Triton board approves $113,000 14‑passenger mini bus to expand routing flexibility

The Triton School Corporation board voted unanimously to purchase a 14‑passenger yellow mini bus with an integrated stop arm for $113,000, citing the vehicle’s extra flexibility for neighborhood pickups and the fact that it does not require drivers to have a commercial driver’s license.

Board members discussed how the smaller yellow bus differs from an activity bus: the mini bus’s color and emergency features permit curbside pickups without a CDL, enabling routes to pick up students at driveways. Superintendent (spoke as the meeting’s presenter) said the vehicle “does allow for a little bit of extra flexibility” for expanded routes and noted the district expects delivery of a 66‑passenger bus within the coming week.

Board members asked practical questions about how state rules apply to activity buses and mini buses, including when buses can stop on the road or must pull into driveways. After discussion the board moved and approved the purchase; the chair called the vote and the motion passed 4–0.

The purchase will add a new vehicle type to the district fleet and is intended to help the district expand routes where curbside pickup is needed. The board did not specify funding source details during the discussion; those were not stated in the transcript.

The board took no additional action beyond approving the purchase at the meeting.