Why Did I Bother

[mrs_overall]

Two weeks ago, Youngest Junior O & a friend travelled 30 miles to the nearest civilisation to do some clothes shopping. They are both 14 but YJO is 6'3" and looks older than he is so I allowed him to take his passport with him so he wasn't charged full fare on the bus.
On the return journey, YJO's friend got on the bus first and asked for a half fare. The driver queried his age, refused to believe him and charged him the adult rate. YJO also asked for a half fare, produced his passport and the driver refused to look at it and said "It's probably a fake one. You are paying full fare." Now here is the rub - the driver did not issue tickets to either boy.
When YJO arrived home and relayed the story, I immediately fired off an email of complaint,
I have just had a phone call from the bus company. They said they have identified the driver (dead easy as I gave them the bus number and the bus time) but they cannot discuss the investigation or outcome under Data Protection (I know, I know, they are talking rubbish.)
She then had the gall to say that as we cannot produce a ticket, there is no proof my son was ever on the bus!
Let's just say harsh words were said and the short comings of the bus company and staff were spelled out to her.
Rant over!

[ummmm]

They have cameras on buses!

[mrs_overall]

Not all of them. This was one with no camera. That solitary fact was one thing she was allowed to tell me that wasn't covered under Data bloody Protection

[THECORBYLOON]

Just a thought, can your son say how many other folk got on at that same stop? I don't use buses often but the ticket machine seems to be high tech these days so if they can check it for the time of the journey to see how many folk got on. Obviously there will be folk who had returns but if the numbers are roughly the same, it would back your son's statement.

[ummmm]

I wouldn't take their word for that.

[THECORBYLOON]

Another thing, if tickets were not issued, was that because the machine was not used? If it wasn't used, the records of the tickets issued and the float used by the driver would not tally because it would show he'd taken too much money.

[aelmpvw]

very annoying mrs_o and the idea that someone would get a fake passport so that they could get half price on a bus amused my perverse sense of humour ... the bus driver is obviously a very sad soul indeed :-(

[lady-janine]

I thought buses had to have cameras by law. there are several on each of the town buses.

[lady-janine]

sounds like the driver is helping himself to a bit of pocket money.

[Canary42]

I don't believe the "no camera" allegation - this is a right scam.

[THECORBYLOON]

Another thought, could they describe the driver? If they can, then although no tickets were issued, it would be good evidence they had been on the bus unless it is a very small company and they use the same ones all the time.

[vulcan42]

The bus driver has joined the ever increasing number of people who live by the creed that states " I am never wrong and will use any excuse, however ridiculous or contrived, to prove it"

[kvalidir]

Reply to them insisting on being reimbursed and your son apologised to or you will take them to court and to the local rag, doensn't matter that it was only 50p or whatever they really won't want the bad publicity and local papers love this sort of thing because nothing ever happens in the country. Rude, snotty prats should be called out every single time as a matter of principle.

[New Judge]

I would take them to the cleaners Mrs O.

There is more than enough evidence to show that your son and his mate were on the bus (they have the time, the bus number, etc.). As many employees do, the woman hiding behind the Data Protection Act needs training in what it means, what it does and does not do (and it certainly does not prevent her discussing a matter such as this with you when it relates to your 14 year old child). (Having said that, many companies actively encourage their staff to mouth the words "Data Protection" as soon as any tricky questions are asked of them).

Get hold of the name and business address of the company's chief executive. Fire off a snotty to him and say that you want the matter fully investigated, you want your son's half-fare reimbursed and you want a bit of compo for your time and trouble.

[anneasquith]

yep. poor response , but. how much money are we talking here, is it worth the hassle. just saying :)

[jennyjoan]

Mrs O - would your son and his friend then, have got into serious trouble - having no ticket for the inspector if he had have gone on the bus. That's my thinking.

[gness]

Hows about you and I catch the same bus with the same driver...cattle prod...axe......etc....☻

[jackthehat]

Get a neighbour to contact them saying that they sustained an injury during the same journey........and see how quickly the bus company find the CCTV footage! :o)

[ummmm]

Lol Jack...

[Svejk]

if your 14yr old son is anything like I was he'll have spent the money on fags(or something) and cadged a lift home.
morning mrsO x

[1ozzy]

Sounds like the driver is "taking his own tips".
Bit of money on the side??