Senator Fuschillo Renews Call for Assembly to Pass Bill Requiring Criminal Background Checks for All Bus Drivers

“Today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo regarding the removal of 116 bus drivers from the road further highlights the need for greater oversight of the bus industry.

As the Governor noted, 530 bus drivers have been removed from the road since last spring through DOT safety inspections. That’s a staggering number, especially considering that it only reflects drivers who got caught. Undoubtedly, there are many more that not only remain on the road, but are responsible for other people’s safety.

Bus drivers literally hold their passengers’ lives in their hands. That’s why I’m once again calling on the New York State Assembly to pass legislation that I have sponsored, which has been approved by the Senate, to require all bus drivers to submit to a criminal history check as a condition of their employment. This would be a commonsense step to help stop drivers who are unfit to handle that responsibility from even getting behind the wheel. The Senate passed the legislation in June, but the Assembly has not yet acted on it.

We shouldn’t wait for another dangerous driver to cause another tragic bus crash before we adopt tougher laws; there have been more than enough already. The problem is clear, as is the price for not acting to fix it. The Assembly should join with the Senate in approving this legislation.”

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Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee.