Insufficient lubrication in the right-side tag axle wheel bearing assembly resulting in increased temperatures, subsequent failed wheel bearings, and eventually, the ignition of the tire was the cause for the fatal Texas bus fire that took 23 lives during Hurricane Rita evacuation efforts, according to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). In its report, the NTSB also determined that the owner of the coach, Global Limo Inc., failed to conduct proper vehicle maintenance, do pre-trip inspections and complete post-trip drive vehicle inspection reports, which contributed to its inability to detect the insufficient wheel bearing lubrication. The NTSB also made several recommendations to Federal legislative bodies, bus associations, the motorcoach industry and first responders that included, revising regulations to prohibit a commercial vehicle from operating with wheel seal or other hub lubrication leaks; developing detection systems to monitor wheel well compartment temperatures; and the further study on the causes of motorcoach and bus fires, as well as the development of new fire prevention and mitigation techniques. A synopsis of the report is available on NTSB’s Website, www.ntsb.gov, under “Board Meetings.”
NTSB determines cause of bus fire
Board also makes several recommendations to prevent future tragedies.
More Management
Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
Read More →
Des Moines DART CEO Joins Minneapolis Metro Transit
Amanda Wanke, who has worked at DART for 10 years, including the past 2½ years as CEO, will join Metro Transit as deputy chief operating officer, operations administration.
Read More →
SEPTA to Launch New Bus Network Redesign in August
The first comprehensive overhaul of SEPTA’s bus network will expand frequent service, add routes, and phase in changes through 2027.
Read More →
CDTA Outlines Mobility Vision at 2026 State of the Authority Event
In his first State of CDTA address as CEO, Frank Annicaro highlighted the organization’s continued focus on delivering reliable service, investing in innovation, and strengthening connections across the region.
Read More →
WMATA Introduces Priority Seating Reminder Pilot for Metro Riders
The agency is testing floor decals on select railcars to improve awareness of priority seating and support a more accessible transit experience.
Read More →
Transit Unplugged Celebrates 400 Episodes
The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.
Read More →
NFI Group Officially Opens New Flyer All-Canadian Build Facility in Winnipeg
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
Read More →
APTA: Surface Transportation Funding Delivers 5:1 Economic Return, Supports 41,400 Jobs per $1B
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
Read More →
Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
Read More →
FTA Invests $100M to Strengthen Transit for 2026 World Cup
The funding will ensure communities can expand transit options to meet increased demand for services around stadiums.
Read More →
