A bus firm has announced it will stop offering West Midlands school services - just before the autumn term begins. Green Bus has blamed rising costs, with its decision leaving people needing to find other modes of transport.

The BBC reports that hundreds of West Midlands schoolchildren have been left stranded and others have had to find alternative operators to travel with. Another bus company, Diamond Bus Routes, said it would offer new and extended bus routes in Bromsgrove and Alcester in time for the new term.

Chief executive, Ian Mack, said he accepted that the news came very late for parents and said it was 'very hard' to let go of staff after 22 years of operations. On Thursday, a deal with a replacement provider fell through and the company had no choice but to act fast and inform customers, he said.

Last month, he said issues with the cost became clear and the insurance premium jumped by 38% in the same month. The BBC also reports that Mr Mack said the firm was not insolvent, had not collapsed, and would still operate by continuing to provide drivers to other bus companies and work with its sister company to maintain and restore buses in Aston.

Parents had to pay more than £1,000 for an annual pass and services were typically full, he said. Mr Mack says he has guaranteed that all parents will get a full refund and commented on the general situation with the public transport network, saying 'it is not in a good place at the minute'.

Transport for West Midlands said it was "regrettable" the announcement came so close to the start of a new school year. It said it was speaking to other operators to explore alternative transport options.

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