The province says higher fines and stricter safety standards are on the way for party buses. Photo courtesy Party Bus Canada.
The province says higher fines and stiffer safety standards to protect teenagers and minors are on the way for party buses.
The transportation ministry said Friday all party buses and commercial vehicles that do not meet inspection standards will see fines quadrupled, from $81 to $318.
Party buses and commercial vehicles must display valid decals confirming they have passed an inspection.
“For a long time, the party bus industry has been ignored, leaving glaring gaps in safety,” Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claire Trevana said in a statement.
The government will work with the transportation industry and the Passenger Transportation Board to have new measures in place by early next year.
Tightened safety measures include having a safety monitor or chaperones if a minor is on board a party bus and require underage participants to have a signed consent form from a parent or guardian.
New party bus operators must submit a passenger safety plan to show they can provide a safe service.
Cameras will be installed in party buses like the taxi camera program and licensees will be required to install an emergency alert system in vehicles with separate passenger compartments.
The province is reminding people that consuming alcohol inside a vehicle is illegal.
CHEK News
