I will reinforce the idea that you want whatever shifting device you choose to fall readily to your hand.
You don't want to place it where you need to reach.
You will be using it, once you get a demonstration of how much better/smoother/faster/quieter the coach performs under different conditions, if you make the shifting decisions instead of the machine.
My favorite is the MC8 vintage shifter, which has a series of offset notches for each gear. Never have to look down to know which gear. The later simple in-line shifter, each click is the same as the last.
For the earlier 102, the shift tower tucks tightly inside the driver courtesy panel, with the shift handle somewhat ahead of the parking brake control. IIRC, I don't think MCI had different panels for each application.
happy coaching!
buswarrior