FMCSA announces progress on motorcoach safety initiatives

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Department of Transportation on April 5 announced new and continued efforts to improve safety in the motorcoach industry, including progress on a safety crackdown of high-risk commercial passenger carriers that began in February.

According to an FMCSA press release, in the past two months:

• FMCSA shut down 15 passenger carriers – seven after being declared imminent hazards and the rest for receiving an “unsatisfactory” rating during safety compliance reviews.
• FMCSA and state enforcement agencies issued 1,500 driver and vehicle out-of-service safety violations after conducting more than 13,500 roadside inspections.
• FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro on April 4 contacted key motorcoach industry executives to inform them of the crackdown and request their support.
• Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood requested each state’s governor to contribute law enforcement support and help publicize the agency’s passenger safety initiatives.

The announcements were made at a meeting with motorcoach safety representatives from law enforcement, tourism and travel groups, and state and local government.