Blue Bird All American RE vs FE: Which Transit-Style Bus Fits Your Fleet
The all american school bus lineup from Blue Bird includes two transit-style configurations: the RE and the FE. Both are flat-nose buses. Both share the same body construction standards, the same Cummins B6.7 diesel engine option, and the same Allison transmission. The difference is where the engine sits, and that single design choice changes visibility, maintenance access, seating capacity, and how the bus behaves on a route.
If you are evaluating a Blue Bird transit-style bus for your district, the RE vs FE decision comes down to four factors.
Engine Placement and Driver Visibility
The All American RE mounts the engine behind the rear axle. The driver sits at the very front edge of the bus with an unobstructed flat-forward view. There is no hood, no cowl, and no engine compartment between the driver and the road. The driver can see the ground directly in front of the bumper, which is where children walk during pickup and drop-off.
The All American FE mounts the engine in the front cowl area, ahead of the driver but under the flat-nose body. The driver still sits forward in the vehicle, but the engine compartment creates a partial blind zone ahead of the bus. The FE improves visibility compared to a conventional hood-forward bus, but it does not match the unobstructed view of the RE.
For districts that prioritize maximum forward sight lines in school zones and crosswalks, the RE has the advantage. For districts where visibility is important but not the deciding factor, the FE closes most of the gap.
Seating Capacity and Dimensions
The all american re seats up to 84 passengers. The FE seats up to 90 passengers. That six-seat difference comes from the rear-engine layout consuming space at the back of the bus that the FE can use for seating.
Both platforms share an exterior width of 96 inches and an interior width of 90.75 inches. Interior height is 77 inches on both. The FE offers wheelbase options from 141 to 232 inches, while the RE ranges from 189 to 273 inches. The longer RE wheelbase options accommodate the rear-engine packaging and give districts more flexibility in overall bus length.
If maximizing passengers per bus is the priority, the FE has the edge. If route constraints favor a shorter or more maneuverable bus, the RE offers more wheelbase flexibility.
Turning Radius and Maneuverability
Both the RE and FE share a 50-degree wheel cut, which produces the tightest turning radius in the transit-style school bus category. The rear-engine layout of the RE shifts the pivot point forward, which gives the driver a tighter effective turning circle in narrow cul-de-sacs and tight school drop-off loops.
The FE turns well for a transit-style bus, but the front engine weight and cowl positioning mean the effective turning circle is slightly wider than the RE on the tightest routes. On most routes, the difference is negligible. On routes with concrete curbs, narrow parish roads, or urban streets with parked cars, the RE has a measurable advantage.
Maintenance Access and Service
This is where the FE has a clear advantage. With the engine in the front cowl, mechanics access the engine compartment from the front of the bus. Routine service items like belts, filters, hoses, and fluid checks are easier to reach than on the RE, where the engine sits behind the rear axle in a compartment that requires the mechanic to work from behind the bus.
For districts with maintenance teams trained on conventional hood-forward buses, the FE transition is simpler. The engine is in a familiar position, even though the body is flat-nose. Districts transitioning to the RE should budget for technician training on rear-engine service procedures, which Ross Bus can provide.
Both configurations use the same Cummins B6.7 engine and Allison 2500 or 3000 PTS transmission, so parts availability and the Cummins service network are identical. The blue bird school bus dealer network, including Ross Bus in Louisiana, services both the RE and FE on site.
Fuel Options
The RE is available in diesel, CNG, and electric. The FE is currently available in diesel. Districts that want CNG or electric on the transit-style platform should look at the RE. Districts that are standardizing on diesel and want maximum capacity should consider the FE.
You can read a full breakdown of the RE powertrain options in our All American RE fuel options comparison, or see why the RE leads transit-style sales in our All American RE top-selling analysis.
Which Configuration Fits Your District
Choose the RE if your routes demand maximum forward visibility, the tightest possible turning radius, or you need CNG or electric powertrain options. Choose the FE if you want to maximize seating capacity at up to 90 passengers, prefer easier engine access for your maintenance team, and are standardizing on diesel.
Both configurations are available through Ross Bus. Call 1-800-587-9032 to speak with a fleet specialist, or browse the full All American lineup at Ross Bus to compare current inventory across both platforms.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Blue Bird All American RE and FE?
The RE mounts the engine behind the rear axle, giving the driver an unobstructed forward view and the tightest turning radius. The FE mounts the engine in the front cowl, providing easier maintenance access and up to 90 passenger seating versus 84 on the RE. Both share the same body construction, Cummins B6.7 engine, and 50-degree wheel cut.
What are the fuel options for the Blue Bird All American RE?
The RE is available in diesel (Cummins B6.7), CNG (Cummins ISL-G), and electric. The FE is currently available in diesel only. Districts needing CNG or electric on the transit-style platform should choose the RE.
Who is the authorized Blue Bird All American dealer in Louisiana?
Ross Bus, located at 2913 N. Bolton Ave. in Alexandria, Louisiana, is the authorized Blue Bird dealer for the state. Ross Bus has been selling and servicing Blue Bird buses for over 40 years and can be reached at 1-800-587-9032.
Why is the All American RE considered the top-selling school bus?
The RE leads transit-style sales because of its unobstructed forward visibility, tight 50-degree wheel cut turning radius, and availability in three fuel platforms. Its rear-engine layout gives drivers the best sight lines in the transit-style category, which is the most cited reason districts switch from conventional to transit-style.