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DGH demands more data from tour bus companies

The Directorate General of Highways (DGH) appeared determined to resolve the tensions raised by last week's bus accident in the Meiling Scenic Area, stating that tour bus companies will be asked to turn in detailed information on all buses and drivers by the end of this month.

The information must include the year the bus was made, records of traffic violations, vehicle inspections as well as the vehicle's insurance information for past years. The agency will be responsible for posting the information on its Web site.

The decision was made after the DGH listened to the opinion of academics and representatives from the tour bus industry in a meeting on Friday. Participants said the measures will allow old tour buses to naturally disappear from the market by virtue of losing their appeal to customers.

DGH Director General James Chen (陳晉源) said after the meeting that the agency would require all county and city governments to turn in a list of dangerous roads in their areas within a month. Should local governments refuse to comply, the agency will independently assess the roads in relevant areas in March, he said.

Participants also discussed the possibility of listing tire tracks as an item to be examined at the annual bus inspections. For now, the DGH will use the standard for public transportation vehicles, which requires that the depth of tire tracks be above 1.6mm.

The new rules will take effect next month, the DGH said.

There is still no agreement about how long a tour bus can remain in service. In a preliminary proposal, the DGH said that a tour bus could be operational from 10 to 12 years. Old buses that are still in use will be restricted to operating on city roads.
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