FMCSA App Opens Bus Companies' Safety Records
Before purchasing a ticket or booking group travel, the passenger can review safety records with the agency's new SaferBus iPhone/iPad app.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has released the SaferBus iPhone/iPad App to inform consumers about the safety records of bus companies they are considering. The app, announced this week, is free and meant to be used to review a company's safety record before buying a ticket or booking group travel. Users also can file a bus safety complaint because the app links to the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database.
"This new app gives Americans the information they need to make smart safety decisions when they book their next bus trip," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "As college students, families, and tour groups start thinking about spring and summer travel, we encourage everyone to use the SaferBus app to look before you book your next bus trip."
The SaferBus app, designed for the Apple iPhone and iPad, can be downloaded free by visiting the Apple iTunes App Store or going to FMCSA's "Look Before You Book" webpage at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/saferbus. It provides access to safety records on nearly 6,000 interstate commercial passenger carriers operating in the United States, including privately operated motorcoach, school bus, and tour bus companies.
FMCSA said the American Bus Association's latest research indicates more than 700 million people traveled by motorcoach in 2009.
"SaferBus is FMCSA's first step at making our thorough safety data on commercial bus companies available through smartphone technology," said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. "By placing a bus company's safety record in the palm of your hand, SaferBus encourages riders to think safety first, supports our agency's commitment to make bus travel as safe as possible, and provides good bus companies a way to highlight their positive safety records."
Users can search a company by entering the official business name of the company or its USDOT registration number. The number can be found by contacting the bus company or, if a rider is at a bus terminal or curbside pickup location, the company name and USDOT number should be visible on the exterior of the bus. There is also a way to search for a bus company at FMCSA's website at http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx.