Here is a new twist on “leave the driving to us.” Who knew that bus drivers for charter bus agencies would sign up and falsify their driver’s license in order to gain employment? That’s right. Use a fake name and drive a bus. I suppose when the bus rolls over into a ditch and the bus driver lights out for parts unknown, it is that much harder to track him down. Amazing. What a world. What a world.
But New York State is cracking down on such nonsense. According to New York One, the New York State Senate passed a bill that mandates criminal background checks for drivers of tour and charter buses. The bill comes shortly after four women were killed when a discount bus bound for Manhattan crashed in Virginia. The State Assembly is now considering this legislation.
Supporters of the bill also want to crack down on drivers holding licenses under fake names. They argue stricter regulation from City Hall will improve safety in the industry. But since many of the discount bus accidents were caused by driver fatigue, will this bill might not be as effective as some presume. We shall see. In any event if there is a significant consideration that driver’s are working under fake names, then background checks should be required. Also, there are concerns where convicted criminals may be accused of theft, as in stealing from passengers, or sexual assault. I am sure in a lousy economy with bus tour services and every other touring service in need of business, the last thing they want to deal with is a lawsuit from passengers or surviving family members. You would think background checks would be far more cost effective than liability issues and subsequent litigation.
