Collins Magellan Series Shuttle Buses

MFSAB stands for Multi-Function School Activity Bus. It means the Magellan is built to school bus construction standards — including an interlocking roll cage, HSLA steel structure, and a roof design 66% stronger than traditional steel. This is a higher structural standard than conventional shuttle buses, which makes the Magellan one of the safest Type-A buses available for any application.

In most states, you do not need a CDL to drive any vehicle that carries 15 total passengers or less. However, some states have stricter requirements. Always check with your local DMV for CDL licensing requirements.

Engine options depend on the chassis platform. Ford E-Series models are powered by the 6.8L V-10 gas engine (305 HP, 420 lb-ft torque). GM / Chevrolet models offer the Vortec 4.8L V-8 gas engine (285 HP, 295 lb-ft torque) as standard on G3500 chassis, with the Vortec 6.0L V-8 (342 HP, 373 lb-ft torque) standard on G4500 and optional on G3500. All configurations include a 6-speed automatic transmission with heavy-duty overdrive.

Fuel economy varies based on engine type, passenger load, and driving conditions. Gas configurations on Ford and GM chassis typically deliver 8–12 MPG depending on route type, load, and whether the vehicle is SRW or DRW.

Collins Bus provides a manufacturer warranty covering the body construction and structural components. Additional chassis warranties are provided by Ford or GM depending on the platform. Church and senior living customers purchasing through Carpenter Bus Sales are also eligible for the Carpenter Bus Sales 8-Year Unlimited Mile Warranty — an exclusive protection plan not available from other dealers. Contact our sales team for full warranty details on current models.

The key difference is build classification. The Magellan is an MFSAB — built to school bus construction standards with an interlocking roll cage, HSLA steel, and a proprietary roof bow design. Starcraft and Glaval shuttle buses are built to commercial bus (FMVSS) standards, which are robust but do not include the same school-bus-grade structural requirements. If your organization prioritizes the highest available structural safety in a Type-A bus, the Magellan is the strongest option in the Carpenter Bus Sales lineup. Starcraft and Glaval offer advantages in interior finish options, wider body configurations, and a broader range of chassis platforms including medium-duty options like the F-550, F-650, and Freightliner.

Yes. Select Magellan models — including the DE416WR and DE516WR — offer wheelchair accessibility with Braun or Ricon wheelchair lifts and L-Track floor configurations to meet ADA federal standards. Various passenger/wheelchair seating combinations are available.