A state senator is calling for better safety rules for New York City double-decker tour buses.
Democratic State Sen. Brad Hoylman, of Manhattan says several loopholes allow tour companies to avoid safety and regulatory rules that other buses have to follow.
Companies operating double-decker vehicles have different rules for driver medical exams and driving tests.
"Double-decker tour buses are driving through a loophole in state law which makes them less safe for tourists, pedestrians, cyclists and anyone who uses our roads here in the City of New York," Hoylman said.
"Double-decker buses don’t have the same kind of laws and regulations that ban or restrict convicted sex offenders and drunk drivers from driving other kinds of buses."
"The explosion of the number of double-decker sightseeing buses happened after the laws were written for buses in general so they’ve been able to avoid this kind of safety regulation," Sen. Hoylman added.
Hoylman wants tighter rules to fall in line with other bus operators and plans to introduce a bill.
