Taiwan cracks down on tour bus industry
Saturday, 22 Feb, 2017
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Taiwan authorities are getting tough on the tour bus industry following a deadly crash which claimed 33 lives.
In response to the worst road accident for decades, new regulations have been drawn up.
New Vehicle Transportation Management regulations call for a maximum of 10 hours work a day for drivers with two drivers on all buses during full day morning to night tours.
The Directorate General of Highways is also recalling more than 5,000 older buses for inspection.
The bus involved in the crash was 19 years old and did not have seatbelts.
Deputy transport and communications minister Wang Kwo- tsai said the new rules which will come into effect almost immediately, would help improve confidence in the industry, which is its lowest ebb yet.
Last year a bus carrying Chinese tourists was involved in a fiery crash killing more than 20, causing a rift with mainland China.
Of the latest crash, local media reported the driver may have been suffering from fatigue after a straight shift of more than 12 hours with few recent days off.
The Travel Agent Association of Taiwan welcomed the new regulations but warned a second driver for some tours would inevitably mean prices would rise.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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