This is the first in a 3-part series taken from an article appearing in the April 2025 issue of Chauffeur Driven magazine.
The transportation industry faces numerous regulations aimed at ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance—particularly when buses are involved. However, enforcing these rules and regulations consistently can be challenging for several reasons. I’ll site some of the main factors that contribute to a more relaxed approach then offer remedies to help fix them:
Economic Pressures
Bus companies operate on tight budgets. Owners and managers regularly deal with intense economic
pressures to keep costs low and productivity high. The urgency to meet service schedules, manage operational costs, and maintain fleet operations can lead to prioritizing immediate financial concerns over strict regulatory compliance.
Workforce Shortages
As most operators are aware, the transportation industry, including bus companies, is experiencing a significant driver shortage, which makes it difficult for companies to enforce strict regulations without risking further loss of drivers. Relaxing enforcement can be a tactic to retain drivers who might otherwise leave for less stringent employers.
Complex Regulatory Landscape
The regulations governing the transportation industry are numerous and complex. Keeping up with the constantly evolving rules from entities like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) can be overwhelming. Smaller companies, in particular, may lack the resources to stay fully informed and compliant, leading to inadvertent lapses in enforcement.
