U.S. probing Motor Coach after reports of bus defects

— Federal safety regulators have begun investigating buses made by Motor Coach Industries Inc. over the past 20 years, saying the drive shafts can fall out and cause drivers to lose control.

The problem has led to two crashes that killed two people and injured 50 others, according to documents filed Monday on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. The probe covers an estimated 4,000 MCI D-Series buses with a steerable rear axle made from 1992 until this year.

Schaumburg, Ill.-based MCI says on its website that it’s the leading maker of intercity buses in the U.S. and Canada.

Messages were left for company officials for comment on the investigation.

The probe stems from a complaint filed with the Highway Administration by transportation company First Group America, parent of Greyhound bus lines. The company said several drive shafts failed on MCI buses starting in March 2010, and the shafts were not held up by safety loops that are supposed to keep them in place.

On March 16, 2010, an Americanos USA bus operated by Greyhound crashed on Interstate 37 near San Antonio, killing two and injuring 40 others. The Texas Department of Public Safety said it was likely the drive shaft broke before the bus veered wildly and flipped over. It was carrying spring break tourists and other travelers to the Mexican border city of Matamoros.

Testing done by Cincinnati-based First America found that the drive shafts can fall on the MCI buses and damage safety systems such as brake lines, administration documents said.

The agency said it is looking into whether the buses have a safety defect.

Business, Pages 26 on 03/27/2012

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