Growing calls for tougher party bus rules after woman’s death in Vancouver
Posted January 11, 2016 12:18 pm.
Last Updated January 11, 2016 12:27 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The NDP isn’t calling for an outright ban of party buses, but is asking the province to strengthen the rules for operators.
“This industry, if it is to continue, needs much tighter regulation and much stronger assurances to the public that safety standards will be in place and enforced,” says Transportation Critic George Heyman.
One of the specific changes he would like to see would be a chaperone on board.
“A chaperone should be trained. The driver can’t be expected to keep an eye on a bus load of people who are partying as he’s trying to drive the bus safely. It’s unacceptable in British Columbia that an industry operates with apparent impunity from safety standards.”
Last year, the province introduced changes to the industry. One of those changes included requiring stretch limos to get special plates to make enforcement by police easier.
Danielle Raymond’s sister Shannon was just 16 years old when she died after taking drugs on a party bus. She wants to see a complete ban of the vehicles in BC.
The calls for change come after a 23-year-old woman fell off a party bus as it was turning onto Burrard Street from West Hastings Saturday night. The woman was then hit by the vehicle and died.
About two dozen people were on board, celebrating a birthday. The driver is cooperating with police.
