NAMPA, Idaho — Brown Bus Co. celebrated its 50th anniversary last week with an open house for community members, customers and employees, past and present. The company’s previous owners were also recognized at a party that night with awards recognizing their dedication to safety and professionalism.

The company was founded in 1959 with a fleet of 12 buses transporting students for Nampa School District. Over the years, contracts with Vallivue, Wilder and Wendell school districts were added, as well as services to charter schools and community groups in the area. Today, the fleet boasts 275 buses and the company transports approximately 14,000 students daily.

Current owners Brent and Brad Carpenter have been involved with the company since 2000, and full owners since 2005, when they bought their father’s share of the business. Brown Bus Co. has been involved in the local community, donating transportation for the annual Memorial Day ceremony, participating in Parade America and supporting the Boys & Girls Club. In 1999 and 2000, the company was recognized in SCHOOL BUS FLEET's Top 50 Contractors list. In October 2000, SBF recognized Brown Bus Co. in its annual Great Fleets Across America series.