FRESNO, Calif. A group of operators is working to organize a class-action lawsuit against a slimy bus broker that reportedly has stiffed a number of bus companies and customers.

The target of the lawsuit would be an Alta Loma, Calif.-based outfit that has operated under several names, including We Give You Ride, My Best Ride and Tifa Xpress.

One operator reported contracting with We Give You Ride to provide coach services from Florida to Tennessee. Prior to the trip, the operator received a check for payment.

"Two days after returning from the trip, we leaned (We Give You Ride) had placed a 'stop order' on the check. Numerous attempts have been made to collect our money. ... They admit they owe us money and promise to pay. It has been over six months since the trip and we have yet to receive any payment."

A church reported that We Give You Ride failed to provide buses for a youth trip to Six Flags and then refused to refund the churchs $2,400.

BusRates.com said it has had more than a dozen complaints from operators and others that have gone unpaid or have not had their buses show up after contracting with My Best Ride and Tifa Xpress.

Among those pushing the lawsuit is Leslie Raddatz of Cloud 8 Travel in Clovis, Calif., a suburb of Fresno.

Operators possibly interested in participating in a suit should contact attorney David C. Beyersdorf of the law firm of Lee & Beyersdorf in Fresno. E-mail DavidB@LeeandBeyersdorf.com, or call (559) 252-7000 or fax (559) 252-7022.

We Give You Ride calls itself "the Internet's fast-growing, worldwide provider of charter bus, limousine, executive sedan, passenger vans and more.

"We have a large network of transportation service providers who compete for your business. With one simple reservation or quote request, you get competitive bids of several high quality transportation service providers."

Said one operator of We Give You Ride: "This company has no scruples. Caution to those who have any idea about contracting with this company."