Troubled Herefordshire bus company can be turned around, says expert
Years of industry experience could help turn the company around
A transport consultant with decades of experience in the industry believes that Hereford-based Yeomans Canyon Travel can still be salvaged despite recent setbacks.
At a public inquiry, Miles Dorrington, the Traffic Commissioner for the West Midlands, criticised the company due to inadequate vehicle checks, resulting in a reduction of their service operations.
Neil Barker, an independent consultant, stressed the importance of changing staff attitudes around defect reporting practices. Barker said, “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.”
Barker sees potential in the company, stating, “There is a role where my experience will help the business.”
When asked about his commitment to improving the operator's practices, Barker assured the inquiry of his dedication, saying, “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.”
Ms Yeomans acknowledged the gravity of the issues but expressed optimism about the company’s direction: “I am not dismissing the seriousness of the defects issue. But we are on a positive trajectory.”
Concerns were raised earlier by the commissioner regarding Nigel Yeomans' involvement in the company despite being banned from such roles the previous year. Barker clarified that Mr Yeomans had detached himself from Yeomans Canyon Travel.
Following last year's decisive ruling against Mr Yeomans’ other bus company, Lugg Valley Travel, Mr Yeomans has shifted his focus to his property business, as noted by Peter Woodhouse, the company’s lawyer.