Safety Hazards Cited in Charges Filed Against Tour Bus Firm
Los Angeles City Atty. James K. Hahn filed criminal charges Thursday against the owner of a local tour bus company, alleging that the firm operated buses with safety hazards such as bad brakes, defective steering and worn-out tires.
Naser Khorasani, owner of Pacific Tours and Charters, was charged with 195 violations of the state Vehicle Code, including 73 misdemeanors and 122 infractions, Deputy City Atty. Anita Marcks said.
“One of the buses had leaking brake fluid,” Hahn said in a written statement. “Another bus was found with defective steering and brakes.” California Highway Patrol inspectors ordered 22 Pacific Tour buses out of service because of safety problems discovered during three routine inspections in the last year, Marcks said.
“Every time the CHP went back for another inspection, the buses were in terrible shape,” she said.
The West Los Angeles-based tour bus firm, according to its brochure, offers a variety of tours to such attractions as Beverly Hills and Disneyland, as well as a day trip called the “Tijuana Shopping Adventure.” The firm had no comment on the charges.
If convicted, Khorasani, 32, of El Segundo, faces a year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for each misdemeanor and fines ranging from $35 to $250.
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