Thing I read!

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/9126740.Bus_driver_facing_disciplinary_procedures_after_incident_with_elderly_passenger/?ref=rss


I came across this on the Internet the other day, and it concerns hubby's company (though not his operating division), I read it with interest. I also then read the comments and just a few things sprung to mind. Now, it would appear that the bus driver does appear to have behaved inappropriately, but then we get to the comments, and of course it degenerates into a 'let's slag off bus drivers session'.


1. So, the timings of the concession pass (the thing that allows OAP's to travel free a bus) are set by the government (after 09.30 I believe). Local councils then have the discretion to extend this time if they wish (for example Oxford lets their OAP's travel after 09.00). Now the bus companies claim back the cost (at a flat rate) from the council. Bus drivers have this thingy (called a module) that they plug into the ticket machine and it watches their every move (well records all the tickets they sell, etc, including how many concession passes get on). When they sign off at the end of the day, the bus company then downloads all the info and this tells them what they should claim from the council.


So, bus driver lets OAP travel before time. If he presses the 'concession pass' button on the ticket machine (before the relevant time), do you think the bus company can claim the money??? No, I think not, council will say, to early! So, in effect, bus driver has let OAP travel for free. What does free travel then equal?? Basically the driver is giving away company money.............which amounts to theft. Most companies consider theft gross misconduct for which the penalty is instant dismissal. So, bus driver sacked. I wonder how many OAP's consider that when they say to the driver 'well it's only a few minutes'. Hubby has had an OAP say to him, 'well I'm not going to get off the bus and I am going to stand here in the door until it is time'................so it is ok to delay all the other passengers (who have paid for their tickets) then??


2. Then person who gripes about drivers not having enough change. Hubby has a £10 float provided by the company. So person gets on the first bus of the day (about 03.30) and wants a £3.60 ticket and hands over a £20 note.................driver has £10 worth of change................were is additional £6.40 going to come from then???? Now they have these things called 'unpaid fare vouchers' which involve much writing of details of person, who is supposed to provide some type of ID. Driver then then hands this over and the company will then write to the person and ask for payment. Hmmmm, more cost and doesn't then equal price rises. And strangely enough, hubby says most people suddenly find they have change after all.