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03 April 2012 – United States federal bus and coach regulators have unveiled a smart phone app that gives bus riders a quick and free way to review a bus company's safety record before buying a ticket or booking group travel.
"This new app gives Americans the information they need to make smart safety decisions when they book their next bus trip," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "As college students, families and tour groups start thinking about spring and summer travel, we encourage everyone to use the SaferBus app to look before you book your next bus trip."
The SaferBus app, designed for the Apple iPhone and iPad, can be downloaded for free by visiting the Apple iTunes App Store or going to FMCSA's "Look Before You Book" webpage.
SaferBus provides access to safety records on nearly 6,000 interstate commercial passenger carriers operating in the U.S., which includes privately operated motorcoach, school bus and tour bus companies.
FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro said "By placing a bus company's safety record in the palm of your hand, SaferBus encourages riders to think safety first, supports our agency's commitment to make bus travel as safe as possible, and provides good bus companies a way to highlight their positive safety records."
A SaferBus app search provides access to the Bus Company Safety Record for the last two years which assesses 5 key areas: unsafe driving, fatigued driving, driver fitness, controlled substances/alcohol, and vehicle maintenance, with companies scores shown as a percentatge – the lower the percentage the safer the bus company.
Bus Company Operating Authority: In addition to providing a bus company's safety record, the app will also notify users if that company is an illegal bus company that has been shut down by FMCSA .
More information on Metro Magazine
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