Tory slams discrimination on buses

A SHEFFIELD councillor has accused transport bosses of 'discriminating' against disabled pensioners by charging over 60s to use community transport when they have a right to free bus travel.

Conservative Coun Anne Smith, who represents Dore and Totley, said vulnerable elderly people who are too disabled to get on ordinary buses, where free passes are valid, are being forced to pay 1.50 every time they go out and about.

Coun Smith said the problem was brought to her attention by a 68-year-old man in her ward who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Because of his age, he should be able to travel for free but, because he is disabled, he has to pay. This should not be allowed to happen, it is total discrimination against disabled people who have enough to deal with already," she said.

Coun Smith added that while 1.50 'may not sound like a lot of money' it is 'a discriminatory charge against some of the most vulnerable people in Sheffield'.

What do you think? Post your comments below.

Among those who cannot use ordinary buses and are dependent on community transport are people with mobility scooters - because they cannot drive them onboard, unlike wheelchairs, which can now be accommodated on most buses.

Meanwhile, other pensioners use community transport because they are unable to walk the distance between their homes and a bus stop.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, which is responsible for community transport, denied Coun Smith's allegation of discrimination.

The PTE disputes its charges are unfair - because its service is different from regular buses.

A spokesman said: "We do not discriminate in any way against anyone using community transport services. We spend around 1.5 million a year subsidising community transport across the county, but we do ask users to make a contribution.

"Unlike normal bus services, community transport services operate door-to-door, taking people to the shops, hospitals and other destinations. These services are able to carry scooters whereas conventional buses cannot do so."

READ MORE

Bid to calm Sharrowvale parking anger.

Travel information page.

Click here to return to main news index.

Got a view? Add your comment below.

Related topics: