Recent Bus Crackdown Prompts New App That Keeps Riders In The Know
By Diana Rocco
ATLANTIC CITY (CBS) - In a surprise roadside inspection in Atlantic City, a bus from Brooklyn is pulled out of service. "That's the axel number two right side break chamber loose on the mounts ready to fall out. That's a defective break that's going to put them out of service," says a mechanic looking under the bus.
It was declared unsafe. Inspectors found a cracked frame and faulty breaks.
"We know that a small minority of the companies have a majority of the safety issues," says Christopher Rotondo from the US Department of Transportation who's been cracking down on busses with numerous violations.
After a year long investigation, the feds closed down 26 bus companies up and down the east coast – three in Philadelphia.
New Century bus company on Arch Street in Chinatown was part of the sting. They were forced to shutdown yesterday when a cease order was issued.
Passengers showing up today with tickets found they had to find another way without warning.
"I was heading to New York. I came from Delaware, paid to park two blocks away. I got my food and my magazine. Now no service," said one person.
Now a new mobile App keeps passengers in the know. It's called Safer Bus. Passengers can punch the busses DOT number into the app and the inspection history is at their fingertips. Road safety, vehicle maintenance, driver fitness and controlled substance and alcohol violations are all listed.
If you see "Not allowed to operate," don't board.
"We want to make sure that they all meet the minimum federal standards on the roads," said one of the inspectors.
The bus that was pulled from service belongs to Bus Tours out of New York. Their Safer Bus report includes three red flag violations which include a controlled substance and alcohol violation, but when confronted the driver said the bus was safe.
"This bus is very good."
The App is already up and running and up to date. It's already posted the 26 bus companies that were removed from service.
