The family members of a late teen are speaking out ahead of prom season about a need for chaperones on party buses.
Maple Ridge resident Shannon Raymond died at a house party in June 2008, after consuming alcohol and ecstasy on a party bus.
Since the 16-year-old's death, her family has been asking the province to crack down on the party bus industry, calling for changes to keep teens safe.
Last year (http://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-introduces-new-rules-for-province-s-party-bus-industry-1.2255956), the province announced it was rolling out new rules for operators of stretch SUVs, limo-buses and party buses in an effort to regulate the industry.
The changes mean that each vehicle must receive approval for a special authorization license from an independent tribunal known as the Passenger Transportation Board. The board also regulates rates, areas of operation and fleet size.
Transportation Minister Todd Stone said the industry is safer today than it was before the new laws came into effect.
While Raymond's family says the law was a good first step, they suggest that what the industry really needs is chaperones.
Raymond's mother, Julie, told CTV News that the family is frustrated it hasn't happened yet.
"There's been no appetite from the government to introduce greater legislation and protect the safety of the people who ride on those buses," she said.
Julie Raymond visited the legislature on Thursday as NDP MLA George Heyman reintroduced a private member's bill directed at the industry.
The bill recommends that employees of charter bus companies complete safety training, and that each bus should have a "safety monitor" for every 20 to 25 passengers.
It also suggests that passengers be read a statement before each trip that explains that consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs on the bus is prohibited.
Although Heyman's bill has yet to be debated, it is rare that private member's bills from members of the Opposition become law.
With a report from CTV Vancouver's Bhinder Sajan
