Georgia bus company ordered off the road by FMCSA within hours of uncovering unsafe, illegal operations

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has ordered Georgia-based H & W Tour, Inc., to immediately cease all intrastate and interstate passenger service within hours of the Agency uncovering violations “so widespread as to demonstrate a continuing and flagrant general disregard” for the safety of its passengers and the motoring public.

“Illegal and unscrupulous bus companies are a serious threat to innocent travelers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “The full force of the federal government will be brought to bear on those who willfully place bus passengers and others who share the road in needless peril.”

Evidence obtained during a compliance review conducted today by FMCSA Safety Investigators disclosed that H & W Tour, Inc., continued transportation of passengers without federal operating authority and without the required level of insurance.

The company failed to conduct pre-employment drug tests on its drivers and failed to institute a random drug and alcohol testing program as required by federal regulations.

The company also failed to ensure that its drivers comply with hours-of-service requirements, records of duty requirements and driver’s qualification requirements.

Buses were not properly inspected, maintained or repaired by the company as required by federal regulations.

The Imminent Hazard Out of Service order stated: “Individually and cumulatively, these violations and conditions of operation substantially increase the likelihood of serious injury or death to H & W Tour drivers, passengers and the motoring public.”

The order directs H & W Tours buses currently on the road to “proceed to their next immediate destination … where the passengers can be safely accommodated.”