The NTSB has been criticizing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for years regarding lax oversight of motorcoach operators medical histories. This has now come to light in a blasting review: Faulty safety checks blamed

Peter Pan Bus Lines began some 75 years ago in June, 1933. Now, the third generation Peter Picknelly is leading the bus company into the 21st Century. A special advertising section with articles was featured in the June 15, 2008 edition of the Springfield Republican newspaper.
Here are the links to the stories:
Bus guy follows father's footsteps
Peter Pan sees a Green future
Picknelly legacy fills Springfield
Peter Pan fills a range of calls
Famous people ride Peter Pan
New venture "Bolts" to success
Bus industry looks to a profitable future
Drivers post outstanding safety records

Today's USA Today (Jan.18, 2008) featured a story about changes at Greyhound (remodeled terminals, retraining agents, etc.), and MegaBus, and curbside operators. The link to this article: Greyhound revs up with a revamp

A bill sponsored by congressman Bill Shuster of PA. would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to study improvement to motorcoach safety. It is in response to the devastating Bluffton University coach accident in Atlanta, Ga.(March, 2007) and, if successful in Congress, is known as the Bluffton University Safety Act.

After conducting a study, NHTSA would prescribe federal standards for motorcoach occupant protection, taking into account rollovers, frontal impact, side impact and rear impact collisions. NHTSA would provide standards for window glazing, roof strength, fire prevention and emergency egress. This would also study the safety impact of seat belt requirements (which already exist in all of Europe, Australia and New Zealand).

Unlike other bills which would immediately establish new requirements for buses, the Shuster bill is based on sound-science and timelines that the industry can actually achieve.

New testimony given March 20, 2007 to the Congressional SubCommittee on Transportation/Highways by participants: FMCSA, NTSB, Chris Crean (Director of Safety & Security, Peter Pan) Bruce Hamilton (Pres./Business Agent ATU 1700 Greyhound Union local) and two other guests.

Discussion included curbside operators, lack of enforcement and compliance with federal laws and regulations, bus safety, passenger restraint systems, fire retardent systems, CDL english language requirements, as well as detailed analysis of recent bus accidents and fires in Texas, Georgia, etc.

Press Release of Subcommittee:General Press Release
Testimony of Ranking Republican:Representative Duncan testimony

Bruce Hamilton (ATU 1700 Pres.) testimony:Click here
Chris Crean (Peter Pan Safety Director) testimony: Click here
John Hill (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:Director) testimony: Click here
Mark Rosenker (National Transportation Safety Board:Director) testimony: Click here
Brian Scott (Escot Bus Lines, Pres;United Motorcoach Association, Chairman) testimony: Click here
Jacqueline Gillan (Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety, VP) testimony: Click here

FULL TRANSCRIPT of the entire 3 hour meeting:

A 2004 bus accident involving a low bridge on the George Washington Parkway in Alexandria, Va. (the same parkway that has claimed numerous bus accidents, namely a double decker type coach in early 1990's) was attributed to coach operator talking on a hands-free cell phone and not observing 10 ft. clearance signs for the right-hand lane. NTSB is recommending a total prohibition on coach operators from speaking on a cell phone/communication device. Click here for full report: NTSB Recommends Ban on Cell Phone use

This slice of life is written by Anthony Cignoli - a Springfield, Ma. political consultant - and friend of the late Peter L. Picknelly. It shows how the compassionate gesture of one small guy changed the lives of many... Click here: Small guy with a big heart touched many.

On Sept. 5, 2006, a Fung Wah motorcoach rolled over onto its side on an off ramp of I.395/I.290 in Auburn, Ma. There were many injuries, mostly minor, and hurt passengers were taken to UMass Medical Center or waited at a nearby Auburn High School. After waiting 4 hours for a Fung Wah replacement bus be sent out of New York, the replacement bus operator was put out of service by Ma. state police for log violations and inability to speak and understand english.

Peter Pan was contracted to charter a coach and recover the waiting passengers.

Luckily our motorcoach operator was Karol Birdsall who brought compassion, sensitivity, and experience to the task. Here is her first-hand accound of what it was like to meet and transport this group of travelers who had recently been traumatized by the bus rollover...

By Karol Birdsall,

It started with a message left on my cell phone around 3:00 pm. It was my buddy Rich, (former trainee who didn't meet the Peter Pan standard, but still keeps in touch). His message said a Fung Wah bus had overturned somewhere near Worcester and I should check the news.

I reported for work at 6:00 pm. Dispatch called me while I was pulling in to see where I was and to grab Bus 748 and put it on Gate 1 and come in for instructions. I thought "Hmm New bus, Gate 1? Something's up"

After checking my medical cards, license, and logbook, Dispatch briefed me on my assignment. I was to drive to Worcester and be met by a police escort, who would take me to the unhurt Fung Wah accident victims and then transport them to Boston's South Station.....