After a spree of accidents in 2011 involving intercity, ‘curbside’ buses that resulted in numerous fatal injuries to passengers, the National Transportation Safety Board conducted a study of the industry, which is widely regarded as the cheaper alternative to bus lines like Greyhound.
The study, which was released on Monday, Oct. 31, shows that from January 2005 to March 2011, the cut-rate bus operators had a fatal accident rate seven times higher than bus lines that operate out of terminals.
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez commissioned the study following the March 12 crash of a motor coach operated by World Wide Tours on I-95 in the Bronx. The accident resulted in 15 deaths and 18 injuries. When the crash happened, according to the study, World Wide Tours was running up to 14 buses daily, making roundtrips between New York City and Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.
At a press conference announcing the study’s findings on Monday in Chinatown, Sen. Schumer said, “We all remember the horrific crash back in March… And although that day way a terrible tragedy, we pledged to ensure that those who died that day would not die in vain.”
The study also notes that oversight and regulation of curbside buses is particularly difficult. Also following the tragic crash last march, NY State Senator Daniel Squadron and Councilmember Margaret Chin pointed out the lack of regulation of the buses. Sen. Squadron drafted a bill to establish permitting procedures and additional checks and balances on the industry that, according to a spokesperson, should be voted upon sometime after January when the legislative session resumes in Albany.
Following the news of the report, Sen. Squadron said it underscored “the simple, yet critically important fact that curbside bus companies need much better regulation and oversight.”
“As the low-cost bus industry continues to grow, we must ensure the safety of passengers, drivers, and local residents alike,” said Squadron. “My bill, with Speaker Silver, would create a permit system that would help end Chinatown’s wild west atmosphere and allow the city to identify problems before they become tragic.”
Councilmember Chin echoed Sen. Squadron and said the report only confirmed what they already knew regarding the regulation of the buses.
“There are too many loopholes that allow bad actors to continue to operate despite their poor safety records,” said Chin. “One thing the report makes clear is that low-cost bus travel is a growing industry that slows no sign of slowing down. In response, we have to ensure that passengers are safe and bus operators are held to the highest standards of safety and accountability.”
— John Bayles
