FMCSA crackdown forces bus companies out of service

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s crackdown on bus and truck companies during the past two years has resulted in 14 imminent hazard orders – the same number issued during the previous 10 years, the agency announced July 19.

The orders – which place alleged unsafe companies out of service – were issued after a series of surprise inspections, compliance reviews and other enforcement actions, according to a Department of Transportation press release. The companies were found to be violating federal safety regulations and posing an “imminent hazard” to public safety, the release said. Eight of the orders came within the past four months.

In a five-year period, FMCSA doubled the number of bus inspections and safety reviews of bus companies. From 2005 to 2010, roadside inspections increased to 25,703 from 12,991 and reviews increased to 1,042 from 457.

“We have seen the tragic consequences of unsafe practices – whether it’s ignoring fatigue regulations, providing inadequate driver training, or failing to conduct proper maintenance of a bus or motorcoach,” Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said in the press release. “We continue using all of the tools at our disposal to get unsafe carriers off the road.”