WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued guidance to organizations and businesses that transport passengers in interstate commerce, clarifying existing regulations and requirements that have been changed over the years through legislation, rulemaking and litigation.
“Passengers traveling by motorcoaches, buses and vans have every right to expect that the vehicle is safe and that their driver is fully qualified, without exception,” FMCSA said.
“Motor carriers that are hired and that receive payment to transport passengers must thoroughly understand and fully comply with safety regulations that exist to protect everyone traveling on our nation’s roadways.”
In providing this guidance, FMCSA has also constructed an online resource page (www.fmcsa.dot.gov/upcr) to help advise businesses and organizations that provide interstate passenger transportation services, including hotel-related shuttle bus or van operations; employer-related services; education-related institutions; faith-based organizations; and passengers using multiple transportation modes (e.g., arriving by plane or train, then taking a shuttle van to an interstate bus or motorcoach).
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations set minimum safety standards for motor carriers, vehicles and drivers operating in interstate commerce — defined generally as trade, traffic or transportation in the United States traveling across state lines. An organization or a business operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce, unless otherwise specifically excepted, is subject to FMCSRs. These regulations, which may or may not apply, depending on the operation, include FMCSA registration requirements, minimum levels of insurance, random drug and alcohol testing, driver licensing, hours-of-service limitations to prevent fatigued driving, vehicle safety inspection and maintenance, and other requirements. “Travel by motorcoach, bus, van or shuttle is among the safest forms of transportation in the country,” FMCSA said. “This guidance will help improve safety by clarifying which federal safety rules apply to certain passenger carrier operations.”
An organization or a business operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce, unless otherwise specifically excepted, is subject to FMCSRs. These regulations, which may or may not apply, depending on the operation, include FMCSA registration requirements, minimum levels of insurance, random drug and alcohol testing, driver licensing, hours-of-service limitations to prevent fatigued driving, vehicle safety inspection and maintenance, and other requirements.
“Travel by motorcoach, bus, van or shuttle is among the safest forms of transportation in the country,” FMCSA said. “This guidance will help improve safety by clarifying which federal safety rules apply to certain passenger carrier operations.”
