A CATALOGUE of significant problems has led to Worcestershire County Council withdrawing a number of contracts from the town’s bus service provider, Diamond Bus.
The Rotala-owned company was issued a final warning in January, to improve their services or face losing their licence.
The ultimatum came in the wake of a Labour Party motion raised at County Hall on January 14 by Coun Robin Lunn, which received unanimous support after calls for cross party agreement.
The request came after an deluge of complaints regarding the quality and standard of Diamond bus services across the county since September.
Councillor John Smith (Con, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways) said Worcestershire County Council had completed a period of assessment where the operational performance of the company had been closely scrutinised and monitored.
He added: “These observations have identified that over the time monitored, whilst there has been improvement in some areas, some significant problems remain.”
Outstanding concerns were listed as adherence to timetables, vehicle reliability, driver performance and communication issues.
“Whilst it is recognised that Diamond Bus continue to strive toward improved services,” Coun Smith said.
“The county council has taken the decision to withdraw a small number of contracts to provide Diamond Bus with the opportunity to concentrate resources and enhance their operational improvement programme.
“The council will continue to monitor performance issues and looks forward to maintaining a positive relationship with Diamond Bus Ltd for the benefit of service users.”
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