Allegations of Neglect and Disregard for Safety at Busloop Transportation

In a troubling exposé, former and current employees of Busloop, a charter bus operator in California, have come forward with allegations of a company culture that prioritizes profits over the safety and well-being of its student passengers. The revelations paint a disturbing picture of a transportation provider that has allegedly disregarded critical safety protocols, skimped on maintenance, and even instructed drivers to engage in unlawful practices.

Chilling Allegations of a Callous Corporate Culture

Disregard for a Tragic Incident

Jas Kumar, a former Busloop driver, recounts a harrowing incident where he witnessed a woman being struck and killed by a vehicle while he was transporting students. Instead of expressing sympathy or concern, Busloop's owner, Avtar "Avi" Josen, was reportedly more interested in how quickly Kumar could return to work, even going so far as to demand to speak with the police officer on the scene in an attempt to expedite the process. This alleged lack of empathy and disregard for human life has set the tone for a company culture that former employees describe as callous and indifferent.

Overworking and Underpaying Drivers

Several former and current Busloop employees have come forward with allegations that the company routinely overworks its drivers, demanding they exceed the legally permissible 10-hour consecutive shift limit. Additionally, these workers claim that Busloop frequently fails to pay overtime or, in some cases, neglects to pay drivers at all for the extended hours they are forced to work.

Neglecting Critical Maintenance and Safety Protocols

The allegations against Busloop extend beyond the treatment of its employees, with reports of widespread disregard for the maintenance and safety of its bus fleet. Former driver Arron Friedman claims that the company has allowed buses to operate with worn-out brake pads and other critical components beyond their normal lifespan, potentially compromising the safety of student passengers. Furthermore, several employees allege that Josen has instructed them to improperly dispose of raw sewage from the buses, in violation of environmental regulations.

Undermining Student Safety with Unqualified Drivers

Perhaps the most alarming allegations involve Busloop's alleged practice of employing drivers who lack the legally required School Pupil Activities Bus (SPAB) certification. This certification ensures that drivers have undergone the necessary training, background checks, and tests to safely transport students. Former Busloop driver Arron Friedman claims that Josen "didn't care" about these safety requirements, prioritizing profit over the well-being of the children in his care.

A History of Safety Concerns

Busloop's questionable safety practices appear to be part of a broader pattern, as Josen has previously been associated with two now-defunct Bay Area charter bus operators, Charter Pros and Charter Bros, both of which experienced significant safety issues. In 2014, a worker at Charter Pros was killed in a tragic accident, while in 2017, a Charter Bros bus flipped on its side, injuring 29 passengers.

Regulatory Oversight and Unsatisfactory Inspections

The California Highway Patrol (CHP), the agency responsible for overseeing charter bus operations, has not been immune to Busloop's alleged disregard for safety. While the company claims to pass CHP inspections, current and former employees have reported that Busloop's first CHP inspection in 2023 was unsatisfactory, with subsequent inspections only meeting the minimum legal standards. Furthermore, a review of inspection records for the 11 charter bus companies that work with the Oakland Unified School District reveals that Busloop had the highest percentage of out-of-service vehicles, a concerning statistic that suggests significant safety and maintenance issues.

A Plea for Accountability

As the allegations against Busloop continue to emerge, the stakes could not be higher. With the safety and well-being of countless students entrusted to the company's care, former employee Jas Kumar has made a passionate plea for Josen and Busloop to be held accountable, declaring, "I think he should learn a really hard lesson about not messing with people's children, because, honestly, it's been going on for a long time."The revelations surrounding Busloop have sent shockwaves through the charter bus industry and the communities it serves. As the investigation into these allegations unfolds, the public can only hope that the safety and trust of student passengers will be the top priority, and that those responsible for any wrongdoing will be held fully accountable.