The recent fatal bus crash in Virginia has brought to light a complex network of travel firms, including one previously shut down for safety violations. This discovery follows an extensive CBS News investigation into these connections.
Chameleon Carriers Explained
Authorities are investigating the companies involved, known as ‘chameleon carriers.’ These entities often surface with new names but operate from the same locations with the same personnel. CBS News’ yearlong investigation uncovered at least 10,000 such carriers nationwide.
Rob Carpenter, a safety consultant, explained, “When these companies reappear with new identities, all their past issues seem to disappear until the next accident brings them back into focus.”
The Crash Details
On May 29, an E&P Travel Inc. bus collided with stopped traffic on I-95 in Stafford County, Virginia. Five lives were lost, and many were injured. This incident mirrors a 2024 accident involving E&P Travel where nine individuals were hurt in North Carolina.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is currently examining potential links between E&P Travel and numerous past and present bus companies in the Northeast.
History of Violations
Federal records show E&P Travel has faced multiple citations over the past two years for severe speeding violations and a driver failing an English proficiency test. Despite this, the FMCSA rated the company’s safety as “satisfactory” in April.
The bus driver from last week’s incident, Jing S. Dong, now faces felony charges for involuntary manslaughter.
E&P Travel was established in November 2023 in North Carolina. Its CEO is listed as Shuo Liu, but attempts to reach him were unsuccessful. The company’s filings also name Joyce Gao, associated with another company, Super Bus Inc.
Connections to Other Companies
Joyce Gao’s name appears in directories for both E&P Travel and Super Bus. Ronghai Gao, identified as president of Super Bus, insists the listing is incorrect, saying Joyce Gao previously worked as a bookkeeper for Super Bus.
Efforts to contact Joyce Gao have been unsuccessful. Super Bus has a “satisfactory” safety rating despite 15 violations over two years.
The investigation reveals Ronghai and Joyce Gao’s ties to multiple travel operations, including Pandora Travel Inc. Pandora was accused in 2014 of serious safety violations, leading to its closure in 2017 after repeated regulatory noncompliance was proven.
These findings highlight ongoing safety concerns in the passenger transport industry, raising questions about regulatory practices and enforcement.
Leave a Reply