By RaeAnn Slaybaugh

StarCraft Bus & Mobility just introduced this Starquest as a direct replacement vehicle for 15-passenger vans. Starquest still easily handles 15 passengers and doesn’t require a commercial driver’s license for operation in most states, but it also offers the security of a welded-steelcage coach and dual rear wheels.

Other safety features include a lower profile, low entry height and excellent handling and visibility. A center aisle with two-and-two seating makes moving around inside simple. For more details, visit Carpenter Bus Sales online at CarpenterBus.com.

Although DaimlerChrysler Co-mmercial Buses (www.DCBus NA.com) sells a full range of vehicles, this CL 100 bus is the favorite among church leaders. It is available in three lengths — 20 feet, 22 feet and 24 feet — and carries up to 25 passengers. The CL 100 offers two options for entry-door configurations (in the cab or in the body), several wheelchair-lift options, and Smart Choice packages to ensure you buy the right bus for your needs.

These packages take into account chassis load limits with your anticipated weight of passengers, as well as door cycles, luggage requirements and seating preferences. Additionally, all Smart Choice-equipped vehicles are custom fitted with proven air-conditioning and heating systems engineered to withstand the grueling test of shuttle service.

“Basically, Smart Choice packages take the guesswork out of buying a bus,” says spokesperson Sheryl Kursar.

“Just like you’d buy a passenger car, these packages group floor plans and features by the use of the bus. It’s a great way for someone to feel good about the bus they buy.”

A “wide” range of options. The MB-II from Girardin Minibus (Girardin.com) is a single-rear-wheel product built on either the Ford or GMC cutaway chassis. With its patented oval body construction, it’s the widest “Type A” school bus in its class, offering comfortable seating for up to 20 passengers. Versatile in its design, the MB-II is available in four- or five-row configurations and offers a choice of 66 or 74 inches of interior headroom. Well adapted, the MB-II can also be built as a lift-equipped vehicle for passengers requiring special attention. Eight different models are available, accommodating 16 to 20 passengers.

Don’t let their size fool you — Corbeil Bus’s Kidette and Victory multifunction buses are some of the safest bets on the road. As Ed Dunn, general manager for Corbeil (CorbeilBus.com), explains, Kidette and Victory are exempt from requirements for traffic-control equipment since they’re not intended to be used for picking up or discharging students on public roadways.

“These models provide the safest means of vehicle transportation because they have the safety features of a school bus,” he says. “The Kidette is designed for childcare programs that transport children. The Victory is designed to accommodate both children and adults.”

You’re in for a treat inside, too, since both models feature comfortable seating for up to 14 passengers, two latch positions for child-safety seats, Chevrolet/GMC or Ford school bus chassis, 139-inch wheel bases, four-wheel antilock brakes and four-speed heavy-duty automatic transmissions.

If you’re looking for limousine quality, check out Federal Coach’s new Spirit III. In the market for meticulous attention to detail, the quietest ride and one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the nation? Look no further than the Spirit III, presented by Carpenter Bus Sales (CarpenterBus.com).

Spirit III offers understated luxury inside and out and comfortably accommodates 28 passengers standard, or 24 passengers with optional rear storage area. On this and every Federal Coach, you’ll find many standard features only available as special options on other vehicles.

Replace your non-conforming 15- passenger van with something safer. The experts at Midwest Transit Equipment urge you to look into safer, more reliable, affordable and comfortable alternatives to vans — that’s why they developed ChurchBus.com, a new division ded-icated to delivering transportation equipment for church bus ministries.

Since much of the life-changing ministry provided by local churches takes place beyond the four walls of their sanctuaries, a decision must be made about the type of transportation that will be used.

“We made a commitment to support churches, their schools and their ministries over 25 years ago,” states he company website. “We’ve been fulfilling it every day since, with dedicated transportation consultants whose mission is to deliver reliable and affordable transportation equipment for their bus ministries.”

If you need to carry larger groups, consider the Titan by Glaval Bus. The Titan offers comfort and style at an affordable price. Its quality, attention to detail and appearance make it a great choice for longer trips and for carrying up to 42 passengers.

Built on a rugged GMC chassis with a powerful Duramax Diesel engine (gas engine also available) and Allison transmission, Titan is built to perform with strength and enthusiasm. High-quality interior comfort and a wide variety of options ensure your passengers a satisfying ride. This bus is also offered by Carpenter Bus Sales (CarpenterBus.com).

The CTS Trolley Bus from Champion Bus is a decidedly fun, yet functional, shuttle alternative. With passenger capacity up to 45 adults, the CTS combines the classic look of a San Francisco trolley and the traditional reliability of a Champion bus (ChampionBus.com).

It ranges between 32 feet and 39 feet long, and a variety of floor plans are available, including a hidden in-step lift to meet ADA requirements.

Other features include traditional hardwood seat-ing, an optional exterior wood package and attractive interior and exterior brass details. Plus, like all Champion products, the CTS Trolley Bus is built with the patented Steelgard all-steel inner cage for superior durability and maximum passenger protection.