Mum's nightmare bus journey as driver claims she is not blind (From Warrington Guardian)

Mum's nightmare bus journey as driver claims she is not blind

A PARTIALLY sighted mum says she was thrown off a bus with her guide dog because the driver said she was not 'genuinely blind'.

Joanne Birch, aged 32, of Whitley Avenue, Latchford, said that when she got on the number two service in the town centre at around 12.30pm with her three-year-old son, William, and guide dog Veda, the driver accused her of not being blind.

An argument ensued in which she says she was humiliated in front of the other passengers and then asked to get off the bus.

Mrs Birch said: "I have had a problem since Christmas since I accidentally washed my old bus pass.

"I went to the bus station and was told that with my document that shows I am registered blind, along with Veda my guide dog, I would not have any problems while a replacement was arranged.

"A number of drivers began to question me and then on Thursday the driver told me he would have to charge me."

Joanne suffers from Macular Degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness.

She has been registered blind for five years and will eventually lose her sight completely.

The mum-of-two said: "I was crying, shaking and physically sick.

"The way the driver spoke to me was disgusting. I would like an apology and an assurance that this won't happen again."

Joanne received a new bus pass earlier this week.

Nigel Featham, managing director of Warrington Borough Transport, said: "As a company, we consider customer service to be our top priority and we were very concerned to learn of this incident.

"Since receiving the details we have begun a full investigation

"We have an on-going programme of disability awareness training and and our drivers genuinely try hard to provide high standards of customer service. I only hope this particular incident will not unduly spoil their hard work.

"We welcome and value Mrs Birch's custom."