The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Friday, April 6, announced that it has declared Heartland Charters & Tours and its principals an imminent hazard to public safety. The Oklahoma-based interstate passenger bus company was ordered to shut down its operations immediately.
“Safety is our top priority,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We will take swift action against any unsafe bus company that places passengers and other motorists at risk.”
FMCSA said it placed Heartland Charters & Tours out-of-service after an extensive review of the company’s operations found multiple hours-of-service, vehicle maintenance and controlled substance and alcohol testing violations. FMCSA said safety investigators discovered that the company did not conduct pre-employment drug screenings of its drivers and failed to use properly qualified drivers.
“FMCSA is serious about getting unsafe bus companies off the road,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro. “We will continue to use every resource within our current authority to protect the traveling public and make our roads safer.”
