Bus types
Cutaway buses
A bus body mounted on a commercial van or truck cutaway chassis such as a Ford E-450, Chevrolet 4500, or Ram ProMaster.
- Typical capacity
- 12 to 32 passengers
- Who buys them
- Paratransit, shuttle service, agency fleets
- Licence
- Depends on final occupant count and GVWR. Many are deliberately non-CDL; some E-450 builds exceed the threshold.

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Buying a Used Shuttle Bus
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What is inside the guideLooking for a cutaway bus?
Search listings from dealers across the U.S. When you find a bus you want, make a request about it. We connect you directly with the dealer selling the bus. We don't sell your details or send you other offers.
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Cutaway buses: common questions
What is a cutaway bus?
A bus body mounted on a commercial van or truck cutaway chassis such as a Ford E-450, Chevrolet 4500, or Ram ProMaster.
How many passengers does a cutaway bus seat?
Cutaway buses typically seat 12 to 32 passengers. Exact capacity depends on the seating configuration and, where wheelchair positions are specified, on how many seats are given up to securement stations.
Do you need a CDL to drive a cutaway bus?
Depends on final occupant count and GVWR. Many are deliberately non-CDL; some E-450 builds exceed the threshold. A commercial driver's licence with a passenger endorsement is generally required at 16 or more occupants including the driver, or above 26,001 lb GVWR, but state rules vary and the occupant count on the specific unit is what decides it. Always verify against the unit, not the category.
Who buys cutaway buses?
Paratransit, shuttle service, agency fleets.
How do I find a cutaway bus for sale?
Search cutaway buses listed by dealers across the U.S., then make a request about the bus you want. Your enquiry goes only to the dealer selling that bus, and the dealer follows up. It is free to search and send a request.
Buyers often cross-shop
- Shuttle bus12 to 38 passengersHotels, airport parking, campuses, senior living, church
- Paratransit bus8 to 20 passengers plus 2 to 6 wheelchair positionsTransit-agency ADA service, county aging programs, non-emergency medical
- Wheelchair-accessible bus8 to 24 passengers plus 2 to 4 wheelchair positionsParatransit, senior living, medical transport, special-needs routes