[ilovesarah2012]

In the past, the Secret Service has leased buses, adding protective armor and advanced communications capabilities that must be stripped from the buses to restore them to their original condition before they are returned. It was an expensive practice, costing tens of thousands of dollars per month, Donovan said, and the Secret Service expects the new buses will ultimately save money over time.

http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/obamas-million-dollar-buses/

[Haiku Guy]

In the past, the Secret Service has leased buses, adding protective armor and advanced communications capabilities that must be stripped from the buses to restore them to their original condition before they are returned. It was an expensive practice, costing tens of thousands of dollars per month, Donovan said, and the Secret Service expects the new buses will ultimately save money over time.

Only the government can figure it makes sense to spend over a million dollars to avoid spending tens of thousands of dollars for a few months every four years.

[bvw]

Pay attention:

"the Secret Service expects the new buses will ultimately save money over time."

IOW, they are much more expensive than lease and mod.