In France, a club, an association, a citizen… who can charter a bus? Under what conditions? And what are the obligations for transport companies, coaches and drivers? So many questions raised by the bus accident that occurred in Porté-Puymorens this Sunday, December 1, 2024. The National Federation of Passenger Transport responds to L'Indépendant.
The bus accident which took place this Sunday 1is December 2024 in Porté-Puyromens, having cost the lives of two people and seriously injuring 12 others, raises many questions. For the record, this coach was carrying 47 people, most of whom were Colombians from L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona) who were going to Andorra during the day. According to our Catalan colleagues from El Periódico, he “there would be no trace on the internet or in the commercial register” of this trip which would have been billed €27 per passenger. According to the lawyer of the alleged investigator of this excursion, also injured in the accident, she would have organized this trip for a group of friends and not in a context professional The bus driver, whose company Chavi Tours apparently went bankrupt several months ago, would have continued his activity independently with a rental vehicle. In France, what French legislation is subject to transport companies? 'Ingrid Mareschal, delegate general of the National Passenger Transport Federation.
In France, who can charter a public transport bus?
Everyone. Scrabble players, a football team, a senior association, yourself for a hen party… All you have to do is go through a transport company and order a bus with a driver.
What regulations are the machines subject to?
The technical inspection must be carried out every six months at an approved center. Each vehicle weighing more than 10 tonnes must have a speed regulation system verification certificate, less than one year old. Which is the case for a bus weighing 19 tonnes. A numbered maintenance booklet for each vehicle is also mandatory.
What other safety rules are in effect?
The list of mandatory safety equipment is extremely long. Like the immobilizer breathalyzer, the speed limiter (100 km/h), the retarder for all vehicles required to travel in bumpy areas, the tachograph which is the black box of coaches… But also the signaling device level crossings: obligatory since the Millas accident. Winter equipment for tires to be installed every 1is november. Since 1is July 2024, a new emergency braking assistance tool will be equipped on all new vehicles.
What are the obligations for drivers?
They must have a category D driving license. They must obtain a minimum compulsory initial training. Every five years, they must undergo continuing education. They have visits to a doctor approved by the prefect every five until the age of 60, then annually from this age. At the wheel, their driving day must not exceed 9 hours. They must stop for 45 minutes every 4.5 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night.
In France, can a driver work as a freelancer?
A driver can be independent but he must absolutely be registered in the transport register. He may then receive a mission from a company which must itself be registered in the company register kept by the Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing (DREAL). In these cases, he will drive on behalf of the company.
If he drives on his own account, he must also be registered in the transport register. And, to do this, many conditions must be met. For example, you must be able to prove your financial skills to DREAL. A driver who had his company deregistered would no longer be able to drive under the license he held with his company.
Do you see the effects of this French regulation?
According to the road safety observatory, the accident rate involving a coach in France is 0.2%. With each unfortunate and large bus accident, like in Millas, the legislation is strengthened.
