IN THE NEWS

FMCSA Final Rule:
Harmonizing Schedule I Drug Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently amended the physical qualifications for drivers and the instructions for the medical examination report to clarify that drivers may not use Schedule I drugs and be qualified to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) under any circumstances. The rule harmonizes FMCSA's provisions regarding pre-employment and return-to-duty test refusals with corresponding Department of Transportation (DOT)-wide provisions.

FCC Guidelines for 12.5 kHz Radio Spectrum
On January 1, 2013, all public safety and business industrial land mobile radio systems operating in the 150-512 MHz radio bands must cease operating using 25 kHz efficiency technology, and begin operating using at least 12.5 kHz efficiency technology. After January 1, 2013, licensees not operating at 12.5 kHz efficiency will be in violation of the Commission's rules and could be subject to FCC enforcement action, which may include admonishment, monetary fines, or loss of license.

Safety Is Top Issue EDITORIAL BY JACK SANTA - Partner, Integrity Group US Safety, safety and more safety related topics and products. To me, a first time attendee and speaker at this year's Transportation Research Board's 91st Annual Meeting held a few weeks ago in Washington DC, safety was my takeaway impression of this massive 5-day event. From various approaches: including transportation planning, infrastructure engineering, academic studies, federal agencies, transportation practitioners and related product sales organizations, 650 sessions were presented to a staggering attendee list of over 11,000 participants. Many of these sessions highlighted safety initiatives. The theme of transportation safety I witnessed at the TRB event was also echoed in the results of Integrity Group's recently conducted survey to you, the readers of the Bus Report. During 2012, the Bus Report staff will continue to search all industry sources to uncover more information on the hottest topic you want to continue learning more about -- Safety. Thank you for joining us in our eighth year of publication and service to the shuttle bus transportation industry. As always we welcome your feedback to this edition of the Bus Report.

New Medical Certification Requirements for
CDL Holders
Starting January 30, 2012 and no later than January 30, 2014, all CDL holders must provide information to their SDLA regarding the type of commercial motor vehicle operation they drive in or expect to drive in with their CDL. Drivers operating in certain types of commerce will be required to submit a current medical examiner's certificate to their SDLA to obtain a "certified" medical status as part of their driving record. CDL holders required to have a "certified" medical status who fail to provide and keep up-to-date their medical examiner's certificate with their SDLA will become "not-certified" and they may lose their CDL. More Information