Reading the article in routeone with regards to the Wirral bus operators, I feel I must defend their actions and commend their bravery. “Well done” I say.
The operators of Wirral asked for a meeting with Wirral Borough Council (WBC) transport department to discuss future contracts and were refused.
A second letter was sent offering a hand of friendship, knowing WBC may have problems come the start of the new school year in September.
Their reply was “we will call a meeting in September”. This would have meant that the contracts had to be accepted by the operators.
Once the contracts had been accepted there would be no need for a meeting.
It has been the intention in Wirral to eliminate all public service operators, and allow community transport to take over the entire home-to-school and social services transport.
I myself, as Merlin Travel, operated on the Wirral for 22 years and was told “Your services are no longer required.” I lost my business and my home, due to an illegal operation by an illegal organisation hiding behind the skirt of a so-called charitable organisation.
The reason I write this letter is to say this:
The health and safety of our passengers is paramount to us, with fully qualified PSV/PCV drivers with CPC qualifications, and vehicles tested and passed as fit for use by the Department of Transport.
We are the best, not the old fellow who lives up the road and has just retired after working in a factory for the past 40 years. The operators of Wirral have been fighting for the equal opportunity to tender for contracts, and hopefully the time has come.
Please remember, we are an integral part of the transport industry within the UK.
Michael John Horne
Former Operator
Merlin Travel
Wirral
