Several prototypes were constructed in line with development of features previously unseen on school buses; this included wide-angle lens next to the entry door to increase loading-zone visibility.

As with its All American, TC/2000, TC/1000, Wanderlodge, and Q-Bus product lines, Blue Bird developed its own chassis for the vehicle.

Eliminating a major blind spot, the patented Safety View™ Vision Panel ahead of the entry door is a wide-angled Fresnel lens made from laminated glass.

Though built on a proprietary chassis, the Vision continued the use of the basic Blue Bird Conventional body structure, introduced in 1957.

As it would serve no other purpose beyond bus use, Blue Bird optimized the exterior of the Vision to maximize forward visibility; the hood was sharply angled from the base of the windshield, as were the front fenders.

As Blue Bird unveiled the Vision in November 2006, the company also previewed a prototype Type C bus using the same chassis.

[5] Previous school buses fueled by propane were aftermarket conversions (typically of the Chevrolet/GMC B series bus chassis).

Following the discontinuation of the GM 8.1L V8 in 2010, Blue Bird began a partnership with both Ford Motor Company and ROUSH CleanTech.

In July 2013, Blue Bird unveiled a number of changes to the Vision conventional at the School Transportation News Expo trade show.

[7] Distinguished by a redesigned grille with a larger Blue Bird emblem, a number of changes were made to the exterior lighting.

In a change made to all Blue Birds, the full-length roof stripe was replaced by a shortened design of a single length.

The Volvo-sourced headlamp clusters were replaced with single-piece clear-lens units; the change was intended to simplify beam adjustment.

To further increase the appeal of the propane-fueled Vision, for 2015 production, Blue Bird introduced an optional 98-gallon extended-range fuel tank (standard equipment being 67 gallons).

Alongside the propane-fueled Ford V10, development of more Roush CleanTech fuel systems led to the introduction of gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG) variants of the Vision.

Coinciding with other alternative-fuel vehicles from the company, the Blue Bird Vision is offered with propane/LPG, compressed natural gas, and gasoline.