DOT Orders Canadian Bus Company to Cease US Operations Following Fatal Crash
After a crash in Oregon, a tour bus company with a history of DOT citations has been ordered to cease operations.
The Department of Transportation has ordered a Canadian travel bus company to cease operations in the U.S. following an Oregon crash killing nine and injuring 39 passengers. The DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) took action against Mi Joo Tour & Travel based on the findings of an investigation into the company’s practices.
“The safety of all travelers on our highways and roads remains our highest priority,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We will move quickly to shut down bus companies that do not operate safely.”
In the investigation into the December 20, 2012 crash, it was revealed that Mi Joo Tour & Travel did not take measures to ensure driver safety. The driver of the bus that crashed had been on duty well beyond the 70 hour limit.
According to the FMCSA, “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 requirement.”
This was not the first time this bus company has been cited for negligence of safety regulations. In 2010 the company was cited and fined for ignoring drug and alcohol testing requirements. After failing to pay the fine and submit a corrective plan, the company’s authority to operate in the U.S. was suspended. The fine was paid and the company’s ability to work the U.S. was reinstated.