Just been refused disabled persons bus pass **Resolved**

[Nystagmite]

I got on the bus this evening, showed my disabled persons' bus pass and was given a ticket. (never seen the point, tbh) I put the receipt in the used tickets bin and was told by the driver not to do this? He said that there might be inspectors who need to see the ticket?

 

There is / was a notice up saying that you must show your ticket or bus pass or bus permit when asked or you face a fine. So why would I need the ticket too?

 

I have never been asked by a First inspector to look at my pass. Two other companies have had inspectors on board and have never been asked about a ticket - they're just happy with my bus pass - although, I did once get asked by a London bus driver (I live in Plymouth and hold a Plymouth bus pass) what my pass was and explained it's a disabled persons bus pass.

[sailor sam]

Not exactly sure what your issue is tbh. Some bus companies with older ticket equipment issue tickets to enable to record the fact that you are a concessionary pass holder thus creating a revenue claim to the LA so they get paid. The point of the ticket is to show that the driver is doing his job correctly by issuing a ticket which then can be checked if necessary. At the end of the day, if that's the terms of the bus co you are using, then so be it. Their terms may mean that your pass becomes part of the ticket. It's not as if it's costing you anything to hold a ticket is it?

 

 

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[Nystagmite]

In June 2007, I was told that I would never be able to legally drive and that I should register as partially sighted. This was sent to social services who sent someone around to see me. She told that I'm automatically entitled to a bus pass. I just have to send in my documents and I'll get one.

 

I then had to renew my bus pass and had no problems at all. It was awarded for 5 years.

 

I had to renew it this year and it has never worked. I went into the council office this morning who looked at the pass and said I need to see someone. She looked at my file and said I shouldn't have a bus pass. On my SS310 (it's a yellow card) it says I'm registered as sight impaired. She claimed that if someone wears glasses, they can register as sight impaired. My dad, brother and mum all wear glasses and none of them can register as sight impaired. Their vision can be corrected by glasses; mine can't. She made it sound as though I was choosing not to have a driving licence and wanted a bus pass instead. That's not the case.

 

I was then told I can only get a bus pass if I register as blind. (which is now severely sight impaired) This isn't right - someone registered as sight impaired (partially sighted) / severely sight impaired (blind) has automatic entitlement to a bus pass.

 

I was then told I must get a letter stating I'm registered as partially sighted. The council have a copy of a document which states I'm sight impaired. I will never be able to legally drive; as my vision varies too much for me to drive.

 

Has anyone else had this problem?

[speedfreek]

What Council is this?

 

She could be a jobs worth or you may be a victim of localism

 

RNIB suggests there's a national scheme for off peak and also local council schemes.

 

http://www.rnib.org.uk/livingwithsightloss/travel/bus/Pages/bus_passes.aspx

 

I've only tried using public transport twice since 2010 so I'm probably not the best person to hold an opinion.

[RaeUK]

It's a national scheme administered by the local councils, so the rules are the same for everyone. This is what Dorset says:

 

Disabled people:

 

You're eligible for a disabled person's pass if you live in England and are 'eligible disabled'. This means you:

 

• are blind or partially sighted ...
  

 

Here's a link to the relevant page: http://www.dorsetforyou.com/buses/bus-pass

Unfortunately you'll have to complain but you are eligible. If all else fails get your local county councilor involved. Especially if you have an election in your area this May!

[Nystagmite]

I'm in Plymouth. Plymouth say the same, Rae. But because the terminology has changed, (we're now sight impaired and severely sight impaired) they're being awkward about it. You don't even have to be registered. I have friends who can't register; but can't drive because their condition makes driving unsafe.

[metaloona]

Best way to deal with a jobs worth

Contact your local Independent Councilor

They normally take the bull by the horns or have a axe to grind,

I'm sure one of them would resolve this problem for you,

Will save you dealing with the jobs worth sorts?

[RaeUK]

Ah, ok. Have to be the councilor then.

 

Plymouth? You're almost a neighbour! I go down to Exeter every now and then to see family and friends there.

[ploddertom]

Taken from Plymouth Council website:

 

Who is eligible for a bus pass?

 

You are eligible for a concessionary bus pass if you are a Plymouth resident of pensionable age or over, or a disabled person who

 

• is blind or partially sighted
  
• is profoundly or severely deaf
  
• is without speech
  
• has a disability or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long term effect on their ability to walk
  
• does not have arms or the long term use of both arms
  
• has a learning disability
  
• is unfit to drive for medical reasons
  
• is registered as disabled ex-service personnel
  

All applicants must be resident within Plymouth City Council's administrative boundary, that is the council tax billing authority for the address. If you do not pay council tax and are unsure which council area you live in you can check with your landlord or with your local council.

 

Also taken from their "Proof of eligibility"

Blind or partially sighted n CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment)

n Current disabled persons Blue Badge

n Disabled persons registration card SS310 confirming that applicant is registered blind or partially sighted

n Evidence from an eye specialist i.e.

optometrist or consultant ophthalmologist,

confirming that the applicant is able to be registered as blind or partially sighted

 

 

HTH

[Nystagmite]

Thanks. Finally got it sorted. I posted the same issue on a Facebook group and was given a link, which explained that the terminology has changed and that someone who is sight impaired, is under the old system, partially sighted. This was also explained to me by my consultant's sectary.