NEW bus drivers working for Stagecoach Burnley and Pendle have had to ask passengers for directions because they were not familiar with the routes.

Stagecoach Ribble managing director Michael Chambers confirmed new drivers might have asked for help after becoming confused as they learned new routes.

He also admitted the new drivers were being paid less than those who worked for the business when it was council-owned.

But he disputed union claims that 20 drivers had left Burnley and Pendle, saying only nine had resigned.

Mr Chambers apologised to passengers left stranded when buses failed to turn up because of a lack of drivers.

He said: "Drivers leaving does cause us problems because Burnley and Pendle had a history of only staffing the bare minimum, which allowed staff to take overtime on their rest days.

"We have a policy of staffing 15 per cent over the establishment to take account of sickness and holidays and that way we don't need people working overtime. "We are now in a major recruitment campaign. It takes four weeks to train drivers because besides learning how to drive the bus and pass their test they need to know how to operate the electronic ticket machines and familiarise themselves with different routes and fares.

"It is inevitable when we have a large number of new drivers coming through there will be the occasional problem.

"We will have seven new drivers in place after two more take their tests this week and we have an on-going recruitment drive for more."

Mr Chambers said he did not know how much more reassurance Stagecoach could give the drivers - they had already given a three year guarantee of terms and conditions when Pendle sold out and that agreement still had two years to run.

He added: "We are doing everything possible to recruit drivers and to ensure that services return to reliable levels and provide a quality service.

"It takes time to reshape a bus company but things are getting better."

Anyone with any complaints about the service is advised to contact 01772 886633.

If no reply is received within a week Mr Chambers asked the complainant to ring back and ask for the operations director.

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