The Blue Bird All American is the top-selling transit-style school bus in North America, and Ross Bus carries new All American RE and FE models configured for diesel, CNG, and electric powertrains.
Available with seating for up to 84 passengers and a GVWR of up to 36,200 lbs, the All American school bus gives fleet operators the capacity and configurability that conventional buses cannot match.
The rear-engine RE platform offers a best-in-class turning radius and driver-forward visibility that makes tight routes and urban drop-off loops easier to navigate.
As the authorized Blue Bird dealer for Louisiana, Ross Bus stocks and services the All American lineup from our Alexandria headquarters and can configure any build to your district's specifications.
Blue Bird's All American body combines our renowned safety and durability advantages such as one-piece steel roof bows, formed one-piece wheel wells and full, off-the-chassis undercoating with new advances in visibility, serviceability, ergonomics, comfort, and stylish, modern design.
All American RE vs. FE: Which Platform Fits Your Fleet
The All American RE places the engine at the rear of the bus, which gives the driver an unobstructed forward view and produces the tightest turning radius in the transit-style category.
That makes the RE the preferred choice for districts running urban routes, narrow suburban streets, and routes with frequent turnaround points. The All American FE mounts the engine in the front, similar to a conventional layout but with the transit-style flat-nose body. The FE offers easier engine access for maintenance and a familiar layout for mechanics transitioning from conventional buses, though it trades some forward visibility compared to the RE.
Both platforms share Blue Bird's one-piece steel roof bow construction and full off-the-chassis undercoating. Ross Bus can help you compare the RE and FE side by side based on your route requirements and maintenance capacity.
For districts comparing transit-style and conventional platforms, the Vision school bus lineup offers a conventional alternative with five fuel options. Ross Bus stocks and services all three configurations from our Alexandria headquarters.
All American RE Fuel Options at a Glance
The All American RE school bus is available in three powertrain configurations, each suited to different route profiles and infrastructure situations. The diesel RE runs the Cummins B6.7 engine paired with an Allison automatic transmission, offering the longest range per fill and the broadest service network in the country. The CNG RE uses the Cummins ISL-G natural gas engine, which delivers stable fuel pricing under long-term contracts and lower particulate emissions for districts under clean fleet mandates. The electric RE produces zero tailpipe emissions and near-silent operation, making it the right choice for districts with short, predictable routes and overnight depot charging. Every fuel variant shares the same body construction, seating capacity up to 84 passengers, and 50-degree wheel cut. Ross Bus stocks and services all three configurations from our Alexandria headquarters.
Why the All American RE Leads Transit-Style Sales
The Blue Bird All American RE has outsold every other transit-style school bus in the United States for decades, and the reasons come down to three operational advantages that fleet directors can measure. First, the rear-engine layout gives the driver an unobstructed 180-degree forward view with no hood blind zone, which matters in school zones and crosswalks. Second, the 50-degree wheel cut produces the tightest turning radius in the transit-style category, making the RE practical on narrow roads and tight drop-off loops where a conventional bus would need multi-point turns. Third, the RE is configurable across diesel, CNG, and electric on the same body platform, so districts can switch fuels without switching models. The one-piece steel roof bow construction and full off-the-chassis undercoating add years to body life in humid climates.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Blue Bird All American RE and FE?
The All American RE mounts the engine at the rear, giving the driver an unobstructed forward view and a 50-degree wheel cut for the tightest turning radius in the transit-style category. The All American FE mounts the engine in the front cowl, providing easier maintenance access similar to a conventional bus but with the flat-nose body.
What are the fuel options for the Blue Bird All American RE?
The All American RE is available in three powertrains: diesel (Cummins B6.7, 200-300 hp), CNG (Cummins ISL-G), and electric. Diesel offers the longest range and broadest service network. CNG provides stable fuel pricing and lower emissions. Electric delivers zero tailpipe emissions for shorter routes with overnight depot charging.
Who is the authorized Blue Bird All American dealer in Louisiana?
Ross Bus, headquartered 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 All American RE leads transit-style sales because of its combination of forward visibility, tight turning radius (50-degree wheel cut), configurability across three fuel platforms, and durable body construction with one-piece steel roof bows and full off-the-chassis undercoating. These features give it broad appeal across urban, suburban, and rural districts.
Which school bus has the best resale value after fleet service?
All American RE buses consistently command higher resale prices on the secondary market than comparable transit-style buses. The one-piece steel body construction, Cummins parts availability, and broad dealer network make used RE units easier to inspect, repair, and resell than competing models.