Over 200 city bus drivers were fired for using forged driving licenses in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong Province, according to the Nanfang Metropolis Daily.

There are some 8,000 city buses, serving over 6 million commuters daily in Guangzhou.

A motorist sits in a bus in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province as a moped rider goes past the bus in this undated photo.

Public transportation in Guangzhou has a high reputation in terms of safety and convenience, but its drivers may not be up to par.

One of the dismissed drivers, Mao Rong had worked as a driver for seven years, using a forged Class A license. Drivers need to have a Class A license to operate city buses and motor coaches.

From April to June, Xinhui Bus Co. fired 180 drivers for holding forged licenses. In July 30 drivers took the Class A exam, but only ten passed. Those ten kept their jobs, while the other 20 were fired.

According to transportation regulations, a person must hold a Class B license and have two years of driving experience before taking the Class A exam. Before being able to take the exam for a Class B license, a driver must hold a Class C license and have two years of driving experience. In total, it takes at least four years and a minimum of 8,000 RMB (approximately USD$1,000) for a driver to get a Class A license legally.

"A forged one is cheaper and far more efficient," said one of the drivers who has worked for Xinhui since 1999.

A bus accident that left six passengers dead, prompted a raid launched by the Guangzhou Transportation Commission into Xinhui Bus Co. driver's qualifications, which brought the forged license problem to light.

Editor£ºYan