Well that was...sort of quick. Though it looked like low-cost bus carrier Fung Wah was dead forever after feds shut the company down in March, it appears they may be bringing those cheap trips to Boston back soon; officials announced this week that the company has undergone a major revamp, and they hope to resume operations this fall. Do you feel lucky?
Fung Wah, if you recall, had its license revoked after feds discovered serious problems with the majority of the buses in its fleet, like cracked frames, faulty airbags, broken doors and oil leaks, in addition to fudged inspection records and failure to vet bus drivers. Then, the Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration deemed that Fung Wah's "irresponsible actions substantially increase the likelihood of serious injury or death," and shut them down until they overhauled essentially every iota about the company.
But it seems Fung Wah wasn't fooling around, because according to officials, they've put their drivers, dispatchers, and mechanics through hardcore safety training programs, sold ten of its most decrepit buses and hired a full-time safety manager and consultant. And so, the FMCSA will reward its efforts by reevaluating the company, which has applied to get its license back, and making sure none of the doors fall off this time around.
Fung Wah's not the only embattled bus company that's hoping to get a second lease on life. Lucky Star, which was shut down in June after Feds discovered a 4 by 2 foot hole in one bus, along with many other very scary safety violations, has also applied for a reevaluation. They too say they've revamped their fleet, maintenance programs and safety procedures. "I really believe after this, we will be a much stronger company," chief operating officer Maria Wong told the Boston Globe.
Yeah, suck it, Greyhound! Though we do suspect that these safety upgrades will mean the end of that blessed $15 ticket. Welded rivets do cost a little more than duct tape and a prayer.
