New Bedford Bus Company Settles With AG Over Illegal Idling

Mass. Attorney General Maura Healey has reached a settlement with Tremblay Bus Company in New Bedford after investigating allegations that Tremblay drivers excessively idled its buses at several New Bedford schools.

The proposed consent decree still needs approval by the U.S. District Court in Boston.

In a press release issued Thursday, Healey claimed that Tremblay violated federal and state clean air laws when its drivers routinely allowed diesel-powered busses to idle for prolonged periods of time, often more than 20 minutes, on school grounds in densely-populated, environmental justice communities.

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Under the terms of the settlement, Tremblay will pay a penalty of up to $120,000, including $100,000 to be split equally between the Friends of Buttonwood Park and the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center.

Tremblay must also pay $45,000 to the Attorney General's Office for the cost of the investigation and fees.

Tremblay has provided bus transportation in Southeastern Massachusetts for more than 40 years, and owns and operates more than 250 school busses. Calls by WBSM News to a Tremblay vice president were not returned on Thursday.

The press release also states Healey's office has launched a new public information campaign about potential health hazards associated with illegal idling of motor vehicles, and in particular diesel-powered school buses. Anyone who wishes to report a violation can do so on the Attorney General's online form.

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