THE Green Bus has begun a search for 50 bus drivers to keep the West Midlands moving during the Commonwealth Games.

Buses are in huge demand from rail operators and event organisers, both of whom are making contingency plans to cope with high levels of travel during the period of the games.

However, the bus sector is currently experiencing a chronic shortage of drivers following the impact of Covid-19.

As a result the Birmingham-based bus operator is calling on anyone who once qualified as a bus driver to get in touch with them via a dedicated page on the company’s website, and is offering refresher training to help former drivers back into the driving seat.

Ian Mack, chief executive of The Green Bus, said: “There are thousands of people in the UK with a PCV driving licence which is currently unused, including retired bus drivers, students, railway staff, police officers, and fire fighters.

“This is a unique opportunity for them to play an essential role in supporting the Commonwealth Games.

“We particularly want to hear from women and LGBGQ+ drivers, who are vastly underrepresented in the bus sector.”

Drivers who work at The Green Bus on all 12 days of the Commonwealth Games can expect to earn up to £2,640, an average of more than £200 per day.