The government's new SaferBus program is being touted as a quick and free way for the public to review bus companies' safety records before booking trips.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) application, for iPhones and iPads, can be downloaded for free from the Apple iTunes App Store or via the FMCSA’s “Look Before You Book” web page.

Those without an iPhone or iPad can still access the safety database here.

“This new app gives Americans the information they need to make smart safety decisions when they book their next bus trip,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “As college students, families and tour groups start thinking about spring and summer travel, we encourage everyone to use the SaferBus app to look before you book your next bus trip.”

SaferBus provides access to safety records on nearly 6,000 interstate commercial passenger carriers in the U.S. — privately operated motorcoach, school bus and tour bus companies.

The information may be particularly helpful to school districts and schools that use charter bus companies for activity trips.

According to the American Bus Association’s latest research, more than 700 million people traveled by motorcoach in 2009.

“SaferBus is FMCSA’s first step at making our thorough safety data on commercial bus companies available through smartphone technology,” FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro said. “By placing a bus company’s safety record in the palm of your hand, SaferBus encourages riders to think safety first, supports our agency’s commitment to make bus travel as safe as possible, and provides good bus companies a way to highlight their positive safety records.”

For more information, go here.