Market Size of United States School Bus Industry
Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
Market Size (2024) | USD 4.77 Billion |
Market Size (2029) | USD 6.01 Billion |
CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 4.74 % |
Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
US School Bus Market Analysis
The United States School Bus Market size is estimated at USD 4.77 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 6.01 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.74% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
With increasing government focus on the electrification of school buses in many states, the demand for electric school buses grew rapidly over the past few years. In many developed and developing nations, school buses play an integral role in transporting students, saving a considerable amount of money for parents, and reducing traffic on the roads. The US school bus fleet is the country's largest public transportation fleet, with two and a half times more of the number of vehicles than all other forms of mass transportation combined. Around 26 million children take 480,000 buses to and from school each day.
More than 95% of the school buses in the country run on fossil fuels, especially diesel. Numerous studies worldwide showed that inhaling diesel exhaust causes respiratory diseases and worsens existing conditions like asthma. These adverse effects are pronounced, especially in children, who are the main commuters. Therefore, replacing all school buses in America with electric buses may avoid an average of 5.3 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
Apart from the factors mentioned above, the country's government is also pushing toward converting its school bus fleet to electric, which is anticipated to propel the market. For instance,
- In July 2023, Blue Bird Corp. unveiled its next-generation Vision electric school bus at an industry and technology event in Reno, Nevada. The electric powertrain supplied by Cummins' new zero-emissions technology business segment, Accelera by Cummins, is highlighted in the Vision vehicle launch. The next-generation electric school buses from Blue Bird will be built in Fort Valley, Georgia.
- In December 2022, Lion Electric Co. announced the delivery of its first LionC zero-emission school bus to Mount Desert School System in Bar Harbor, Maine, through the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program. The Lion bus was constructed at the company's newly opened factory in Joliet, Illinois, which will initially focus on producing all-electric school buses.
Owing to such factors above and developments, the growing evolution of electric mobility and its adoption across the school bus fleet is anticipated to support the overall growth of the market during the forecast period.
US School Bus Industry Segmentation
A school bus is a type of bus owned, leased, contracted to, or operated by a school or district. It is regularly used to transport students to and from school or school-related activities, but not including a charter bus or transit bus.
The United States School Bus Market is segmented by power train type (IC engine and hybrid and electric) and design type (Type A, Type B, Type C, and Type D). The report offers size and forecast for the market based on value (in USD) for all the above segments.
By Power Train Type | |
IC Engine | |
Hybrid and Electric |
By Design Type | |
Type A | |
Type B | |
Type C | |
Type D |
United States School Bus Market Size Summary
The United States school bus market is poised for significant growth, driven by a strong emphasis on electrification and sustainability. As the largest public transportation fleet in the country, school buses play a crucial role in daily student commutes, with millions of children relying on them for safe and efficient transportation. The shift towards electric school buses is gaining momentum, supported by government initiatives and technological advancements. Companies like Blue Bird Corp. and Lion Electric Co. are at the forefront, introducing next-generation electric buses powered by innovative zero-emission technologies. This transition is not only aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also at addressing health concerns associated with diesel exhaust, particularly among children.
The market landscape is characterized by a fragmented structure, with major players such as Blue Bird Corporation, Navistar Inc. (IC Bus), and Daimler AG (Thomas Built Buses) holding significant shares. These companies are actively enhancing their product offerings and exploring strategic collaborations to strengthen their market position. The increasing awareness of air pollution and climate change, coupled with rising diesel prices, is encouraging transport authorities to adopt cleaner public transport solutions. Government incentives, such as grants for zero-emission buses and regulatory support for electric vehicle adoption, are further propelling the market forward. As electric buses become more cost-competitive with traditional diesel buses, their adoption is expected to rise, supporting the overall growth of the US school bus market during the forecast period.
United States School Bus Market Size - Table of Contents
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1. MARKET DYNAMICS
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1.1 Market Drivers
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1.1.1 Potential Shift Toward Adoption of Electric Buses to Drive the Market
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1.2 Market Restraints
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1.2.1 Lack of Electric Charging Infrastructure May Hamper the Growth of the Market
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1.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
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1.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
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1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
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1.3.3 Threat of New Entrants
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1.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products
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1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
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2. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size in USD)
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2.1 By Power Train Type
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2.1.1 IC Engine
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2.1.2 Hybrid and Electric
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2.2 By Design Type
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2.2.1 Type A
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2.2.2 Type B
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2.2.3 Type C
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2.2.4 Type D
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United States School Bus Market Size FAQs
How big is the United States School Bus Market?
The United States School Bus Market size is expected to reach USD 4.77 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.74% to reach USD 6.01 billion by 2029.
What is the current United States School Bus Market size?
In 2024, the United States School Bus Market size is expected to reach USD 4.77 billion.