By Adam Nichols
DNAinfo News Editor
CHINATOWN — A national investigation into safety standards of discount tour operators has been launched after two fatal Chinatown bus crashes.
The National Transportation Safety Board will look at safety regulations that govern the industry.
It follows demands made by Sen. Charles Schumer and Rep. Nydia Velazquez after fatal crashes in the Bronx and on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Both involved buses traveling to Chinatown.
"A broad based investigation into the discount tour bus industry will send a wake-up call that the status quo is simply not acceptable," said Schumer.
"A full and comprehensive review of this industry and the safety regulations governing it will no doubt lead to greater safety standards for the thousands of passengers who use these buses every week."
The NTSB expects its study will take about six months to complete, and could spur changes in the law to increase safety.
On March 12, 17 people were killed when a bus flipped on its side in the Bronx as it traveled between a Connecticut casino and Chinatown.
Two days later, two people died when a Chinatown bus traveling to the city from Philadelphia crashed.
