Drivers axed in bus firm collapse

Troubled bus company A2Z Travel has gone into administration, leaving around 40 workers out of a job, it was revealed today.

The Walsall company was forced off the roads last week, around six months after having its licence revoked by the West Midlands Traffic Commissioner.

Bosses had been battling for a stay of execution to be extended, to keep its buses on the roads of the Black Country while it lodged an appeal against the decision.

But the plea was turned down and the firm has now been forced to call in administrators Mazars of Birmingham.

It means the loss of around 40 jobs, but 35 have been employed by Choice Travel.

The company was responsible for 17 routes in Walsall, Brownhills, Wolverhampton, Moxley, Lichfield, Wednesbury, Bloxwich, Bilston and Darlaston.

Fourteen routes will be taken over by Choice Travel, Diamond Bus Company, Central Connect Services and National Express West Midlands, but three will not be replaced.

Shazad Ali, transport manager of A2Z Travel, based in Marlow Street, Walsall, said: "We have been forced into this because of the loss of our licence.

"It was a bad day. None of our drivers could believe it."