Bus Financing & Leasing
Shuttle, charter and school buses on fixed payments
Liberty Capital finances buses for charter and tour operators, airport and hotel shuttle companies, private school bus contractors, churches, senior living and non-emergency transportation providers. New or used, from dealers or private sellers, nationwide.
Buses we finance
The bus secures the deal, so its year, mileage and condition matter as much as your credit. Send the listing and we tell you what will get approved.
Why transportation companies lease buses
A new coach or shuttle is a big check, and passenger contracts pay over time. Leasing is an inflation buster: your payment stays fixed while bus prices, parts and fuel go up. It is cash flow management, with a low capital outlay compared with buying outright, so cash stays free for drivers, insurance and maintenance.
Payments are low and manageable, terms run up to 5 years, and most leases end with a $1 buyout, so you own the bus. Leased vehicles may qualify for Section 179, a potential 100% deduction in the year the bus goes into service (ask your CPA). You conserve cash to bid on the next contract.
Loan, lease or EFA?
| Equipment financing (EFA) | Equipment lease ($1 / FMV) | Business term loan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You, lender holds lien | You own at $1 buyout; FMV = buy or return | Your business |
| Maximum term | 60 months | 60 months | 24 months |
| Typical minimum credit | 650 | 600 | 550 |
| Time in business | Startups considered | Startups considered | 3+ years |
| Application only | Up to ~$250K* | Up to ~$250K* | Up to $150K |
| Funds go to | The seller | The seller | Your business |
*Application-only limits vary by credit, time in business, equipment type and industry. Actual terms depend on credit, bus age and condition, revenue and the seller.
Structures that fit passenger transportation
What lenders look at
- 600+ credit for smaller deals; 650+ for $50K and up
- 3–4 months of business bank statements
- Bus quote, invoice or listing; condition report on older units
- For-hire passenger carriers: USDOT number and operating authority
- Proof of commercial auto insurance before funding
- Larger deals: 2–3+ years in business and financials
- $0 down is reserved for 5+ years in business, established PayNet and D&B business credit and 700+ personal credit
Startups and new authority
New transportation companies are reviewed case-by-case and usually need a down payment. Signed contracts (school districts, hotels, senior living, NEMT brokers), driver experience and good personal credit make the biggest difference.
From listing to first route
- Send the listingDealer quote, invoice or the private seller ad
- Apply in minutesOne-page application; soft inquiry to start
- Get approvedOften within a business day or two on smaller deals
- We fund the sellerAfter title, insurance and paperwork check out
Bus financing questions
How do I finance a bus for my business?
Send the bus listing and a one-page application. We compare lenders and structure a loan, lease or EFA, new or used, with terms up to 60 months.
Can I lease a shuttle bus or motorcoach?
Yes. Shuttle buses, minibuses and motorcoaches can be leased, usually on a $1 buyout lease so you own the bus at the end.
Do you finance used buses?
Yes, from dealers or private sellers, on a condition report. Used buses cap at 60 months, and older units may need a shorter term or a down payment.
Can a new transportation company get bus financing?
Yes, case-by-case. Expect a down payment; signed contracts, driver experience and good credit help.
Do you finance school buses for private contractors?
Yes. Private school bus contractors and private schools can finance new or used school and activity buses.
Can I finance several buses at once?
Yes. Buses from different sellers can be combined into one schedule with one monthly payment.
Will applying hurt my credit?
We start with a soft inquiry. The lender runs a hard inquiry only when you move forward.
Ready to add your next bus?
Get a free quote or call (888) 511-6223.
Rates and terms disclosure: any rates, payments or terms shown are examples only. Sample rates apply to established businesses with 3 to 5+ years in business and strong credit (680+ FICO), subject to credit approval. Startup rates vary and are subject to final approval. Application-only limits vary by credit, time in business, equipment type and industry; amounts shown are guidance, not a promise. $0 down is reserved for businesses with 5+ years in business, established PayNet and D&B business credit and 700+ personal credit. This is not an offer or commitment to lend. Not tax advice; ask your CPA about Section 179.