| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 2.71 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 3.44 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 4.89% |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
North America School Bus Market Analysis
The North America School Bus Market size is estimated at USD 2.71 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 3.44 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.89% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The school bus market in North America is a critical component of the region's transportation sector, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of students to and from schools.
Concerns over emissions and a push for environmental sustainability have spurred a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and alternative fuel technologies in the school bus segment. This shift has ignited heightened interest and investment in electric and alternative fuel-powered school buses. Responding to the evolving demands of school districts and transportation authorities, numerous manufacturers have rolled out electric and hybrid models. For instance,
- In April 2024, First Student, North America's premier school transportation provider and a frontrunner in electrification, celebrated a milestone at Steelton-Highspire School District. They hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the debut of Pennsylvania's first electric school buses (ESB), a venture backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program.
Rising student enrollments, coupled with stringent government regulations and evolving safety standards, are propelling the market's growth in the region. Additionally, government incentives promoting the electrification of bus fleets are set to further accelerate this growth.
Technological innovations, such as GPS tracking, onboard cameras, and telematics systems, are poised to significantly influence the North American school bus market. Furthermore, collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing ride safety, efficiency, and monitoring capabilities are expected to boost market demand in the foreseeable future.
- In May 2024, Zum announced a groundbreaking achievement: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is set to become the first major school district in the U.S. to fully transition to an electrified school bus system. This transition, powered by cutting-edge vehicle-to-grid technology, will see Zum providing a fleet of 74 electric school buses and bidirectional chargers, all managed through its AI-driven technology platform.
North America School Bus Market Trends
Electric School Buses Set to Transform North America's Student Transportation
Soaring fuel prices and mounting vehicle emissions are steering public transport towards electric buses. These electric buses not only slash fuel costs but also minimize other initial expenses, leading to a reduced total cost of ownership. For instance, a recent report from Environment Florida Research and Policy Center and U.S. PIRG highlights Florida's achievement, ranking 4th nationally in electric school bus adoption.
With an intensified commitment to environmental sustainability and a drive to reduce carbon emissions, the shift towards electric school buses is gaining momentum. As school districts and transportation authorities embrace cleaner alternatives, electric school buses (ESBs) are increasingly favored over their traditional diesel counterparts. This shift is emblematic of a broader push for eco-friendly transportation solutions, addressing urgent climate change challenges. For instance,
- In January 2025, GreenPower Motor, a U.S. firm at the forefront of electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, clinched orders for 11 electric BEAST school buses, earmarked for school districts spanning Arizona, California, and Oregon.
Government initiatives are catalyzing this electrification wave. Programs such as the EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate, coupled with diverse federal and state funding channels, are pivotal in this transition, providing crucial financial backing to school districts. As these districts come to terms with the long-term benefits of electrification, the momentum is poised to continue, steering student transportation towards sustainability. For instance,
- In March 2025, with an eye on a net-zero carbon future, the Government of Canada, in collaboration with First Canada ULC, is channeling nearly USD 1 million into electric school buses via the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF). This investment underscores the commitment to zero-emission school buses, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier transportation future for students.
With government backing for zero or low-emission public transport, heightened R&D activities in electric bus fleets, and an unwavering focus on environmental sustainability, the market for electric school buses is poised for significant expansion in the years ahead.
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United States Takes the Lead in North America's School Bus Market
As the United States sees a rapid expansion in its schooling infrastructure, school districts, municipal governments, and private partners are increasingly turning to buses. For instance, in 2024, the United States boasted 26,727 public and private high schools. Stringent government regulations and evolving safety standards in the United States have significantly influenced market demands. These measures not only enhance the safety of student transportation but also stimulate innovation and growth in the market.
Heightened environmental concerns regarding vehicle emissions, coupled with school districts' emphasis on modernizing aging bus fleets, are driving the push for fleet electrification in the United States. The government is actively supporting this transition to electric school buses, further fueling market expansion. For instance,
- In September 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency unveiled a new funding initiative under the “Clean School Bus Rebate” program, offering school districts up to USD 965 million. This funding is part of a broader government initiative aimed at transitioning nearly 500,000 American school buses to cleaner technologies, safeguarding over 25 million children from harmful air pollutants.
- In January 2025, Glades County School District (GCSD) introduced 13 cutting-edge electric school buses for the 2024-2025 academic year, replacing more than half of its old diesel fleet.
Additionally, leading regional players like Blue Bird Corporation, Thomas Built Buses, and IC Bus are broadening their product offerings to stay competitive. For instance, in January 2025, Thomas Built Buses launched its flagship battery-electric school bus, the second-generation Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley. This new model replaces the traditional driveshaft, resulting in reduced weight and complexity, lower maintenance costs, and improved efficiency and ride quality.
With these advancements, the United States school bus market is poised for significant growth in the near future.
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North America School Bus Industry Overview
The North American school bus market is consolidated, with major manufacturers also catering to international markets. Blue Bird Corporation, IC Bus, and Thomas Built Buses Inc. are anticipated to hold a significant share of the market. Other prominent companies include Forest River Inc. (Collins Bus Corporation), Micro Bird Inc., and Lion Electric Company. These players are implementing various strategies to enhance their competitive standing.
In May 2024, Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) reaffirmed its partnership with Proterra, a leader in commercial vehicle battery technology, to power the next-generation, all-electric Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley school buses from Thomas Built Buses.
In June 2024, Blue Bird Corporation, a frontrunner in electric and low-emission school buses, unveiled the most extensive safety enhancements in its history. With an unparalleled suite of safety systems, Blue Bird aims to safeguard school children, bus drivers, and all road users, reinforcing its commitment to preventing injuries and saving lives.
North America School Bus Market Leaders
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Blue Bird Corporation
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Daimler AG (Thomas Built Buses)
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Lion Electric Company
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Navistar, Inc.
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Forest River Inc. (Collins Bus Corporation)
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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North America School Bus Market News
- September 2024: GreenPower Motor Company, through its Arizona dealer RWC Group, secured a series of orders for six of its all-electric, zero-emission school buses. These orders, funded by the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, serve three separate school districts in Arizona. Additionally, RWC Group is actively seeking more orders under the same initiative.
- August 2024: Blue Bird celebrated a significant achievement, delivering its 2000th electric school bus to the Clark County School District in Nevada.
- January 2024: California's Air Resources Board (CARB) has given the green light to BYD RIDE's Creator, a Type C battery-electric school bus, allowing it to participate in the state's voucher initiative. This program is designed to promote zero-emission trucks, buses, and their charging infrastructure.
North America School Bus Industry Segmentation
School buses, typically painted yellow for visibility, are specially designed motor vehicles that transport students to and from schools and other educational institutions. Equipped with safety features like flashing lights and stop signs, these buses prioritize the safety and efficiency of student transportation. Commonly used in many countries, school buses adhere to strict safety standards to ensure passenger well-being.
In North America, the school bus market is segmented by powertrain, bus type, and region. The powertrain segmentation includes IC engine and electric options. Bus types are categorized into type C, type D, and other variations. Regionally, the market encompasses the United States, Canada, and the Rest of North America. The report provides market sizes and forecasts in USD for each segment.
| By Powertrain | IC Engine |
| Electric | |
| By Bus Type | Type C |
| Type D | |
| Other Types | |
| By Geography | United States |
| Canada | |
| Rest of North America |
By Powertrain
| IC Engine |
| Electric |
By Bus Type
| Type C |
| Type D |
| Other Types |
By Geography
| United States |
| Canada |
| Rest of North America |
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North America School Bus Market Research Faqs
How big is the North America School Bus Market?
The North America School Bus Market size is expected to reach USD 2.71 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.89% to reach USD 3.44 billion by 2030.
What is the current North America School Bus Market size?
In 2025, the North America School Bus Market size is expected to reach USD 2.71 billion.
Who are the key players in North America School Bus Market?
Blue Bird Corporation, Daimler AG (Thomas Built Buses), Lion Electric Company, Navistar, Inc. and Forest River Inc. (Collins Bus Corporation) are the major companies operating in the North America School Bus Market.
What years does this North America School Bus Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the North America School Bus Market size was estimated at USD 2.58 billion. The report covers the North America School Bus Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the North America School Bus Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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North America School Bus Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 North America School Bus market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. North America School Bus analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
