The FMCSA has ordered a Boston-based passenger carrier to immediately cease all operations, declaring the carrier, its buses and its employees an “imminent hazard to public safety.”
Last week, the FMCSA issued an OOS order to Lucky River Transportation, stating that the company’s 21 motor coaches don’t meet minimum FMCSA safety standards.
The FMCSA began investing the carrier when two of the carrier’s BASIC scores fell below the threshold for intervention.
During several investigations, FMCSA investigators discovered a laundry list of violations. According to a statement from the FMCSA, investigators found that Lucky Star failed to ensure that its fleet met minimum safety standards and that the company did “systematically and properly inspect, repair or maintain the vehicles”
In addition, “Investigators also found that the owners of Lucky Star failed to monitor and ensure that its drivers complied with controlled substances and alcohol use and testing regulations. Drivers were employed before receiving negative pre-employment drug and alcohol test results as required by federal law. Drivers were not required by the company to turn in hours-of-service records or other required documentation such as driving itineraries and fuel receipts.”
“There is no higher priority than safety,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Bus and truck companies must comply with federal safety regulations, which protect every traveler on our highways and roads. Companies that disregard the safety rules will not be allowed to operate.”
A copy of the imminent hazard out-of-service order can be viewed atwww.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/about/news/2013/LuckyStar.pdf.