FMCSA orders Canadian operator to cease U.S. operations
As part of the investigation into the Dec. 30, 2012, crash of a Mi Joo Tour & Travel bus in Oregon, FMCSA investigators conducted an investigation regarding the company’s compliance with all U.S.-mandated safety regulations, including record keeping of its drivers’ hours of driving time, rest breaks and off-duty periods.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ordered the Canadian bus company, Mi Joo Tour & Travel of Coquitlam, B.C., to cease U.S. operations and revoked the firm’s authority to provide passenger service within the country.
As part of the investigation into the Dec. 30, 2012, crash of a Mi Joo Tour & Travel bus in Oregon, FMCSA investigators conducted an investigation regarding the company’s compliance with all U.S.-mandated safety regulations, including record keeping of its drivers’ hours of driving time, rest breaks and off-duty periods. That investigation found that Mi Joo Tour & Travel failed to take basic measures to ensure that its drivers are properly rested for safe vehicle operations and has established a pattern and practice of scheduling and dispatching drivers on trips without regard to hours of service requirements.
The ongoing investigation further found that the company did not have safety management practices for monitoring and controlling its drivers.
Moreover, on December 30, Mi Joo Tour & Travel allowed its driver, Haeng Kyu Hwang, to drive after having been on duty for well beyond the 70 hour maximum hours of service permitted under federal regulations. That same date, Hwang’s vehicle was involved in a crash that resulted in nine passenger fatalities and 39 passenger injuries. The on-scene investigation of that crash is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Oregon State Police.
Mi Joo Tour & Travel provides occasional charter bus service in the Pacific Northwest but has never provided general passenger service with fixed schedules on roadways within the U.S.
FMCSA previously cited Mi Joo Tour & Travel in 2011 for failure to meet certain U.S. drug and alcohol testing requirements. The firm was subsequently fined and required to submit a corrective action plan to FMCSA officials.
Initially, Mi Joo Tour & Travel did not pay the fine and subsequently had its U.S. Department of Transportation operating authority suspended for approximately two months. Later, the federally imposed fine was paid and the company’s authority to operate within the U.S. was reinstated. In 2010, the company was also fined for separate violations involving drug and alcohol testing of its drivers.
A copy of the imminent hazard out-of-service order can be viewed here.
More Motorcoach
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
ABA's Ferguson Testifies in Support of BUS Act, National Standards for Bus Operators
The BUSES Act would create a nationwide framework preventing state and local governments from enforcing bus idling restrictions of less than 15 minutes, a threshold consistent with existing Environmental Protection Agency guidance.
Read More →
A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →
2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
Searching for the right vehicles, technology, equipment, or services for your public transit or motorcoach operation? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers from across the transportation market — all in one place. Download it to connect with the companies that help agencies and operators improve mobility, enhance operations, and move their organizations forward.
Read More →
ABA Foundation’s 2025 Motorcoach Census Highlights Industry Growth, 77K Jobs
Conducted annually by Tourism Economics, the study found that 1,769 companies operating 49,543 motorcoaches are based in the US, while 122 companies operating 1,425 motorcoaches are located in Canada.
Read More →
ENC Lands Additional 10-Bus Order From Academy Bus
The latest purchase brings Academy Bus’ AXESS fleet orders to 35 vehicles as ENC continues expanding its heavy-duty transit lineup.
Read More →
American Bus Association Files Lawsuit Against NYC Over Bus Idling Rules
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, challenges the City’s use of its Citizens Air Complaint program.
Read More →
Avoiding Mid-Season Breakdowns: A Fleet Readiness Q&A
John Hatman, COO of Master’s Transportation, breaks down the priorities, warning signs and common mistakes fleet managers should address now to stay ahead of summer demand.
Read More →
ABA Report: Motorcoach Sales Tick Up in Q1 2026 as Market Stabilizes
The Foundation produces the report each quarter, using data collected from surveys of major motorcoach manufacturers that sell vehicles in the US and Canada.
Read More →
How the Motorcoach Industry Supports Disaster Response and National Preparedness
Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), discussed how the industry prepares for emergencies, the growing recognition of motorcoaches as critical infrastructure, and steps operators can take to strengthen disaster readiness.
Read More →