Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Commissioner Rosa Escareno, and Chicago Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Eddie Johnson announced new enforcement action to reduce crimes committed on and near illegal party buses while increasing safety onboard licensed operators and improving quality of life of residents and tourists. As Chicago prepares to celebrate the holidays, weddings and family gatherings, the creation of a Nights and Weekends Team and a partnership with the Secretary of State’s Office will allow BACP and CPD access to party bus registration information after business hours. Since June 1, 2017, when the city implemented the new rules under an ordinance by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, regulators have seen a drop in violent crimes associated with party buses including only two illegal weapons that were recovered associated with party buses in 2018, compared to six in 2017.  Consumers that want to verify if a party bus is lawful can visit the “Public Passenger Vehicle License” database on the City of Chicago data portal at: https://data.cityofchicago.org.  If the vehicle is not listed on the City’s portal, you should request verification from the charter bus company. For more information about public vehicle licensing can be directed to BACPPV@cityofchicago.org.