In the wake of another deadly tour bus crash, New York State lawmakers have renewed the calls for legislation to better regulate the industry. Just hours after the crash on Tuesday, State Senator Daniel Squadron, Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver and Councilmember Margaret Chin called on the New York State Senate to immediately pass key legislation that would regulate intercity buses. All three have proposed law that would authorize New York City to pass a local law to manage intercity passenger buses through a permit system. It has passed the Assembly.
“Today’s tragedy is yet another reminder that we need better regulation and oversight of Chinatown buses on the local and federal levels,” said Senator Squadron. “Now is the time to end Chinatown’s wild west atmosphere. A permit system would provide the city with the information necessary to identify problems before they become tragic.”
After a series of crashes involving New York-area buses, politicians are targeting the bus and motorcoach industry and its rogue companies and drivers.