TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NOTE
No. T-03-07
Bureau of School Business Services
School Transportation Management Section
Contact:
Bud Fletcher
Department of Education
Charlie Crist, Commissioner
(850) 488-4405
SC 278-4405
DATE: October 10, 2002
TO: School District Transportation Service Managers
School District Transportation Directors
School Bus Body and Chassis Manufacturers
FROM: Bill Schroyer, Director, Fleet Management
School Transportation Management
SUBJECT: School Bus Body and Chassis Satisfaction Survey
Attached are the results of the School Bus Customer Satisfaction Survey that was conducted by the
Department of Education in the months of February-March 2002. All school bus body and chassis
manufacturers that have sold buses via the state bid to Florida school districts in recent years were
included in the survey.
Our goal in conducting this survey has three parts:
1.
To determine how satisfied Florida’s public school districts are with the buses they have purchased
over the years.
2.
To use the information gained when considering specifications and other changes that may benefit
school districts in relation to future bus purchases.
3.
To provide manufacturers with general information to consider when determining product
improvement.
Please be aware that the survey and/or these results were not intended as a statistical or other comparison
of one manufacturer’s product against another. They were to determine customer satisfaction with each
individual manufacturer’s end product and/or major components that make up that product.
This was not a scientific survey. The responses used to tabulate these results are based on the opinions of
maintenance personnel that may or may not have extensive experience with a particular manufacturer’s
product, due to the makeup of each district’s individual fleet. In addition, the responses could be based
on a broad spectrum of year models of a particular manufacturer’s buses.
WRS/bf
Attachment
2
Florida Department of Education
School Bus Body and Chassis
Back to top
Customer Survey Results
Compiled by:
Bud Fletcher
September
2002
3
Table of Contents
Survey Overview……………………………………………………………… pp. 3-4
Body Items Results……………………………………………………………. Section I
Chassis Items Results………………………………………………………….. Section II
Body and Chassis Overall Ratings…………………………………………….. Section III
4
SURVEY OVERVIEW
In this survey, respondents were asked to rate their satisfaction with each manufacturer’s end products
and/or major components that make up those products, on a scale of one to five:
1
=Unacceptable
2
=Below Industry Standards
3
=Acceptable
4
=Exceeds Industry Standards
5
=Exemplary, Far Exceeds Industry Standards
Following is a list of the fourteen items that were on the survey for both body and chassis items:
BODY ITEMS
1)
The condition in which you received these vehicles from
the factory
2) Overall quality of body structure
3) Overall quality of the exterior fit and finish (door openings,
rub rails, hood, paint adhesion, color retention, etc.)
4)
Overall quality of the interior fit and finish (floor covering
and moldings, side panels, ceiling panels, etc.)
5)
Water leaks and sealing of joints and glass
6)
Overall quality of the body electrical accessories, switches,
wiring, etc.
7)
Overall comfort of the driver’s area and ease of access to
driver’s controls
8) Overall quality and effectiveness of the mirror systems
9)
Overall quality of the passenger seats
10) Compliance of the manufacturer with Florida Specifications
11) Overall quality of the service your district receives from the
applicable in-state dealer
12)
Overall quality of the warranty program your district receives
from the applicable in-state dealer
13) Ability of the applicable in-state dealer to supply your district
with parts
14) Overall quality and performance of air conditioning system
5
CHASSIS ITEMS
1) The condition in which you received these chassis at the
time of delivery
2) Overall ease of chassis component serviceability
3) Overall quality and performance of the engine
4) Overall quality and performance of the transmission
5) Overall quality and performance of the front and rear
suspension system
6) Overall quality and performance of the steering and front
axle
7) Overall quality and performance of the rear axle assembly
8) Overall quality and performance of the brake system
9) Overall quality of the chassis electrical system (connections,
wire routing, etc.)
10) Overall fit and finish of the hood, paint, grill, etc.
11) Overall compliance with Florida Specifications
12) Overall quality of the service your district receives from your
applicable in-state dealer
13) Overall quality of the warranty program your district receives
from the applicable in-state dealer
14) Ability of the applicable in-state dealer to supply your district
with parts
Sections I through III contain the results of the survey.
6
Section I
Body
The charts in this section are based on the actual number of responses returned to the Department
of Education. The last page in this section contains raw data used to create the charts.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Condition Buses Were Received From The Factory (BODY)
Amtran/IC
4% 8% 54% 35% 0%
Blue Bird
0% 0% 36% 58% 6%
Mid Bus
0% 25% 50% 25% 0%
Thomas
11% 13% 45% 29% 3%
1
2
3 4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Overall Quality of Body Structure
Amtran/IC
8% 27% 35% 31% 0%
Blue Bird
0% 0% 25% 56% 19%
Mid Bus
13% 0% 63% 25% 0%
Thomas
5% 8% 39% 45% 3%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Overall Quality of Exterior Fit and Finish (BODY)
Amtran/IC
4% 15% 54% 27% 0%
Blue Bird
0% 0% 39% 53% 8%
Mid Bus
13% 0% 75% 13% 0%
Thomas
3% 11% 47% 34% 5%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Overall Quality of Interior Fit and Finish (BODY)
Amtran/IC
0% 0% 73% 27% 0%
Blue Bird
0% 0% 31% 56% 14%
Mid Bus
13% 0% 50% 38% 0%
Thomas
3% 8% 47% 32% 11%
1
2
3 4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Sealing of Joints and Glass (BODY)
Amtran/IC
24% 24% 40% 12% 0%
Blue Bird
3% 0% 39% 44% 14%
Mid Bus
0% 25% 75% 0% 0%
Thomas
29% 13% 42% 16% 0%
1
2
3
4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Overall Quality of Electrical System, Accessories, Switches, Wiring,
etc. (BODY)
Amtran/IC
8% 12% 54% 23% 4%
Blue Bird
0% 3% 39% 50% 8%
Mid Bus
13% 13% 50% 25% 0%
Thomas
11% 16% 47% 11% 3%
1
2
3 4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Overall Comfort of Driver's Area and Ease of Access to Driver
Controls (BODY)
Amtran/IC
4% 8% 42% 42% 4%
Blue Bird
0% 3% 39% 53% 6%
Mid Bus
0% 0% 63% 38% 0%
Thomas
3% 3% 47% 39% 11%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Overall Quality and Effectiveness of Mirror System (BODY)
Amtran/IC
0% 4% 58% 31% 8%
Blue Bird
0% 0% 47% 44% 8%
Mid Bus
0% 0% 63% 38% 0%
Thomas
0% 0% 50% 39% 11%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Overall Quality of Passenger Seats (BODY)
Amtran/IC
0% 23% 58% 15% 4%
Blue Bird
0% 3% 36% 53% 8%
Mid Bus
0% 0% 63% 38% 0%
Thomas
5% 13% 32% 42% 8%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Compliance with Florida Specifications (BODY)
Amtran/IC
0% 4% 62% 27% 8%
Blue Bird
0% 0% 31% 42% 28%
Mid Bus
0% 25% 63% 13% 0%
Thomas
3% 11% 34% 37% 16%
1
2
3 4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Quality of Service from In-State Dealer (BODY)
Amtran/IC
8% 8% 48% 20% 16%
Blue Bird
0% 3% 20% 54% 23%
Mid Bus
0% 13% 63% 25% 0%
Thomas
13% 13% 24% 37% 13%
1
2
3
4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Quality of Warranty Program from In-State Dealer (BODY)
Amtran/IC
4% 8% 46% 29% 13%
Blue Bird
0% 3% 34% 49% 14%
Mid Bus
0% 25% 50% 25% 0%
Thomas
21% 13% 29% 32% 5%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Parts Availability from In-State Dealer (BODY)
Amtran/IC
16% 4% 56% 20% 4%
Blue Bird
0% 0% 31% 53% 17%
Mid Bus
0% 0% 75% 25% 0%
Thomas
11% 8% 29% 39% 13%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Quality and Performance of Air Conditioning System (BODY)
Amtran/IC
7% 0% 71% 21% 0%
Blue Bird
5% 18% 50% 27% 0%
Mid Bus
0% 0% 80% 20% 0%
Thomas
19% 19% 32% 23% 6%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
BODY
SURVEY ITEMS
Total # of Rating 1 Rating 2 Rating 3 Rating 4 Rating 5
Responses Unacceptable Below Industry Acceptable Exceeds Industry Exemplary, Far Exceeds
Per item Standards Standards Industry Standards
1 Condition buses were received Amtran/IC 26 4% 8% 54% 35% 0%
1 Condition buses were received Bluebird 36 0% 0% 36% 58% 6%
1 Condition buses were received Mid Bus 8 0% 25% 50% 25% 0%
1 Condition buses were received Thomas 38 11% 13% 45% 29% 3%
2 Body structure Amtran/IC 26 8% 27% 35% 31% 0%
2 Body structure Blue Bird 36 0% 0% 25% 56% 19%
2 Body structure Mid Bus 8 13% 0% 63% 25% 0%
2 Body structure Thomas 38 5% 8% 39% 45% 3%
3 Exterior fit and finish Amtran/IC 26 4% 15% 54% 27% 0%
3 Exterior fit and finish Blue Bird 36 0% 0% 39% 53% 8%
3 Exterior fit and finish Mid Bus 8 13% 0% 75% 13% 0%
3 Exterior fit and finish Thomas 38 3% 11% 47% 34% 5%
4 Interior fit and finish Amtran/IC 26 0% 0% 73% 27% 0%
4 Interior fit and finish Blue Bird 36 0% 0% 31% 56% 14%
4 Interior fit and finish Mid Bus 8 13% 0% 50% 38% 0%
4 Interior fit and finish Thomas 38 3% 8% 47% 32% 11%
5 Sealing of joints and glass Amtran/IC 25 24% 24% 40% 12% 0%
5 Sealing of joints and glass Blue Bird 36 3% 0% 39% 44% 14%
5 Sealing of joints and glass Mid Bus 8 0% 25% 75% 0% 0%
5 Sealing of joints and glass Thomas 38 29% 13% 42% 16% 0%
6 Electrical Amtran/IC 26 8% 12% 54% 23% 4%
6 Electrical Blue Bird 36 0% 3% 39% 50% 8%
6 Electrical Mid Bus 8 13% 13% 50% 25% 0%
6 Electrical Thomas 38 11% 16% 47% 11% 3%
7 Driver's area Amtran/IC 26 4% 8% 42% 42% 4%
7 Driver's area Blue Bird 36 0% 3% 39% 53% 6%
7 Driver's area Mid Bus 8 0% 0% 63% 38% 0%
7 Driver's area Thomas 38 3% 3% 47% 39% 11%
8 Mirror system Amtran/IC 26 0% 4% 58% 31% 8%
8 Mirror system Blue Bird 36 0% 0% 47% 44% 8%
8 Mirror system Mid Bus 8 0% 0% 63% 38% 0%
8 Mirror system Thomas 38 0% 0% 50% 39% 11%
9 Passenger seating Amtran/IC 26 0% 23% 58% 15% 4%
9 Passenger seating Blue Bird 36 0% 3% 36% 53% 8%
9 Passenger seating Mid Bus 8 0% 0% 63% 38% 0%
9 Passenger seating Thomas 38 5% 13% 32% 42% 8%
10 Compliance with specifications Amtran/IC 26 0% 4% 62% 27% 8%
10 Compliance with specifications Blue Bird 36 0% 0% 31% 42% 28%
10 Compliance with specifications Mid Bus 8 0% 25% 63% 13% 0%
10 Compliance with specifications Thomas 38 3% 11% 34% 37% 16%
11 Dealer service Amtran/IC 25 8% 8% 48% 20% 16%
11 Dealer service Blue Bird 35 0% 3% 20% 54% 23%
11 Dealer service Mid Bus 8 0% 13% 63% 25% 0%
11 Dealer service Thomas 38 13% 13% 24% 37% 13%
12 Warranty service Amtran/IC 24 4% 8% 46% 29% 13%
12 Warranty service Blue Bird 35 0% 3% 34% 49% 14%
12 Warranty service Mid Bus 8 0% 25% 50% 25% 0%
12 Warranty service Thomas 38 21% 13% 29% 32% 5%
13 Parts availability Amtran/IC 25 16% 4% 56% 20% 4%
13 Parts availability Blue Bird 36 0% 0% 31% 53% 17%
13 Parts availability Mid Bus 8 0% 0% 75% 25% 0%
13 Parts availability Thomas 38 11% 8% 29% 39% 13%
14 Performance of A/C system Amtran/IC 14 7% 0% 71% 21% 0%
14 Performance of A/C system Blue Bird 22 5% 18% 50% 27% 0%
14 Performance of A/C system Mid Bus 5 0% 0% 80% 20% 0%
14 Performance of A/C system Thomas 31 19% 19% 32% 23% 6%
Section II
Chassis
The charts in this section are based on the actual number of responses returned to the Department of Education.
The last page of this section contains raw data that was used to create the charts.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Condition Chassis were received from Factory
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 0% 67% 33% 0%
Freightliner
0% 4% 30% 43% 22%
GMC / Chevy
0% 0% 88% 13% 0%
International / Navistar
0% 0% 47% 35% 18%
Thomas Type D
10% 10% 62% 14% 5%
1
2
3
4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Ease of Chassis Components Serviceability
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 20% 53% 27% 0%
Freightliner
0% 0% 43% 48% 9%
GMC / Chevy
13% 13% 75% 0% 0%
International / Navistar
0% 3% 47% 41% 9%
Thomas Type D
0% 5% 76% 19% 0%
1
2
3 4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Quality and Performance of Engine
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 0% 53% 33% 13%
Freightliner
0% 9% 30% 35% 26%
GMC / Chevy
0% 0% 75% 25% 0%
International / Navistar
0% 12% 35% 41% 12%
Thomas Type D
5% 14% 48% 29% 5%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Quality and Performance of Transmission
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 7% 53% 27% 13%
Freightliner
0% 4% 26% 43% 26%
GMC / Chevy
13% 0% 75% 13% 0%
International / Navistar
3% 0% 41% 47% 9%
Thomas Type D
5% 10% 48% 33% 5%
1
2
3 4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Quality and Performance of Front and Rear Suspension
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 0% 67% 27% 7%
Freightliner
0% 4% 26% 57% 13%
GMC / Chevy
0% 13% 75% 13% 0%
International / Navistar
0% 0% 44% 35% 21%
Thomas Type D
0% 24% 57% 19% 5%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Quality and Performance of Steering and Front Axle
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 0% 73% 20% 7%
Freightliner
0% 0% 30% 48% 22%
GMC / Chevy
0% 13% 75% 13% 0%
International / Navistar
0% 3% 47% 38% 12%
Thomas Type D
0% 14% 62% 19% 5%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Quality and Performance of Rear Axle
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 7% 60% 27% 7%
Freightliner
0% 0% 22% 52% 26%
GMC / Chevy
0% 0% 75% 25% 0%
International / Navistar
0% 3% 41% 38% 18%
Thomas Type D
5% 14% 57% 19% 5%
1
2
3 4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Quality and Performance of Brake System
Blue Bird AA & TC
7% 0% 67% 20% 7%
Freightliner
4% 4% 30% 48% 13%
GMC / Chevy
0% 0% 75% 25% 0%
International / Navistar
0% 0% 44% 41% 15%
Thomas Type D
0% 0% 67% 29% 5%
1
2
3 4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Quality of Chassis Electrical System
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 13% 73% 13% 0%
Freightliner
0% 9% 43% 35% 13%
GMC / Chevy
0% 0% 75% 25% 0%
International / Navistar
0% 9% 44% 38% 9%
Thomas Type D
10% 29% 43% 14% 5%
1
2
3 4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Overall Fit and Finish of Chassis
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 0% 67% 27% 7%
Freightliner
0% 4% 39% 43% 13%
GMC / Chevy
0% 13% 75% 13% 0%
International / Navistar
3% 9% 44% 35% 9%
Thomas Type D
5% 14% 52% 24% 5%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Compliance with Florida Specifications (CHASSIS)
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 0% 53% 33% 13%
Freightliner
4% 0% 22% 48% 26%
GMC / Chevy
0% 0% 75% 13% 13%
International / Navistar
0% 0% 35% 35% 29%
Thomas Type D
0% 10% 52% 24% 14%
1
2 3
4 5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Quality of Service from In-State Dealer (CHASSIS)
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 0% 60% 27% 13%
Freightliner
9% 9% 32% 32% 18%
GMC / Chevy
13% 13% 63% 13% 0%
International / Navistar
0% 6% 32% 44% 18%
Thomas Type D
14% 19% 48% 14% 5%
1
2
3 4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Quality of Warranty Program from In-State Dealer (CHASSIS)
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 0% 60% 27% 13%
Freightliner
9% 9% 32% 36% 14%
GMC / Chevy
13% 13% 63% 13% 0%
International / Navistar
0% 12% 32% 38% 18%
Thomas Type D
10% 14% 57% 14% 5%
1
2
3
4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Parts Availability from In-State Dealer (CHASSIS)
Blue Bird AA & TC
0% 0% 67% 20% 13%
Freightliner
0% 14% 32% 36% 14%
GMC / Chevy
13% 0% 63% 25% 0%
International / Navistar
0% 9% 21% 56% 15%
Thomas Type D
10% 14% 52% 19% 5%
1
2
3 4
5
Ratings: 1-Unacceptable 2-Below Industry Standards 3-Acceptable 4-Exceeds Industry Standards 5-Exemplary
CHASSIS
SURVEY ITEMS
Total # of
1
Rating 1
2
Rating 2
3
Rating 3
4
Rating 4
5
Rating 5
Responses Unacceptable Below Industry Acceptable Exceeds Industry Exemplary, Far Exceeds
Standards Standards Industry Standards
1 Condition chassis were received Blue Bir
15 0 0% 0 0% 10 67% 5 33% 0 0%
1 Condition chassis were received Freightl 23 0 0% 1 4% 7 30% 10 43% 5 22%
1 Condition chassis were received GMC / C
8 0 0% 0 0% 7 88% 1 13% 0 0%
1 Condition chassis were received Internat
34 0 0% 0 0% 16 47% 12 35% 6 18%
1 Condition chassis were received Thomas
21 2 10% 2 10% 13 62% 3 14% 1 5%
2 Ease of serviceability Blue Bird AA / TC 15 0 0% 3 20% 8 53% 4 27% 0 0%
2 Ease of serviceability Freightliner 23 0 0% 0 0% 10 43% 11 48% 2 9%
2 Ease of serviceability GMC / Chevy 8 1 13% 1 13% 6 75% 0 0% 0 0%
2 Ease of serviceability International / Navi
34 0 0% 1 3% 16 47% 14 41% 3 9%
2 Ease of serviceability Thomas Type D 21 0 0% 1 5% 16 76% 4 19% 0 0%
3 Quality and performance of engine Blue 15 0 0% 0 0% 8 53% 5 33% 2 13%
3 Quality and performance of engine Freig 23 0 0% 2 9% 7 30% 8 35% 6 26%
3 Quality and performance of engine GM
C
8 0 0% 0 0% 6 75% 2 25% 0 0%
3 Quality and performance of engine Intern
34 0 0% 4 12% 12 35% 14 41% 4 12%
3 Quality and performance of engine Thom
21 1 5% 3 14% 10 48% 6 29% 1 5%
4 Quality and performance of transmission 15 0 0% 1 7% 8 53% 4 27% 2 13%
4 Quality and performance of transmission 23 0 0% 1 4% 6 26% 10 43% 6 26%
4 Quality and performance of transmission 8 1 13% 0 0% 6 75% 1 13% 0 0%
4 Quality and performance of transmission 34 1 3% 0 0% 14 41% 16 47% 3 9%
4 Quality and performance of transmission 21 1 5% 2 10% 10 48% 7 33% 1 5%
5 Front and rear suspension Blue Bird AA 15 0 0% 0 0% 10 67% 4 27% 1 7%
5 Front and rear suspension Freightliner 23 0 0% 1 4% 6 26% 13 57% 3 13%
5 Front and rear suspension GMC / Chevy
8 0 0% 1 13% 6 75% 1 13% 0 0%
5 Front and rear suspension International /
34 0 0% 0 0% 15 44% 12 35% 7 21%
5 Front and rear suspension Thomas Type
21 0 0% 5 24% 12 57% 4 19% 1 5%
6 Steering and front axle Blue Bird AA & TC
15 0 0% 0 0% 11 73% 3 20% 1 7%
6 Steering and front axle Freightliner 23 0 0% 0 0% 7 30% 11 48% 5 22%
6 Steering and front axle GMC / Chevy 8 0 0% 1 13% 6 75% 1 13% 0 0%
6 Steering and front axle International / Na
34 0 0% 1 3% 16 47% 13 38% 4 12%
6 Steering and front axle Thomas Type D 21 0 0% 3 14% 13 62% 4 19% 1 5%
7 Rear axle assembly Blue Bird AA & TC 15 0 0% 1 7% 9 60% 4 27% 1 7%
7 Rear axle assembly Freightliner 23 0 0% 0 0% 5 22% 12 52% 6 26%
7 Rear axle assembly GMC / Chevy 8 0 0% 0 0% 6 75% 2 25% 0 0%
7 Rear axle assembly International / Navis 34 0 0% 1 3% 14 41% 13 38% 6 18%
7 Rear axle assembly Thomas Type D 21 1 5% 3 14% 12 57% 4 19% 1 5%
8 Braking system Bird AA & TC 15 1 7% 0 0% 10 67% 3 20% 1 7%
8 Braking system Freightliner 23 1 4% 1 4% 7 30% 11 48% 3 13%
8 Braking system GMC / Chevy 8 0 0% 0 0% 6 75% 2 25% 0 0%
8 Braking system International / Navistar 34 0 0% 0 0% 15 44% 14 41% 5 15%
8 Braking system Thomas Type D 21 0 0% 0 0% 14 67% 6 29% 1 5%
9 Chassis electrical system Bird AA & TC 15 0 0% 2 13% 11 73% 2 13% 0 0%
9 Chassis electrical system Freightliner 23 0 0% 2 9% 10 43% 8 35% 3 13%
9 Chassis electrical system GMC / Chevy 8 0 0% 0 0% 6 75% 2 25% 0 0%
9 Chassis electrical system International / 34 0 0% 3 9% 15 44% 13 38% 3 9%
9 Chassis electrical system Thomas Type 21 2 10% 6 29% 9 43% 3 14% 1 5%
10 Fit and finish Bird AA & TC 15 0 0% 0 0% 10 67% 4 27% 1 7%
10 Fit and finish Freightliner 23 0 0% 1 4% 9 39% 10 43% 3 13%
10 Fit and finish GMC / Chevy 8 0 0% 1 13% 6 75% 1 13% 0 0%
10 Fit and finish International / Navistar 34 1 3% 3 9% 15 44% 12 35% 3 9%
10 Fit and finish Thomas Type D 21 1 5% 3 14% 11 52% 5 24% 1 5%
11 Compliance with specifications Bird AA
15 0 0% 0 0% 8 53% 5 33% 2 13%
11 Compliance with specifications Freightli
23 1 4% 0 0% 5 22% 11 48% 6 26%
11 Compliance with specifications GMC / C
8 0 0% 0 0% 6 75% 1 13% 1 13%
11 Compliance with specifications Internat 34 0 0% 0 0% 12 35% 12 35% 10 29%
11 Compliance with specifications Thomas
21 0 0% 2 10% 11 52% 5 24% 3 14%
12 Dealer service Bird AA & TC 15 0 0% 0 0% 9 60% 4 27% 2 13%
12 Dealer service Freightliner 22 2 9% 2 9% 7 32% 7 32% 4 18%
12 Dealer service GMC / Chevy 8 1 13% 1 13% 5 63% 1 13% 0 0%
12 Dealer service International / Navistar 34 0 0% 2 6% 11 32% 15 44% 6 18%
12 Dealer service Thomas Type D 21 3 14% 4 19% 10 48% 3 14% 1 5%
13 Warranty service Bird AA & TC 15 0 0% 0 0% 9 60% 4 27% 2 13%
13 Warranty service Freightliner 22 2 9% 2 9% 7 32% 8 36% 3 14%
13 Warranty service GMC / Chevy 8 1 13% 1 13% 5 63% 1 13% 0 0%
13 Warranty service International / Navista
34 0 0% 4 12% 11 32% 13 38% 6 18%
13 Warranty service Thomas Type D 21 2 10% 3 14% 12 57% 3 14% 1 5%
14 Parts availability Blue Bird AA & TC 15 0 0% 0 0% 10 67% 3 20% 2 13%
14 Parts availability Freightliner 22 0 0% 3 14% 7 32% 8 36% 3 14%
14 Parts availability GMC / Chevy 8 1 13% 0 0% 5 63% 2 25% 0 0%
14 Parts availability International / Navistar
34 0 0% 3 9% 7 21% 19 56% 5 15%
14 Parts availability Thomas Type D 21 2 10% 3 14% 11 52% 4 19% 1 5%
13 Warranty service International / Navist
a
34 0 0% 4 12% 11 32% 13 38% 6 18%
13 Warranty service Thomas Type D 21 2 10% 3 14% 12 57% 3 14% 1 5%
14 Parts availability Blue Bird AA & TC 15 0 0% 0 0% 10 67% 3 20% 2 13%
14 Parts availability Freightliner 22 0 0% 3 14% 7 32% 8 36% 3 14%
14 Parts availability GMC / Chevy 8 1 13% 0 0% 5 63% 2 25% 0 0%
14 Parts availability International / Navistar
34 0 0% 3 9% 7 21% 19 56% 5 15%
14 Parts availability Thomas Type D 21 2 10% 3 14% 11 52% 4 19% 1 5%
Section III
Body and Chassis Overall Ratings
(Charts and Raw Data Tables)
Overall Body Ratings
3.11
3.73
3.08
3.16
0
1
2
3
4
5
AmTran/IC
3.11
Blue Bird
3.73
Mid Bus
3.08
Thomas
3.16
School Bus Body Satisfaction Survey Overall Results
AmTran / IC
Survey Ratings 1 2 3 4 5
Unacceptable Below Industry Acceptable Exceeds Industry Exemplary, Far Exceeds
Standards Standards Industry Standards
Total # of responses 347
Total # of responses per rating 21 37 184 90 15
Percentage of total responses per rating 6% 11% 53% 26% 4%
Total # of responses per rating multiplied by that rating 21 74 552 360 75
line above added 1082
1082 divided by 347 = Overall Rating
3.11
Blue Bird
Survey Ratings 1 2 3 4 5
Unacceptable Below Industry Acceptable Exceeds Industry Exemplary, Far Exceeds
Standards Standards Industry Standards
Total # of responses 488
Total # of responses per rating 2 9 171 244 62
Percentage of total responses per rating 0% 2% 35% 50% 13%
Total # of responses per rating multiplied by that rating 2 18 513 976 310
line above added 1819
1819 divided by 488 = Overall Rating
3.73
Mid Bus
Survey Ratings 1 2 3 4 5
Unacceptable Below Industry Acceptable Exceeds Industry Exemplary, Far Exceeds
Standards Standards Industry Standards
Total # of responses 109
Total # of responses per rating 4 10 68 27 0
Percentage of total responses per rating 4% 9% 62% 25% 0%
Total # of responses per rating multiplied by that rating 4 20 204 108 0
line above added 336
336 divided by 109 = Overall Rating
3.08
Thomas
Survey Ratings 1 2 3 4 5
Unacceptable Below Industry Acceptable Exceeds Industry Exemplary, Far Exceeds
Standards Standards Industry Standards
Total # of responses 525
Total # of responses per rating 50 55 205 171 40
Percentage of total responses per rating 10% 10% 39% 33% 8%
Total # of responses per rating multiplied by that rating 50 110 615 684 200
line above added 1659
1659 divided by 525 = Overall Rating
3.16
Overall Chassis Ratings
3.38
3.7
3.04
3.65
3.08
0
1
2
3
4
5
Blue Bird AA & TC
3.38
Freightliner
3.7
GMC / Chevy
3.04
International / Navistar
3.65
Thomas Type D
3.08
School Bus Chassis Satisfaction Survey Overall Results
Blue Bird AA & TC
Survey Ratings 1 2 3 4 5
Unacceptable Below Industry Acceptable Exceeds Industry Exemplary, Far Exceeds
Standards Standards Industry Standards
Total # of responses 210
Total # of responses per rating 1 7 131 54 17
Percentage of total responses per rating 0% 3% 62% 26% 8%
Total # of responses per rating multiplied by that rating 1 14 393 216 85
line above added 709
709 divided by 210 = Overall Rating
3.38
Freightliner
Survey Ratings 1 2 3 4 5
Unacceptable Below Industry Acceptable Exceeds Industry Exemplary, Far Exceeds
Standards Standards Industry Standards
Total # of responses 319
Total # of responses per rating 6 16 100 138 58
Percentage of total responses per rating 2% 5% 31% 43% 18%
Total # of responses per rating multiplied by that rating 6 32 300 552 290
line above added 1180
1180 divided by 319 = Overall Rating
3.70
GMC / Chevy
Survey Ratings 1 2 3 4 5
Unacceptable Below Industry Acceptable Exceeds Industry Exemplary, Far Exceeds
Standards Standards Industry Standards
Total # of responses 112
Total # of responses per rating 5 6 82 18 1
Percentage of total responses per rating 4% 5% 73% 16% 1%
Total # of responses per rating multiplied by that rating 5 12 246 72 5
line above added 340
340 divided by 112 = Overall Rating
3.04
International / Navistar
Survey Ratings 1 2 3 4 5
Unacceptable Below Industry Acceptable Exceeds Industry Exemplary, Far Exceeds
Standards Standards Industry Standards
Total # of responses 476
Total # of responses per rating 2 22 189 192 71
Percentage of total responses per rating 0% 5% 40% 40% 15%
Total # of responses per rating multiplied by that rating 2 44 567 768 355
line above added 1736
1736 divided by 476 = Overall Rating
3.65
Thomas Type D
Survey Ratings 1 2 3 4 5
Unacceptable Below Industry Acceptable Exceeds Industry Exemplary, Far Exceeds
Standards Standards Industry Standards
Total # of responses 294
Total # of responses per rating 15 40 164 61 15
Percentage of total responses per rating 5% 14% 56% 21% 5%
Total # of responses per rating multiplied by that rating 15 80 492 244 75
line above added 906
906 divided by 294 = Overall Rating
3.08
