Western Greyhound bus drivers arriving at work on Friday morning have
spoken of their shock and surprise after being greeted with a letter
telling them they no longer had jobs.
The letter, signed by
managing director Michael Bishop, speaks of his "deep regret" at the
news, claiming the company had been forced out of business after failing
to secure fleet insurance for its buses.
Mr Bishop wrote: "I
think it is important that you understand why this has happened because I
believe in openness, honesty and transparency.
"As you may be
aware, I rescued the company on 10 December 2014 and since then there
have been many hurdles which we have worked hard to overcome.
Mr Bishop went on to say that the cost of fleet insurance had increased dramatically and as a result the finance company had refused to provide the money. The insurers had demanded an upfront payment which under the circumstances was impossible.
Transport union RMT has reacted with dismay to the shock collapse of
Western Greyhound, revealing that just 24 hours before the announcement it was in
negotiations with the company over improving staff pay and job security.
The
union said its representatives had met with Western Greyhound
management to discuss their future plans, and the company had given "no
indication" that there were problems with the business. Western
Greyhound has been called to a public enquiry before the Traffic
Commissioner later this month.
A
spokesman for the government regulator said the hearing would take
place in Bristol on 23rd and 24th March.
The
news comes hours after the company announced it would cease
trading.
A
spokesman for the Traffic Commissioner said: "I can now confirm
that the company has been called to a public inquiry before the
Traffic Commissioner for the West of England. This will take place on
23 and 24 March, commencing at 10:30am on the first day.
Replacement
bus services to cover Western Greyhound routes will not start until
after the weekend the council has confirmed.
Cornwall
Council's passenger transport team has been working with the bus
industry to arrange alternative services.
The
council said several companies have agreed to provide the majority of
Western Greyhound routes starting from Monday March 16.
A
council spokesperson said: "Four companies have agreed to
provide the majority of services from Monday and so it is hoped that,
for the main part, disruption to the general public will be kept to a
minimum.
Overall
details of the replacement services can be found here
According
to the above website and also the ITV website 'Some former Western
Greyhound buses will be seen back on the road next week - but they
will not be operated by Western Greyhound'
Click
here here to
see an interview with Western Greyhound director Michael Bishop where
he explains why the company folded.
The
Cornwall Council website states that timetables for the replacement
services, operating from Monday 16 March, are available on the
following bus operator websites.
First
Plymouth
City Bus
Stagecoach
Group
Travel
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