Los Angeles bus company shut down for safety violations

Federal regulators have ordered a private bus company in Los Angeles to immediately cease operations because of widespread safety problems that endanger its employees and the traveling public.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration took the action on Thursday against John Andrew Ciego, whose company, It’s Good Promotion, it said presented an “imminent hazard” to its drivers, passengers and motorists.

According to case records, investigators found that Ciego did not properly repair, inspect and maintain vehicles and operated unsafe buses from four other companies that had been previously shut down by the motor carrier safety administration.

Regulators also discovered that the carrier did not ensure that coach operators were tested for drug and alcohol use, allowed a driver who tested positive for illegal drugs to work and employed drivers who did not hold valid U.S. commercial licenses or did not meet medical qualifications for operators.

“Safety is our top priority, and we are working hard to thoroughly investigate and shut down bus companies that put people in harm’s way,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Deliberately evading federal safety regulations that protect travelers on our highways and roads has serious consequences and will not be tolerated.”

Officials of the bus company, which operated at least 16 buses, could not be reached for comment Friday morning.

ALSO:

Police arrest man in Christmas stabbing death of stepfather

Toddler rescued from fire intentionally set by father, police say

LAX shooting suspect Paul Ciancia pleads not guilty to all charges

Twitter: @LADeadline16

[email protected]