A BARNSLEY bus operator which provided 'appalling' levels of service is facing a fine of more than £18,000 - unless it can convince the Traffic Commissioner the money could be used to give passengers a better deal instead.
Tates Travel has been the subject of widespread complaints, with allegations of buses failing to turn up, breaking down mid-journey or arriving too early or late.
South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive had been working with the firm, which runs a service to Worsbrough Dale and others to communities around Cudworth, Shafton and villages in the Penistone area and beyond, to try to bring about improvements.
But the firm ended up before a public inquiry with the Traffic Commission on Tuesday and was told a fine of £18,150 will be imposed - unless they can come up with a plan to spend the money improving services for the public.
• Full story in the Barnsley Chronicle issue dated October 9, 2015.
