Tornado Bus Company fined for ADA violations

Tornado Bus Company fined for ADA violations

Dallas, TX-based Tornado Bus Company Inc. has been fined $55,000 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice for violating passenger carrier accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Tornado is also being forced to upgrade its fleet to meet ADA standards by February. If the company fails to do so, its operating authority will be revoked. An inquiry found that Tornado had only one accessible bus in its fleet of 53 vehicles. The ADA requires at least 50 percent of a company’s fleet be accessible. Further investigation revealed Tornado had purchased new non-accessible buses and failed to establish a wheelchair lift maintenance program.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the ruling sends a strong and decisive message to all commercial bus companies that it is their responsibility to operate fairly and safely. For more, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov.