Interstate Fixed-Route Bus Operator Workstation Safety Act

This Act applies only to fixed-route buses that are used in interstate commerce, defined as buses that cross state lines or operate on routes that regularly carry passengers or goods in interstate commerce, or that receive federal financial assistance for operations or equipment. The Secretary of Transportation shall, within 18 months of enactment, issue regulations requiring that operator workstations on such buses meet minimum ergonomic and safety standards, including adjustable seating, unobstructed visibility, and placement of controls to minimize driver distraction. The regulations shall be based on existing voluntary industry standards and shall not impose requirements that are more stringent than necessary to achieve a substantial effect on interstate safety. States may adopt more protective standards for buses not covered by this Act. This Act shall be funded through existing appropriations for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, with a budget cap of $5 million per year for rulemaking and enforcement. It shall sunset 10 years after the effective date, unless reauthorized by Congress. Oversight shall be conducted by the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation, who shall report annually on compliance and effectiveness. Enforcement shall be through civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation per bus, assessed against operators found to be in noncompliance after a reasonable notice-and-comment period.