A bus will cost more than $2 million to renovate, according to a new study.
The American Society of Civil Engineers says a new bus, which would go from an old bus used by many students in high schools and universities, could cost up to $3.5 million.
The new buses are already being built.
“I think it is very difficult to find any bus that is affordable, but it is hard to find one that is not expensive,” said Dan Lippman, senior vice president of government affairs for the American Society.
“You cannot build a bus that you cannot afford to operate,” Lippmann said.
The $3,000 per bus cost is based on a bus currently used by more than 400,000 students and teachers at more than 70 public and private schools in the United States.
The agency’s study suggests the bus could cost anywhere from $3 million to $5 million to replace.
Lippman said the agency does not have data on the cost of a new school bus because it is based off the design of a bus used in other countries.
He said the cost could increase as the bus gets newer, with more buses on the market.
The study estimated that, for a bus built to the specifications of the current fleet, a new one could cost between $5.5 to $8 million to retrofit.
That would include a $1.3 million project for paint and other materials.
Lippmans estimate includes a $500,000 retrofit of a windshield and other components, and a $400,000 project to install a new driver’s seat.