In August, New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs investigators, working with the New Jersey State Police, the North Bergen Police Department, and the Hudson County Office of Consumer Affairs conducted unannounced inspections of commercial autobuses to check for public notices required under “Angelie’s Law.”
The agencies inspected 22 commercial autobuses along Bergenline Avenue near James J. Braddock/Hudson County Park.
Fifteen of the vehicles were in in compliance with Angelie’s Law. The owners of the seven non-compliant vehicles were issued Notices of Violation that carry civil fines.
Autobuses operating on public roads and carrying up to 40 passengers must have interior and exterior notices directing passengers to report service complaints to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
The Division’s telephone number also must be provided. These notices are required under Angelie’s Law, a state law enacted in memory of Angelie Paredes, who was killed in July 2013 in connection with an accident caused by an autobus driver who was using his cell phone while driving.
“Angelie’s Law is designed to protect the safety of riders and also the general public,” said Steve Lee, Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. “Autobuses must comply with this law and inform the public on how to report service and safety complaints to the Division of Consumer Affairs.”
The seven autobus owners who received a Notice of Violation and the town where each business is based are as follows:
Zenia M. Giralt-Cebrian, LLC Jersey City
Universe Transportation Corp. North Bergen
K&T Express, Inc. Fairview
Juan A. Fernandez-Cosme Flushing, New York
Juan F. Paulino-Castro Union City
Jaime Solis Union City
Domingo Dotel Jersey City
Each company was cited for one non-compliant vehicle and issued a Notice of Violation imposing a $1,000 civil penalty and requiring a reimbursement of $176.87 for the State’s investigative costs
In February 2015, the Division of Consumer Affairs issued a consumer alert about the public notice requirement of Angelie’s Law and also mailed an advisory letter about the public notice requirement to commercial autobus owners.
To learn more about Angelie’s Law, go tohttp://njconsumeraffairs.gov/angelieslaw/ .
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file anonline complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504- 6200.