Lucky Star Bus Ordered Off The Road

Another Boston-to-New York bus line has been ordered to halt operations.

The United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has ordered Lucky River Transportation Co. (aka Lucky Star) to immediately cease all operations, declaring that its vehicles and drivers pose an imminent hazard to public safety, according to a Department of Transportation press statement released Thursday.

Federal investigators found that Lucky Star’s fleet of 21 motor coaches did not meet minimum safety standards as the company failed to systematically and properly inspect, repair or maintain the vehicles, according to the statement. Investigators also found that the owners of Lucky Star failed to monitor and ensure that its drivers complied with controlled substances and alcohol use and testing regulations. Drivers were employed before receiving negative pre-employment drug and alcohol test results as required by federal law. Drivers were not required by the company to turn in hours-of-service records or other required documentation such as driving itineraries and fuel receipts.

The action was part of “Operation Quick Strike,” an intensified investigation of high-risk passenger carriers that began last April.

The Fung Wah bus line was ordered off the road in February.