Washington – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez today announced that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has agreed to their demand to launch a broad investigation into the entire safety regime that governs the low-cost tour bus industry. In the aftermath of the deadly March 12th World Wide Tours bus crash on I-95, Schumer and Velázquez called on NTSB to utilize its investigative authority to examine the overall effectiveness of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) safety regime for the discount tour bus industry. Today, Schumer and Velázquez announced that the NTSB, at their urging, will launch an investigation into the safety regime of the discount-tour bus industry.
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“A broad based investigation into the discount tour bus industry will send a wake-up call that the status quo is simply not acceptable,” said Schumer. “March’s bus crash was a tragedy for New York, but these passengers did not have to die in vain. A full and comprehensive review of this industry and the safety regulations governing it will no doubt lead to greater safety standards for the thousands of passengers who use these buses every week.”
“The recent tragic accidents have underscored the need to improve motor coach safety, especially among discount carriers. By ensuring NTSB thoroughly reviews how this industry is regulated, we can keep passengers safe, while restoring consumers’ confidence in this type of travel,” said Congresswoman Velázquez.
Responding to Schumer and Velázquez’ request, NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman committed to having the NTSB conduct a review of the low-cost discount bus industry using information and data obtained from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well as other resources. The review will examine both regulatory and operational factors involved in the safe operation of this subdivision of the motorcoach industry and will specifically look at the role of the FMCSA as an effective regulator of the industry. The NTSB expects the review to be completed in six months with findings that are likely to spur a range of potential legislative changes that would enhance safety in the industry.
A similar review was conducted by the NTSB that led to major improvements in airline safety, and Schumer and Velázquez intend for this review to have similar results for the discount tour bus industry. After the tragic crash of Colgan Air flight 3407 in Buffalo in 2009, Schumer pressed for an NTSB investigation that upon its conclusion led to a series of recommendations for the overhaul of flight safety regulations for the airline industry, including stronger rules on pilot fatigue and increased safety training for crew members. Schumer and Velazquez intend to use the results of this review to pursue better safety standards for the industry.
Two weeks ago, Schumer and Velázquez wrote a letter to the NTSB requesting they launch an investigation into safety regime for the entire discount tour bus industry in light of the March 12th crash and a series of other deadly accidents. They noted that the World Wide Tour’s crash was not an isolated incident, but the latest in a series of crashes and near crashes that have occurred in the industry over the last several years. Schumer and Velázquez also pointed out the proliferation of these carriers and their rising popularity compared to traditional terminal pick-up.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has the responsibility of evaluating the effectiveness of other government agencies’ safety programs for preventing transportation accidents. Schumer and Velázquez requested that the Board use its authority to begin a broad examination of current safety regulations employed by the FMCSA for this industry and their overall effectiveness.
ok, everyone. let me give you a short course in bus safety as regards to this article.
First of all, before schumer and velazquez, put their feet into their large mouths, it would help if they would perhaps do their homework,and familiarize themselves with NYS and Federal U.S. laws as concerning intercity buses.( they are lawmakers are they not? ) and photo-op experts too. to boot.
Any bus that is registered in NYS and has a valid NYS license plate (unless it’s a govt vehicle) HAS TO HAVE A VALID NYS DOT STICKER ON THE WINDSHIELD. This sticker is valid for max. 6 months. EVERY 6 months (in some cases even less than 6 months) All buses have to pass a DOT inspection. NYS DOT INSPECTION
contd. NYS DOT is the strictest in the nation. DOT will fail any bus for any silly reason. it doesnt have to be a safety regulation,or issue. if the bus lettering is not high enough, or the right color,or if the operator name,phone number,or bus number is missing,it will fail inspection. Inspections are rated in A B C ratings. A being for a major safety issue(brakes,steering or front end problems leaks,engine, trans.oil etc) B for lesser issues (clearance bulbs,interior ceiling bulbs, high and low beams,rips in seats,etc) C for (bus cleanliness,missing lettering,paint,etc) DOT looks to fail buses,even though i am not sure if they have an agenda,or quota to meet. Also, all vehicles have to have a daily maintenance sheet filled out in the am and pm every day,with any maintenance problems reported to the mechanic immediately,and the driver has to TWICE sign this sheet every day.
Also, every bus has to have a self inspection( rerventive maintenance) every 3 months,or 3,000 miles whichever comes first. and a special form has to be filled out for this inspection too. The NYS DOT inspection is a 100-130 point inspection,which no vehicle,including the MTA buses have to go through
contd. Every item in a bus(bumper to bumper) is inspected,every switch,button,seatbelt, seat,window,floor rubber,etc is inspected every 6 months. NO STATE in the NATION has such a thorough inspection,Some states including Florida and Penna. have no inspection. On top of this all NYS CDL drivers have to pass a 20 hour course in bus driving,and an annual 2 hour refresher course,plus an annual medical exam,a road test,written test,and drug testing. This is a separate NYS Dept Of Motor Vehicles law called article 19-A
Then you have the US FHTA ( formerly known as the ICC) regulations which is a parshah in itself.
All the abovementioned laws,are included, PLUS a separate FEDERAL BUS INSPECTION program, where the FEDS come and inspect your garage,buses, driver’s records,log books,drug testing records,(toll booth receipts in an audit for tax purposes) maintenance records, etc and too many more numerous boring items to list here.
There are no “DISCOUNT” bus companies out there. All buses that are governed by Federal laws have to carry a minimum of $ 6,00,000 liability insurance,and are/ or inspected by the govt, or by the CVSA Commercial veh, safety alliance.
CVSA is a national safety alliance that inspects buses. for those states that have no DOT inspection of their own. In over 80% of bus accidents,as well as other commercial accidents,it is usually the driver’s fault. driver error( sleep deprivation) contributes to most if not all accidents.
Even with all the safeguards,involved if a driver decides not to go to sleep after a 10 hour drive( or goes to the casino,instead of the bedroom) there is no way,a company can control that. it is up to the driver’s logic to do the right thing.
Background checks, both State, and Federal, are required by law. all drivers are fingerprinted,and the NYS Crim. Justice system ,as well as the FBI checks ALL applications. And still some drivers fall through the cracks.
But to say that this industry is un regulated? Is Schumer on drugs? which other transportation industry in America is more regulated?
Then again Schumer and Co. never met a photo op he didnt like.
Hey Schwartzi, did you notice that all the Tour Buses have out-of-state registration (license plates)???? Chuchem Ayner!