Made to get off bus in Manchester

Viv2010
Viv2010 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener

For clarity, this happened in the afternoon, so my bus pass was valid.

I was travelling on one of the Bee Network buses in Manchester the other day, when four inspectors boarded and asked to see tickets. I was the first person they approached.

I showed my pass and they asked to see the ticket as well. I explained that, if you use a concessionary pass, the bus does not issue tickets. I was then asked if I had paid for the travel and explained that I did not have to pay as the pass entitled me to free travel. I was then asked to either pay £2, or get off the bus at the next stop.

Since I only had to wait a few minutes for the next bus and I didn't want to cause any more of a scene, I chose to get off. At this point a few passengers started shouting at the inspectors calling them a disgrace for picking on a disabled passenger and telling them that they didn't know how to do their jobs. Another told me that I should stay on the bus and ignore the inspectors.

As soon as the bus reached the next stop, the four inspectors got off with me as they couldn't stand being shouted at by the passengers any longer and quickly scarpered.

The bus driver did nothing the entire time and drove off after I got off and the inspectors 'ran away'.

Obviously a complaint has been submitted by myself and a couple of the other passengers said that they would be doing the same.

However, I would like to know what my rights were in this situation and what would have happened had I refused to get off the bus.

Comments

  • Jimm_Scope
    Jimm_Scope Posts: 5,717 Scope Online Community Specialist

    I don't know your rights off the top of my head but I did check out the Bee Network website and their section on Disability passes: Travel pass for disabled people | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM

    It specifically states you just tap, no ticket. If asked by an inspector you need only to present your pass. I searched elsewhere on their site for any further information but I don't think it's needed. Clearly these inspectors had no idea or training, or both. Pretty egregious frankly and I'd like to hear how the complaint goes. You were entirely within the right as per Bee Networks own instructions.