By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — ACE Medical Transportation LLC, 7713 Manor, was shut down by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau for multiple violations effective July 19.
The state’s Aug. 2 press release said ACE violated Michigan’s Limousine, Taxicab and Transportation Network Company Act. A routine audit in October 2018 of ACE records revealed several alleged violations of the mentioned act.
“The Limousine, Taxicab, and Transportation Network Company Act (PA 345), which became effective March 21, 2017, moved the regulation of taxicab carriers from local to state jurisdiction, and moved the regulation of limousine carriers (less than eight passengers) from the Michigan Department of Transportation to LARA,” the press release said.
Four listed violations were:
• Not maintaining copies of driver applications and not annually conducting criminal background checks nor obtaining driver history reports for its drivers.
• Not developing nor implementing a zero-tolerance policy for drug or alcohol use for its drivers and not providing notice of it to passengers.
• Not adopting a policy of nondiscrimination with respect to passengers and potential passengers nor providing notice of the policy to its drivers.
• No proof of required insurance coverage.
“A limousine carrier, taxicab carrier or transportation network company, or an officer or agent of any of the three who requires or knowingly permits a driver to drive or operate a limo, taxicab or personal vehicle in violation of the law is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 per violation or imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both,” the release said.
The suspension order also said ACE has to stop violating the act by either providing documentary proof of its correction of the noted violations or providing written notice to CSCL that it ceased all operations and the date it ceased operations, the release said.
ACE also is ordered to pay an administrative fine of $507.95. According to the press release, the company’s registration also was summarily suspend based on the allegations, particularly the lack of insurance and no proof of criminal background checks demonstrating an imminent threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.
“LARA’s fine assessed against ACE for violating the Act covers the actual cost to the department of the investigation and enforcement of the violations,” according to the press release.
Currently, ACE has 30 days from July 19 to request a formal administrative hearing in response to the order filed by Michigan’s CSCL or it becomes final. The summary suspension will also remain in place until ACE successfully petitions to dissolve the order.
“All transportation providers, including limousine carriers, must operate lawfully and that includes maintaining the required level of insurance and annually conducting local and national criminal background checks on its drivers,” CSCL Director Julia Dale said.
“Our bureau will take appropriate regulatory actions to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Consumers should always ask to see proof of a carrier’s state of Michigan registration to operate and verify the driver’s credentials prior to using that carrier’s services.”
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])