FMCSA Launches Bus Inspection Strike Force

On August 26, the DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)  launched a nationwide two-week strike force of surprise passenger bus safety inspections and visits to new bus companies to assess safety levels.  The strike force is part of the FMCSA’s Motorcoach Safety Initiative to removed high risk drivers and buses from the roadways.

Law enforcement and specially trained investigators are inspecting buses for overall vehicle maintenance including brakes, tires and exhaust systems. They are also verifying driver qualifications and compliance with hours-of-service requirements. Companies found to be violating safety regulations could be put out of service.

The strike force which is taking place in all fifty states, Washington DC and the US territories aims to complement a broader safety initiative launched back in April.  That strike force has since resulted in 18 bus companies being ordered out of service for safety violations. The agency has also revoked the operating authority of 10 additional bus companies following compliance review investigations that resulted in an “unsatisfactory” safety rating.