Federal Bus Crash Database Misses Most Fatal Collisions Involving Transdev

A federal database maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recorded only 18 of at least 60 fatal crashes involving Transdev buses between 2016 and 2025. The remaining 42 collisions appeared under other names or were absent from the system entirely. Transdev has operated Boston Public Schools buses since 2013. The crash does not appear in the federal database under Transdev.

Police reports determine which company name is entered into the Safety Measurement System. When Transdev operates under a government contract or acquired firm, crashes are often logged under the contracting agency or prior company name. Companies are not required to correct those entries.

Transdev confirmed that most of the 60 fatal crashes identified by WBUR and ProPublica matched its internal records. The company stated it follows federally mandated reporting standards and that law enforcement is responsible for crash documentation.

Peter Kurdock, general counsel at Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, said incomplete data creates a serious gap for regulators assessing carrier safety. Former FMCSA Midwest field administrator Darin Jones said investigators rely on crash counts to evaluate operations.

The Federal Transit Administration maintains a separate crash database that does not link incidents to contractors. Transdev’s internal crash register is not public and is not submitted to FMCSA unless requested. Transdev holds contracts in 46 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Its only school-bus contract is with Boston Public Schools.