ANDOVER, Minn. — Kottkes’ Bus Service Inc. transported 16 Spring Lake Park (Minn.) High School students to their prom in May.

“Our son Andrew came up with the idea, and he approached Charles about it,” said Sheila Peterson, wife of Kottkes’ President Charles Peterson. “Andrew and his friends thought it would be appropriate for their prom.”

The teenagers personalized the IC bus by writing their names on the windows, decorating the seats with their initials and filling the bus with streamers and balloons. The bus driver also engaged in the festivities by wearing a tuxedo-like suit.

The evening began with dinner at a steakhouse in northeast Minneapolis. The students were then taken to their school for the prom and to a bowling alley afterward.

The teenagers’ unusual choice in mode of prom transportation was well received. “They said people commented that it was very cool,” Peterson noted, “so it was a positive experience all around.”

Although this was the first time Kottkes’ Bus Service had provided this type of transportation for students, Peterson said that the company hopes it catches on for next year. The company may advertise such services to the schools and districts with which it has contracts.

“Some kids might not be open to it, but I think it’s a safe and cheap alternative to a limousine,” Peterson said.