Location Transport

Can Bus Drivers refuse your ticket after you have bought it?

Today I was travelling by bus, using a childs unlimite daily travel ticket. I used it twice without any problems, but on the third bus the driver told me I was too old. However, the age has always been up to 16, if it really has changed they havn't made the oublic fully aware. Anyway, I had to pay another £1.70 for a short adult single fare. Is it right and proper that this bus driver should refuse a ticket that another bus driver allowed me to purchase, without my prior knowledge that it should be refused. it is by law that I should be allowed home as I am technically a child. Why is public transport expensive and awful everywhere except London? Next time I shall go by train, it's quicker cheaper and I don't have to deal with bus drivers. I had a citizen card and it didn't have anything to do with that. I am 15 and he wouldn't accept that. the other bus company in the area won't give child unless you have ID and it is 15 for them. He was being ignorant anyway. I've had enough anyway,too many bus drivers have got to me. They should try harder in their exams in the first place, not take it out on us. He just did it to torture me. I was traveling on Wilts and Dorset Buses in Bournemouth. No offense (see above) to the bus driver who has really helped, thanks. As I said no offence to bad Andy. But most bus drivers are moodiest people I have ever met. Do they really get payed that much?

Public Comments

1. I think that the bus drivers are covered by the fact that they have the right to challenge anyone who looks over 16. You should really carry some kind of proof that you're under 16 if you're over 13. Metro always used to do a young person's pass which instantly proved to drivers that you were legally able to travel using half fare. These are usually available from post ooffices and bus stations. I can see where the driver is coming from, if you do look older, you could have picked that ticket up from anywhere, how does he know?
2. If you are under 16, then the bus driver was in the wrong. However it would have helped if you could prove it, i mean if you had ID of some sort to show the driver, but not everyone does. Bus drivers can refuse people on if they are drunk or a threat to the passagenes as well as them, but if it is a thing like a bus ticket that you paid for in advance and look a little older then you should...then that is just sad...i would have let you go, i ain't gonna lose money or sleep at night...to what i know bus drivers have a fixed fee, for driving a bus
3. a bus driver cannot ask you your age. if you are too old for the ticket you have only an inspector can question it. as you had to pay more then send the ticket you got and a letter to the bus company and they will refund you. no driver should question a ticket that has already been purchased from another driver anyway. but some drivers are just miserable, i dont know why. as for the fares, its not the drivers fault. they dont work on commission! as you may guess im a bus driver and i like to make my life as easy as possible, unfortunately they are not all like me! (what company was it, just out of interest) edit: whats with the "they should try harder in exams" lol. i got all C's which aint great i know but not bad. i now get paid £24k a year for sitting on my a*se with no stress! its not the best job, but certainly not the worst. i feel bad for you tho, as not all drivers are a*se holes. just think, in 2 years you can drive anyway! if you get anymore grief from drivers then report them. there really is no reason for them to be rude, the job is a piece of p*ss!!