CHINATOWN — Lucky Star has hit a road bump.
The bus service that ferries passengers on the cheap between Chinatown and Boston has temporarily ceased operation as ordered by the federal Department of Transportation, according to both Lucky Star's and the DOT's website.
The shut down, first reported by the Boston Globe, comes a few months after Lucky Star's main competitor, Fung Wah, was also shut down after the DOT labeled the bus service an imminent safety hazard.
"Federal investigators found that Lucky Star’s fleet of 21 motor coaches did not meet minimum safety standards as the company failed to systematically and properly inspect, repair or maintain the vehicles," according to a press release from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a DOT department that deals with buses.
"Investigators also found that the owners of Lucky Star failed to monitor and ensure that its drivers complied with controlled substances and alcohol use and testing regulations."
The investigation found that drivers were hired before passing a drug and alcohol test as required by federal law, according to the press release.
Drivers did not register their hours of service, driving itineraries and fuel receipts, which is also required.
Lucky Star, which opened for business in 2003, did not return a call or email for comment.
Customers who have already purchased tickets online were promised a full refund, according to Lucky Star's website. Tickets one-way to Boston from its 59 Chrystie Street storefront in Chinatown, costs travelers about $15 for the five-hour journey.
The so-called Chinatown buses like Lucky Star and Fung Wah, which ferry intercity riders from curbside stops for low prices, have recently come under scrutiny for their safety records after two fatal crashes in 2011 left 17 people dead.
Another bus service Ming An, which runs routes to cities including Atlanta, Georgia and Greenville, S.C. from its stop at 59 Canal St., was also shut down by the DOT in March.
In May 2012, the federal government shut down 26 bus lines running through Chinatown.
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