Champaign-based Lincolnland Express bus company was ordered to shut down its operations Friday in accordance with safety regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) gave an “unsatisfactory” rating to the company’s operation on Oct. 22, stating that the company needed to make corrective actions before Dec. 7.

Violations include false reporting of records of duty status, use of commercial motor vehicles that were not periodically inspected and failure to properly maintain vehicle parts and accessories, according to the press release.

“Safety is our number one priority,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We are using every resource at our disposal to identify and remove unsafe bus companies from our roads.”

The FMCSA reviews and approves the company’s safety management operation proposal. The company sent the 600 page safety management operation report proposal on November 30. The agency stated that it is still on a process of reviewing and has up to 30 days to ensure the proposed corrective action will satisfy the safety ratings.

Until then, LEX is prohibited to operate its fleet of 30 passenger vehicles and 34 drivers. 

LEX could not be reached for contact, but a brief statement on its webpage reads:

“Do to circumstances beyond our control, LEX can no longer provide transportation services to the general public. The office is currently closed. On Monday (or Tuesday) we’ll know if this is a temporary or permanent. If permanent, unfulfilled paid reservations will be fully refunded.“