I just came to this thread for the first time, and it looks like the right recommendation was made and followed. Good work!
The GM vans really are winners in this class right now. 2010+ 3/4- and 1-ton vans have an available 6-speed transmissions. When I have to get rid of my Dodge, I'll replace it with a 12 pax 3/4 ton GM. That could be a long time from now, since the Dodge has only 52,000 miles on it. It doesn't have AC, though, and there's a chance I might have to move to Houston sometime in the next few years. I would not take it along.
The safety issue is a valid concern. An extended Econoline was the second vehicle I drove as a teenager at my first job in the mid-90s. I hope that wouldn't be allowed anymore! I can tell you that even with a few years of experience I still did some stupid things behind the wheel. I never had an accident, but it took a close call early in my 20s to get my act together. For an organization like a church, make sure that drivers are responsible and experienced.
That said, new ones with electronic stability control ("Stabilitrak") are really pretty stable. GM's longer wheelbase helps too. I would be able to sleep at night if my organization had both responsible drivers and GM vans with ESC.
Indeed, the risk involved in operating a 15-pax van is larger than for a small bus. In many states, however, a small bus would still require drivers to have a CDL. The added expense of the vehicle and driver license could cost a lot more than the extra security is worth. The one catch in such a cost-risk analysis is that insurance companies might charge a huge premium for a 15-pax van.
