Coach staff need 'immediate attitude change'

A transport consultant has said the attitude of staff at a Herefordshire coach company must change "immediately" to turn the firm's fortunes around.

It comes after Hereford-based Yeomans Canyon Travel was sharply rebuked at a public inquiry by Traffic Commissioner for the West Midlands, Miles Dorrington.

On Thursday, Dorrington cut the number of services the company could operate following revelations of poor vehicle checking.

Speaking at the inquiry, independent consultant Neil Barker said: "It's clear something has gone wrong with driver defect reporting. A change in the attitude of some staff is required immediately."

"It's a question of getting staff to behave in the right and consistent way, so these become habits, and that they understand their role and its consequences," he added.

Barker said he had spent time at the company with its sole director Francesca Yeomans, and explained his experience could "help the business".

Asked by the Yeomans' lawyer Peter Woodhouse, "If you thought the operator wasn't doing what they should, what would you do?", Barker replied: "I have too much at stake – I would resign that position."

"I have worked in the industry for 40 years, I wouldn't wish to put my reputation on the line," he admitted.

But he also added: "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think they were committed to improvement. But I will be advising and steering it, not running it."

Yeomans also said: "I am not dismissing the seriousness of the defects issue, but we are on a positive trajectory."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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