Free IKEA Shuttle Buses Failing Safety Inspections

The free IKEA shuttle buses that transport passengers between the Swedish furniture giant’s Red Hook store and three nearby subway stops have been slapped with over 50 safety violations since November! State inspectors cited infractions ranging from broken headlights and worn tires to unlicensed drivers; in one case they ordered a bus driver to immediately terminate service after noticing that both rear emergency exits were broken and wouldn’t open. (Maybe they just weren't assembled correctly?) IKEA spokesman Joseph Roth says he was "surprised" to hear about the violations, which each carry a maximum fine of $5,000. The company has a contract with Corporate Express, based in Gravesend, to operate the route, but that company has subcontracted out to others. Corporate Express lawyer Arthur Miller tells the Daily News this is essentially a witch hunt (just like The Crucible!) orchestrated by the Red Hook locals who've long opposed IKEA: "The fact is, [state inspectors] were called. And any agent will tell you they can always find something wherever they go."

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By John Del Signore in News on March 24, 2009 12:30 PM

Comments [rss]

just saying

Why all the complaining? The price is right: $0

Now the MTA...

themercenary

That's what happens when you try to put a bus together with one of those tiny allen wrenches.

NannyState

I ride them for their Euro styling and for the musky smells of a nordic bathhouse.

redhookreject

its amazing that they still run, they now run small buses during the week that are always nearly empty, and on the weekend its always fun to see which road they decide to take to downtown. I've been amazed at the buses they use. Last weekend they had a school bus that is some sort of retirement home shuttle.

but hey its free.

CR

Are the buses made of pressboard? That would explain the broken parts...

rebelbelle

The buses suck a little. I once sat on a full Smith and 4th bound bus for nearly half an hour while the driver smoked cigarettes twenty feet away. Folks kept getting on, realizing there were no seats, getting off and asking the driver when the next bus would arrive, to which he just shrugged. When we asked him when this particular bus would leave, he said he was on break. This was all while the radio loudly played music with pretty offensive lyrics to the captive audience. But hell, it's free.

Gwinny

It's about 10 minute walk from Smith/9th Streets to Ikea, you know. I just did it this weekend.

stargirlinnyc

I the bus pictured on 5th ave & 9th st on Saturday & it sounded like it was going to break down at any moment. It wasn't the most enticing ride.

corners311

Clearly, the key here is for IKEA to do their inspections...and then make the proper adjustments

Yip Yip

They are no longer using that sweet coach but pictured, but the 16-passenger access-a-ride type busses. I rode one this weekend and I was sure I was going to die.

Tower18

They use both. I saw the big one just last weekend, or maybe the week prior.

ides_of_march

Too bad they're not as dilligent at inspecting cranes and rat-infested restaurants.

IKEA must have forgotten to pay off the right city officials. Silly Swedes.

nomnomnom

Maybe they just weren't assembled correctly?

HAHAHAHAHA.

ganghiscon

Corporate Express lawyer Arthur Miller tells the Daily News this is essentially a witch hunt (just like The Crucible!)

Well that is just too perfect.

zoofroy

Funny, I actually read the story, and no where in the story does it say "witch hunt." Should have just stuck with the "Maybe they just weren't assembled correctly?" comment and left it that.