The American Bus Association (ABA) urged a government crackdown on rogue bus operators that cause danger to public safety because of their criminal activities and lax law enforcement.

"Safety begins long before any rider steps aboard a motorcoach," said ABA President/CEO Peter J. Pantuso. "It starts with enforcing the law against criminal rogue bus companies. But it's not enough to just revoke their operating authority. We need government officials to conduct a coordinated nationwide sting campaign that includes padlocking their garages, stripping the plates from their buses, booting bus wheels and imprisoning bus bandits guilty of crimes through mandatory sentencing statutes."

Pantuso represented the motorcoach, tour and travel industry during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing focusing on occupant protection, detailing the industry’s safety commitment that has made it one of the safest modes of travel.

Pantuso also urges government regulators to undertake a sweeping law enforcement campaign to stop criminal operators that risk passenger safety and ruin the image of responsible operators.

The ABA also has introduced a 10-point plan to stop illegal operators. To find out more, click here.