FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 10, 2001
Contact: Dave Longo
Telephone:
202-366-0456
FMCSA 14-01
Pennsylvania
School Bus Operators Fined For Violating Federal Drug and Alcohol Regulations
The
U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA) today announced that 12 Pennsylvania school bus operators
and drivers have been fined for violating federal drug and alcohol regulations.
The
12 violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) governing the
testing and use of controlled substances and alcohol by people who have
commercial drivers licenses (CDL). The
charges against companies operating school buses included using drivers known to
have tested positive for a controlled substance, using drivers before receiving
negative pre-employment controlled substance test results, and improperly
conducting random drug testing.
The
Pennsylvania Division of the FMCSA conducted a special investigation of school
bus operators during which they checked compliance with drug and alcohol testing
requirements and provisions associated with commercial drivers licenses.
The division’s 35 investigations resulted in civil charges against four
companies that contract to transport school children, five school districts that
transport their own students, and three individuals.
“We
do not tolerate unsafe practices that place people, especially children, at
risk. These fines underscore our
commitment to safety and to ensuring that motor carriers comply with federal
safety requirements,” said Julie Anna Cirillo, FMCSA’s chief safety officer
and acting deputy administrator.
Technically,
the fines are assessed through notices of claims, which are official charging
documents used by the FMCSA to initiate civil actions for alleged violations of
federal safety standards. Notices
of claims were issued to the following: Superior
Bus Service, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pa., $2,420; Gross School Bus
Service, Inc., Bechtelsville, Pa., $10,200; Eleanor Bass, Philadelphia,
$500; David R. Hylton, Nanticoke, Pa., $500; W.L. Roenigk, Inc., Sarver, Pa.,
$7,070; Randy M. Ehrmentrout, Tarentum, Pa., $500; Hempfield Area School
District of Greensburg, Pa., $7,040; West Shore School District of New
Cumberland, Pa., $7,050; Archbald Van Pool, Inc., (doing business as Probst
Transportation), Archbald, Pa., $2,000; Interboro
School District of Prospect Park, Pa., $3,060; School District of Haverford
Township of Havertown, Pa., $7,960; and Marple Newtown School District of
Newtown Square, Pa., $14,180. The companies and individuals will each have an opportunity
to contest the charges against them in accordance with federal regulations.
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