Owner-Operator school bus route

School boards or student transportation consortiums, which pay contractors to run the routes. Some also pay for field trips and sports runs.

A contract rate per route or per day of service, often with extra payments for field trips, activity runs and fuel adjustments. Income is steady during the school year and stops over summer.

• Safe, calm driving with children on board
• Reliable, punctual routines
• Basic vehicle upkeep and record keeping

• Provincial licence class, school bus endorsement, medical and criminal record or vulnerable sector check requirements, which vary by province
• Vehicle safety standards and regular inspections, so check what your province requires before buying a bus
• Commercial insurance for passenger vehicles; confirm what the contract requires
• Contracts can be competitive and may be re-tendered, so don't rely on one renewal
• No income in summer and winter weather disruptions, so plan cash flow
• Large upfront cost for the bus; check financing terms carefully

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on the bus you buy and how you finance it. The upfront cost for the bus is large, so check financing terms carefully.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $9,000, depending on your route and contract. The idea needs about 15 hours a week at minimum. There is no income in summer and winter weather can disrupt routes, so plan cash flow.

Check your province's licence class, school bus endorsement, medical and criminal record or vulnerable sector check requirements. Also check vehicle safety standards and inspections before buying a bus, and confirm what commercial passenger insurance your contract requires.