What are your options for a 17 Seater Minibus?
If you are looking to buy a 17 seater minibus, which is the largest bus you can buy in this category (16 passengers and 1 driver) there are several choices on the market, all available from Rivervale Minibus; Peugeot Boxer 17 seat minibus and Citroen Relay 17 seat minibus both with specialist equipment for disabled passengers. These two options can be driven by drivers who hold a standard B1 car licence, without D1 entitlement, provided the organisation is operating under a Section 19 Permit.
Non D1 or B1 17 seat minibuses
These two options are what is called conversions, they started life as panel vans with a GVW of 3.5 tonnes and were converted to 17 seater minibuses (16 passengers and a driver). Specialist equipment was added such as a lift for disabled passengers bringing the GVW to 4.25 tonnes but this additional weight is allowable, under a Section 19 Permit, and these buses can be driven on a standard car licence – provided the driver meets certain criteria including being over 21, having driven for 2 years and is not paid to do so.
The Peugeot Boxer 17 seat minibus is a popular choice in the minibus sector because it is reliable, versatile, spacious and practical as well being in comfortable for drivers and passengers. The diesel engine meets the latest Euro 6 emissions standards, meaning you are ULEZ compliant. The minibus’ shape provides for large windows giving more light and visibility and the inside feels snice and spacious. The exterior has a modern and professional appearance, and the wide sliding door and low step height makes embarking and disembarking easy for all age passengers.
As standard the Peugeot Boxer comes with comfort features such as air conditioning, individual reading lights, and USB charging ports to allow your passengers to access and charge their devices on the go.
The Citroen Relay 17 seat minibus – Similar to the Peugeot, the Citroën Relay is a 17 seater diesel minibus that is both powerful and efficient, known for its fuel economy the Euro 6 version is ULEZ compliant. With an advanced suspension system, the Citroen Relay gives a very comfortable ride with easy handling for the driver. With a reputation for manufacturing vehicles that are easy to maintain this minibus was is designed with maintenance-friendly features, such as easy-access engine components and durable materials to withstand heavy usage.
D1 17 Seater Minibuses
If you would prefer to have a minibus that is factory built, as opposed to a converted van, although both options meet the type approval under Regulation 100 of The Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 (SI 1986 No. 1078) you can choose a Ford Transit 17 seater minibus either the Trend, Leader or Limited editions.
The Ford 17 seat minibus is undoubtedly the more luxurious and comfortable option as it was designed as a passenger carrying vehicle. Its GVW is 4.6 tonnes so drivers must have D1 entitlement on their licences, either the inherited D1 (101) on a licence issued before January 1st 1997 if they are volunteer drivers, or the full D1 licence if they are being paid to drive.
Again, these diesel vehicles are ULAZ compliant and offer a superior experience for both the driver and passengers, and you can expect the same high standards in your minibus for handling, reliability, maintenance and comfort that you find from Ford’s cars. The Ford Transit 17 seat minibus is probably the most popular minibus on the roads, certainly it is favoured by the private education sector looking to advertise their school in the local community and make a real impression on its passengers.
At the time of writing (October 2024) there is no electric 17 seat minibus option. The largest electric minibus available is the 15 seat Ford E-Transit or the 14 seat Maxus eDeliver9.
All lease minibuses from Rivervale Minibus include livery and logo, 12 months recovery and are on a fully maintained contract so regular servicing, annual MOTs (from year 1) and minibus safety inspections are included, as well as tyre replacement for wear and tear. This means you’ve one fixed monthly price to maintain your vehicles and you just need to add fuel and insurance.
If you're looking for a 17-seat minibus, then give Rivervale Minibus a call on 01869 253744 or email minibus@rivervale.co.uk and they can talk through your options and help you decide which is the best vehicle for your organisation.