DCA Launches Investigation of Sightseeing Tour Bus Industry

As part of an investigation into one of New York’s high-profile industries, the Department of Consumer Affairs has issued subpoenas to all 14 sightseeing tour bus companies in the City. The companies in question are licensed and regulated by a variety of City and State agencies. DCA is responsible for overseeing signs, recording keeping and the cleanliness of the buses, among other things.

The companies operate approximately 230 buses, which can be seen every day in the streets of Manhattan, and which are a major force in introducing New York to tourists. This DCA investigation seeks to discover whether the tour bus companies are maintaining the records they are required to by law.

“These records can help us learn whether or not the companies are operating in a safe, legal manner,” said DCA Commissioner Julie Menin. “For example, we want to know if they are using well-maintained buses and licensed drivers. Our City cannot afford to have unsafe tour buses in the streets.”

The subpoenas ask companies to produce records of details of each trip their buses make including: the name and license number of the person or persons who solicited the costumers on the trip; the name and license of the guide on the trip; the name and license of the driver; the license number of the vehicle used; and records of any accidents that might have occurred.

The businesses had until Friday, October 24, 2014, to produce their records, although some have requested and have been granted extensions of a few weeks. Many DCA investigations are inspired by consumer complaints, but DCA attorneys say this investigation is a proactive look into an industry whose customers are primarily from out of town, and are therefore less likely to lodge a formal complaint, or even know how to.

Additionally, Commissioner Menin sent a letter to New York State’s Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald, asking for more cooperation in monitoring this industry, State DOT has some oversight of as well. “A partnership between our agencies,” Commissioner Menin said, “would ensure that bus companies that fall under our jurisdiction are first and foremost fully in compliance with all safety requirements.”