Charter Bus Companies Seek Payment from Local School for Unpaid Bills

In South Florida, two charter bus companies are currently facing financial difficulties as they seek compensation from Youth Under Construction Youth Center in Pompano Beach, which has failed to pay for transportation services rendered.

Outstanding Payments

Barrington Samuels, owner of Atlantic Charters Inc., spoke about the significant financial impact of the school’s unpaid bills, which amount to over $16,000. The company, operational for over 21 years and heavily reliant on school contracts, provided nine trips to various locations including Tampa and Jacksonville during March and April.

“It’s over $16,000, so we would just send the invoices over, hoping that within 30 days we would be paid,” said Samuels.

Additional Claims

Similarly, Gold Star Transportation Inc., led by owner Dawna Mullings, has reported an unpaid bill exceeding $2,000. Mullings recounted how a school representative initially assured her payment for a service, but later claimed to have “forgotten the check.” A subsequent payment was issued, but the check bounced due to a closed account.

“When I went to the bank, the teller smiled and shook her head. She said that account has been closed for the longest time,” Mullings recounted.

Mismanagement Issues

Delvin King, principal of the Youth Under Construction Youth Center, explained that the financial complications largely stemmed from a management company responsible for handling the school’s operations, including payments to vendors like the charter bus companies. King stated he was unaware of the situation until he began receiving inquiries about the outstanding payments.

“From the beginning, I was not aware, but towards the end, once I started receiving emails and phone calls, I realized that these people haven’t been paid,” said King.

Steps Forward

After discovering the mismanagement, King confirmed that the school has terminated its relationship with the management company and is actively working to recover the funds owed to the charter bus firms.

In an effort to rectify the issue, King has promised that payments to the bus companies will be issued by August 23, 2024.

“But really, they took from the students, they took from my company, and it’s a lot of mess that I have to clean up now,” King added.

Impact on Local Businesses