Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Despite a federal crackdown on unsafe companies following the death of four Sky Express passengers in a crash, documents show two companies with some of the worst safety records in the nation are still in operation.

Sky Express coach driver Kin Yiu Cheung received four counts of involuntary manslaughter in a crash last year that killed four and injured dozens. Crash survivors told the judge that Cheung’s erratic driving lasted for an hour before he nodded off at the wheel and lost control of the bus.

Absolved all four counts of involuntary manslaughter filed against Sky Express’ Zhao Jian Chen, who was accused of ordering bus driver Kin Yiu Cheung to drive from North Carolina to New York, even though Cheung told him he was too tired. Cheung fell asleep and the bus overturned.

After reviewing a crash investigation report, the NTSB found fault with Sky Express for failing to provide a fatigue management program or any other formal safety policies for its drivers, and with the FMCSA for failing to shut down the company despite repeated safety violations.

Kin Yiu Cheung was set to appear in a Virginia court Wednesday on charges stemming from the crash on Interstate 95 that killed four passengers and injured dozens. He is charged with four felony counts of involuntary manslaughter, facing up to 10 years in prison for each count.

The motorcoach carrier involved in the Virginia bus crash on May 31 is, according to the FMCSA, attempting to operate and sell tickets under a different company name, including 108 Tours and 108 Bus. The order is effective immediately.

The vehicle, operated by Sky Express, was traveling northbound on I-95 en route from Raleigh, N.C., to New York City when it crashed at about 4:55 am ET Monday morning. Numerous fatalities and injuries have been reported.

The two coaches feature rear windows and satellite television, back-up cameras for safety, along with auto-retract seat backs and leather-wrapped steering wheels.