Federal Officials Shut Down 52 Bus Companies, One in Virginia

by | Dec 30, 2013

Officials from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – a subsidiary of the U.S. Department of Transportation – recently concluded an eight-month investigation of unsafe bus companies throughout the country. Operation Quick Strike – as the effort was known – involved more than 50 trained investigators who conducted in-depth reviews of 250 of the most at-risk bus companies. At-risk companies in 22 states and the District of Columbia were identified using inspection and safety data.

bus accidents

Federal safety officials who launched Operation Quick Strike aimed to enforce safety standards in the commercial passenger carrying industry and protect public safety. As a result of their investigation, officials ultimately shut down 52 bus companies – including one bus company in Virginia. Results from Operation Quick Strike included:

  • 20 bus companies immediately shut down for violations that created imminent hazards to public safety.
  • 32 bus companies shut down after receiving “unsatisfactory” ratings and failing to address violations.
  • More than 30 companies went out of business or terminated interstate travel. The FMCSA regulates only interstate travel.
  • 340 busses put out-of-service for maintenance and safety violations.

Officials reported that Operation Quick Strike implemented new and stricter investigation methods that will continue to be used in the future.

Some of the most common violations involved:

Overall, the program was a success and will help to reduce risks of preventable bus accidents across the nation. Although the commercial carrier industry is heavily regulated, it is important that there be vigorous oversight of commercial carrier practices so as to heighten awareness of the need for safety in our nation’s bus system.

At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our Northern Virginia personal injury lawyers are experienced in representing injured bus accident victims. In 2013 alone, we obtained a verdict in a bus accident claim against Greyhound in the amount of $450,000, and a settlement in another bus accident case against Greyhound in the amount of $400,000. We also successfully litigated a claim against Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and received a verdict in the amount of $783,644. The verdict was determined to be “excessive” by the Judge, and reduced by $200,000 to $583,644. To learn more about your case, contact our firm for a free case evaluation.

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