A DISABLED woman was cruelly kicked off a bus and left stranded because she did not have a pass for her mobility scooter.

April 7, 2016

Barbara relied on a friend to rescue her

By TOM TOWERS

 Barbara Wintersgill, 68, who has suffered from Parkinson's disease for ten years, was left shaken and confused after a driver forced her off several miles from her home. 

A friend eventually rescued Barbara from her plight, but she said the hour-long ordeal was traumatic. 

Barbara said: "I totally rely on my scooter because of my balance and mobility issues. 

"I got on the bus eventually, as the ramp wasn't working, and then the driver asked me for my scooter permit. I told him I had no idea that I needed one. 

"I have never been asked for one by any other driver."

Barbara was in Cornwall visiting friends and intended to continue to Porthcurno on a First Kernow bus when she was stopped in her tracks.

She showed her scooter pass for First Great Western trains but the driver and his supervisor informed her she needed another pass from Cornwall Council to board the bus.

She said: "He refused to let me travel. To be precise, he said that my husband and dogs could stay on the bus but that I could not, unless I left the scooter behind."

Barbara, who lives with her husband Ian, 70, in Ivybridge, Devon, said there were just two passengers on the lower deck at the time. 

Barbara then complained to First Kernow's customer services but received a cold response. 

She said: "When I asked how visitors to Cornwall were supposed to know about this requirement, I was told that it was fully explained in their terms and conditions. 

"I pointed out that, realistically, few bus passengers were likely to look at this document. The humane, considerate and caring thing to do was to inform me that, next time I used Kernom buses, I must get a scooter permit, rather than throw me off the bus."

First Kernow offered an 'unsympathetic' response

First Kernow said: "It is our policy that all users of mobility scooters should obtain approval from us prior to their journey. 

"If we are satisfied they meet the necessary criteria, we issue a standard permit to travel. 

"In this intance, we are very sorry that the lady was unable to board the bus because she did not have a permit to travel. 

"We do ensure that our customers are aware of our policy about mobility scooters through on-bus posters, and information at bus stations and on our website.

"http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/7057653/Disabled-woman-with-Parkinsons-kicked-off-bus-several-miles-from-home-because-she-lacked-a-mobility-scooter-pass.html