Thomas Built Buses, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, June 3 announced a new Type A product offering to join its family of buses. Available in three models, Thomas' newest product, MyBus^TM, was designed specifically to fill the unique transportation needs of childcare and activity centers, churches, service organizations, small businesses and other groups and clubs. 

Many of these organizations find it practical and cost-effective to own and operate activity buses to help differentiate from their competition. Unlike passenger vans, commonly used in small group transportation, Thomas Built's MyBus is a Multi-Function Student Activity Bus (MFSAB). MFSABs meet the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards as school buses, except they are not required to have stoparms or traffic-control lights and, in most states, are not required to be yellow. Year after year, studies show that school buses (including MFSABs) are the safest form of surface transportation. 

"As a leader in the transportation industry, Thomas Built Buses is committed to designing and building innovative, safe and reliable transportation to meet the evolving needs of our customers," said John O'Leary, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. 

Understanding that transportation is not the primary business of the typical MyBus owner, the vehicle was designed to be safe, easy to maintain and durable enough to withstand the daily rigors of transporting children and adults. Its full-height (73" interior headroom), outward-opening entrance door and wide aisle allow easy access to passengers. The all-steel safety cage body construction and two roof crash rails offer added passenger and rollover protection, and the interior features automotive style gauges and driver controls. MyBus is available in three models: the up-to 14-passenger SRW, which does not require a commercial driver's license in many states; the up-to 20-passenger DRW 041 and up-to 30-passenger DRW 051. 

With a more than 90-year history of innovative transportation solutions, Thomas Built Buses is proud of its position as a leading North American school bus manufacturer, bringing quality buses to a wide range of customers. The introduction of MyBus demonstrates Thomas' commitment to delivering the best in safety, quality and durability, across the spectrum of bus types.