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Perryton ISD reviews retrofit quotes after Senate Bill on bus seat belts
Summary
Transportation staff told trustees the district collected vendor quotes to comply with Senate Bill 546; packets showed six buses with three-point belts, two with lap belts, 17 with none, and a retrofit total listed as $625,000, though vendors cautioned estimates could change.
Transportation director Mr. Felix told trustees the district compiled quotes and inventory in response to state requirements tied to Senate Bill 546. He reported the district has six buses with three-point seat belts, two buses with two-point lap belts and 17 buses with no belts; the packet of vendor quotes included retrofit totals that the presenter said came to $625,000 but also cautioned the numbers were estimates.
Mr. Felix said quotes came from multiple vendors; National Bus Sales (Tulsa) provided detailed line-item quotes while other vendors were less certain about compliance timing or costs. He also told the board that some manufacturers advise against retrofitting older buses. "These are just quotes. Numbers can change," he said, urging caution as the district prepares required reports to the state.
Board members discussed used-bus economics and liability concerns, noting that retrofitting older buses could be costly relative to the purchase price of older vehicles and that manufacturers such as Bluebird have warned the frames of older buses may not be suitable for retrofit seat installations. No board vote was taken; staff said the quotes and documentation would be uploaded to the state system as required and the board would wait for guidance from state authorities before deciding on next steps.
