Probe launched in Japan following fatal ski bus crash
Japan’s transport ministry is to conduct audits at small bus companies nationwide after record keeping violations were discovered at an operator involved in a fatal crash last week.
A chartered ski tour bus operated by ESP veered off a mountain road in Nagano Prefecture, killing 15.
Inspections are expected to start later this month and the ministry will take action against companies if they find violations of the Road Transportation Law.
The Japan Tourism Agency said it would also inspect tour agencies suspected of organising bus tours at ‘bargain prices.’
It was discovered after the crash that ESP operated the service on behalf of a tour company at an illegally discounted rate.
The transport ministry has minimum rates for bus tours in order to maintain safety standards across the industry.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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