Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Investigators found that Salt Lake Shuttles failed to monitor and ensure that its drivers complied with federal hours-of-service regulations. Drivers frequently made round-trip journeys from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas, a distance of approximately 840 miles, without rest, in violation of hours-of-service rules.

A review of company records by FMCSA investigators found that Destiny Tours had, on five occasions, operated in interstate commerce without obtaining proper federal authority and beyond the scope of its registration.

This is the second shutdown of a passenger carrier following the deployment earlier this month of more than 50 specially trained safety investigators targeting high-risk passenger carriers.

Evidence of significant safety problems and dangerous conditions found on its buses. Company failed to inspect, repair and maintain its vehicles, falsified inspection records, failed to ensure its drivers were qualified and complied with HOS regs, and failed to meet drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Ordered Heartland Charters & Tours to shut down for failing to adhere to operating conditions the company agreed to follow in July 2012 in order to return to passenger service following an imminent hazard out-of-service order issued in April 2012.

Investigators found that Santana Busline failed to ensure that its drivers comply with hours-of-service requirements, allowed unqualified drivers to operate its vehicles in an unsafe manner, failed to conduct periodic vehicle safety inspections and more.

An extensive review of Double Happyness Travel Inc.’s operations found multiple hours-of-service, vehicle maintenance and controlled substance and alcohol testing violations.

Agency says RC Investments Inc. failed to use properly licensed drivers and implement a driver drug and alcohol testing program. In addition, the carrier failed to regularly inspect its vehicles and ensure that its drivers are medically qualified.

Agency has placed four operators out of service in last 10 days.

The imminent hazard order applies to all officers and future companies affiliated with both JCT Motor Coach Inc. and JT’s Travel & Charter Inc.