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Dallas Bus Company Fined $55,000 for ADA Violations
A Dallas-based bus company, Tornado Bus Company Inc., has been slammed with a $55,000 fine for violating passenger carrier accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The bus company was also ordered to upgrade its fleet to meet ADA requirements or risk having its operating authority revoked.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the investigation found that Tornado had only one accessible bus in a fleet of 53 buses, falling far short of the 50% accessibility requirement mandated by the ADA. Furthermore, the company was found to have purchased new non-accessible buses, failed to train employees on interacting with disabled passengers, and lacked a wheelchair lift maintenance program.
“At the foundation of our society is the ability to live independently and move freely,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division. “This freedom is no less important to people with disabilities. We are grateful FMCSA takes accessibility requirements seriously and has reached this agreement.”
The investigation was part of FMCSA’s ADA strike force, which was held in May 2010. The consent agreement between the bus company and the FMCSA was reached in September 2010.
“Adhering to ADA accessibility requirements is not a choice, but a high standard that every commercial bus operator must follow,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “FMCSA will continue to work closely with the Civil Rights Division to vigorously enforce ADA compliance so that all travelers can enjoy destinations across America by way of commercial bus.”
In related news, the Civil Rights Division and the FMCSA entered into a memorandum of understanding in February 2009 to ensure consistent ADA enforcement nationwide. This memorandum was included in the Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act of 2007.
The fine and consent agreement are a stern reminder of the importance of accessibility and compliance with ADA requirements. The case serves as a warning to other bus companies to ensure that their fleets and services meet the necessary standards to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
RELATED: AT&T Hit With $2M Fine For Spying On Rivals
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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