Bus firm is facing licence axe

Another Midlands-based bus operator faces losing its licence over claims of maintenance lapses, putting 25 jobs at risk.

The Green Bus Service could be forced to stop operating at a hearing today. The jobs include 17 drivers.

The firm, which is based in Great Wyrley and runs services in Wolverhampton, Walsall and South Staffordshire, is being hauled before the Traffic Commissioner. If the company is banned from the roads, it will be the second bus company in a week to have its licence revoked.

On Sunday, Walsall-based A2Z Travel Ltd had its licence revoked and is now allowed to operate only while bosses wait for an appeal to be heard.

Green Bus Service has been cutting services this year and drew criticism from commuters when it axed its rush-hour Wolverhampton to Essington service.

One employee, who did not want to be named, said the company was facing disciplinary action for poor maintenance of its fleet and said bosses had written to staff warning of redundancies after the hearing.

The employee added: "Everybody is very worried. We expect to show up on Wednesday and find the gates locked. The drivers are hoping the routes will be picked up by Arriva because if they are, there's a chance there may be some job openings there. It's just a very worrying time."

Graham Martin, director of the company, declined to comment ahead of the hearing in Birmingham.

Ray Prichard, spokesman for the West Midland Traffic Commissioner, said the hearing could also take into account the good repute of the operator and transport manager and issues of compliance with the company's licence.

The commissioner last week fined A2Z Travel £19,800 after inspectors from the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) discovered major defects in its vehicles. A ban was due to come into force on Sunday but is on hold to allow the company to appeal.

Transport manager Shahzad Ali said the company had put in new operating procedures to prevent further problems.

Earlier this year Wolverhampton-based Banga Travel had its licence revoked. Since March, the company has been trading as Banga Buses under new management.

* The Express & Star is happy to clarify that the Green Bus Service facing the hearing is in no way connected to the Green Bus or the Green Bus Transport Company, based in New Street, Birmingham, which has not had any questions raised about the roadworthiness of its vehicles.