Now that auto transportation funding has been misappropriated, it appears that the anti-car establishment is ready to destroy bus service by making it more costly and unpleasant. Senator Barbara Boxer (D- CA) sent this email on 9 June 2009.


Dear Friend:

Just last month, a charter bus overturned on Highway 101 near Soledad, California. Four passengers were ejected, five people were killed, and dozens more were injured. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

A similar accident involving a charter bus occurred in Sacramento last October, with several passengers ejected and eight people killed. The driver had a valid commercial driver’s license but no valid certificate to transport passengers in a chartered vehicle. He also had a history of drug and alcohol problems and had lost his driver’s license for two years for speeding and other violations. He had regained his driver’s license just six months prior to the accident.

I recently cosponsored S. 554, the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act, a bill based on recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board requiring bus operators to protect passengers from collisions by installing seat belts, strengthening bus roofs, using windows with advanced glazing to prevent passengers from being ejected, and installing recorders to monitor driver fatigue. It also requires that improved firefighting equipment be installed in motorcoaches and that drivers receive training and be screened for qualification and medical problems.

I strongly support this effort to improve the safety record of transportation, including charter buses. This legislation is a step in the right direction.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer United States Senator


We believe that such forced restrictions will reduce ridership in buses due to higher ticket prices and reduced comfort and convenience. If the breathalyzer breaks or seat belt fails, will they delay the trip until another bus arrives? Where will this government regulation end?