ANGRY pensioners have slammed Diamond Buses for charging them for tickets even though they have free bus passes.
Senior citizens in Studley and Alcester travelling between 9am and 9.30am say Diamond’s drivers have been repeatedly charging them a £1 to travel.
“Some of these people are only going two stops or travelling up to Redditch and are being charged when they have free bus passes – it’s outrageous,” said local resident Sue Cater.
“They keep saying we’re too early, but we’re not!”
She said the matter had been going on since April leaving many struggling pensioners seriously out of pocket.
The issue centres on the difference between Warwickshire and Worcestershire concessionary bus passes.
Warwickshire ones start at 9am and Worcestershire’s at 9.30am.
“I have tackled several bus drivers on this and they simply do not want to know. Many don’t understand as they haven’t got a sufficient grasp of English,” said Sue.
After several attempts she finally managed to complain to Rotala, parent company of Diamond, where she was told drivers had been fully informed of the difference between the passes.
However she said the problem is still happening today.
“You have old ladies in their 80s having to walk long distances to the shops or to the doctors because they have been wrongly charged for using the bus,” said the Eldorado Close resident.
A spokesperson for Diamond Buses said: “Since the Redditch Standard have been in touch with us about this, we’ve issued further communication to the depot to remind drivers of the extended free travel period.
“Any passenger who believes they have been overcharged should contact our customer services department with details of their journey and a copy of the ticket they have been issued. This should be done as soon as possible after the journey.
“They can call 0121 322 2222, email: [email protected] or post to Diamond Bus Ltd, Hallbridge Way, Tipton Rd, Tividale, B69 3HW.
