintained by the school. This doesn't mean all school buses are maintained properly. Many school districts do just enough to pass inspection. Others take pride in how nice they keep their buses. Buying a bus direct from the school does not insure a perfect bus. Having over 40 years of knowledge has allowed us to learn what schools to avoid, and what schools to deal with. This is knowledge most dealers do not have. They simply know the bus is fresh from the school. Which school?

*Who can own a bus?
Anyone can own a bus. This includes you. People, churches, schools, day cares, sports fans, and anyone else that wants or needs a bus can own one. There is no required use for a bus either. You can use it for any purpose you wish.

*Do I need a CDL to drive a bus?
You need a CDL to drive a bus that is rated for over 15 passengers including the driver in most states. This is why there are so many 15 passenger vans used. You do not need a CDL to drive a bus that is titled as a motor home. We can help you title your bus as a motor home (MH title). You do not need an air brake endorsement if you are using the bus as a motor home in FL. Check with your state to verify the same is true.

*Can I get Air Conditioning on a bus?
You can get A/C on a bus. Most transit type buses have a/c built in. Most school buses do not have a/c installed. Of course there are exceptions to these statements. A/C can be installed into any bus. We can have a single A/C system installed for around $12,000 on a small bus. A double system cost around $25,000. If you are not in the Tampa Bay area, we recommend getting A/C installed at your location. This way you have a good local warranty in case something needs fixed. We are always trying to decrease the cost of a/c. Please contact us if you have any questions about a/c. You can also click here to see our services, including a/c install.

*Why would someone want a bus?
Buses have 100's of uses. Many people want a bus to transport people. They are churches, schools, day care centers, pre-schools, or employers. There are also several other reasons people buy buses. Conversions are very popular. Either as a motorhome, or a full time home. Nascar buses, or tail gating buses are another very popular use for buses. You have probably seen one of these buses at an event you have attended. People moving long distances can save a fortune buying a bus. Instead of money to U-Haul, you can buy a bus and move all of your stuff in it. A wheel chair lift comes in handy for this use. Then when you get moved to your new house, simply sell the bus and get your money back. Other ideas in no particular order are portable library, portable housing, portable storage, portable dentist, portable x-ray, blood mobile, portable massage parlor or masseuse, doggy sitter, dog groomer, educational display (animals, electronics), dance bus, tumble bus, party bus, shed, rolling billboard. There are tons of other ideas people have for buses, what is yours? We can help make your dream a reality. Click here to see some of the unique buses we have seen on our travels.

*How do you convert a bus?
There are many resources out there, but the best place to start is School Bus conversion nuts on yahoo groups This is the best group we are aware of out on the web. There are many facebook groups with good info. Try and follow actual bus owners. There is a lot of mis-information on the web.

*Where do you deliver school buses?
We deliver school buses to anywhere in the lower 48 states.

*What does it cost to deliver a school bus to me?
The cost to deliver a school bus in Florida is currently $1.10 per mile plus a service fee. This fee is $200 for a church, non-profit, or individual. The fee is $350 for a commercial entity or a school bus for export. If the bus is being delivered to a port in order to be exported, there is an additional $300 charge for this delivery. Contact us for rates outside of Florida.

*How do you deliver school buses?
All of our deliveries are made by driving the school bus. We do not put your bus on a trailer and ship it. There are trucking companies that can do this if you prefer, but we always drive the bus to your door. This helps ensure you receive a bus that is ready to work.

*How long does it take to get my school bus?
Delivery time is set up once payment for the bus has been received. Many times we can get your bus to you within 7-10 days. Sometimes our schedule is full and we will require extra time. Every attempt is made to get your bus to you when you need it. If you have an extreme circumstance, do not hesitate to call. We will get you your bus.

*Can you install air conditioning on a school bus?
Yes

*How much does air conditioning cost to be installed?
We install air conditioning that runs off from the engine. A low cost install can be done for $12,000. A more typical install cost $25,000. There are many options available if you want them, which can add onto these base amounts.

*How do you install air conditioning?
We install air conditioning through a 3rd party with years of experience installing a/c systems on the county buses.

*How long does it take to install air conditioning?
A typical install takes 6-12 weeks. Custom work can take longer.

*How long does it take to paint a school bus?
Painting takes 2-3 weeks to be finished. The weather can delay this process sometimes.

*Can you export the bus for me?
We do not arrange shipping. We can deliver your bus to the port. This saves you from paying sales tax, and it's one less thing to worry about! The charge to take a bus through the port is $300 on top of the delivery charge.

*Do you recommend anyone for shipping?
We do not have anyone that works for us to arrange shipping. There are a few companies that I have heard good stories about. If you want a referral, please email us.

*My questions isn't answered?
Click here to ask your question. We'd be happy to help you.