Local party bus company faces fine

    Leavenworth based party shuttle, Leavenworth Party Bus was allegedly advertising and operating without a permit. The company is now faced with more than a slap on the wrist and instead a slap of a hefty fine from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. The original fine was $10,000 but had $9,000 deducted, meaning the company now only owes $1,000 due to future compliance.
    According to Mike Turcott, employee for UTC, the complaint against the party bus company was filed in the summer of 2018. Leavenworth Party Bus had originally applied for certification in 2016 but it was cancelled due to insurance purposes. The party bus company was accused of advertising charter services after cancellation of a certificate. However at the November 14, 2018, when the company was summoned to a hearing, it was recommended to suspend $9.000 of the fine. This was due to the new owner not receiving the cancellation paperwork the previous owner had. According to UTC documents, after settling with the UTC, it was decided the fine would decrease drastically from $10,000 to $1,000 and received an order to cease and desist permanently unless the company gets a permit.
    Leavenworth Party Bus company is one of three North Central Washington charter and excursion bus companies to be fined by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.