Inverness disabled man's anger at issue over bus pass
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A DOUBLE amputee was almost left behind by a city centre bus when he told the driver that his pass was out of date.
However, Malcolm Anderson (56), from Dalneigh, could not have renewed his pass even if he had wanted to as Highland Council offices, where passes are updated, are closed due to coronavirus.
Drivers had been told to offer temporary seven-day passes until they reopen and Mr Anderson was left reeling by the incident – as only days before he was still able to make twice weekly trips to town by using his out-of-date pass.
Branding the driver a “jobsworth”, Mr Anderson, who prides himself on remaining independent, said he was angry that any driver would refuse him access at this time.
He said: “I was trying to get on the number eight Dalneigh bus from Bruce Gardens on Saturday, August 1.
“When the bus appeared I admitted that my bus pass was out of date, and that like everybody else I was waiting for the one-stop shops to reopen after the pandemic so that I could have it replaced.
“The driver told me that I could not get on the bus without a valid bus card.
“While I was annoyed at that, I offered to pay for a ticket.
“At that point the driver got out of his cabin to lower the ramp.”
Mr Anderson explained that the driver did not wear a mask when he came out of his cabin, something he knew was against the current regulations.
He said: “I told him that he had broken the rules by coming out without the mask on, and he changed his mind about letting me on the bus and allowed me to travel for free.
“Clearly as a double amputee I am entitled to a bus card, and the driver should have known that, and have been more helpful.
“I am in a wheelchair and have no lower legs for goodness sake.”
A spokeswoman for Stagecoach Highlands said: “We were sorry to hear of this experience reported by Mr Anderson.
“On checking our CCTV, our driver quickly assisted the passenger by opening the boarding ramp to allow Mr Anderson easy access on board. There was no evidence of any confrontation. Mr Anderson travelled for free for this journey. Expired concessionary cards can be exchanged for a temporary seven day pass on board any of our buses.
“We have received a great deal of praise from those travelling with us throughout the pandemic and we are extremely proud of how our whole team have adapted to the challenging situation over the last six months.”
Highland Council confirmed that it was taking requests for the replacement and renewal of bus pass and travel discounts, but service points, where people pick up forms, remain closed.
A spokeswoman said: “If anyone has any questions about their existing concession card, or need to request a replacement or to renew your entitlement please contact us on 01349 886604 between 10am and 2pm Tuesday to Thursday.”
