Report this comment
  • "Right lets clear a few things up here. I am a Network Warrington driver and it IS possible to issue a conccessionary free ticket before 9.30am as the wayfarer machine has an override button which we used to use before the passes were scanned automatically. I can honestly say we as can use our discretion as its just simple common sense that a vulnerable passenger should not be left at a bus stop at any time of day no matter what. However, if this young man regularly uses this service before 9.30 then really he or his parents or carer need to understand that it IS wrong to expect the driver or the bus company to constantly bend the rules. This bus service runs every 15 mins (when running to time) and he really needs to amend his travel times. Also as a matter of course, conccessionary pass holders pay half fare before 9.30 not full! I do feel sorry for this young man but this really is a non story as what is being asked is that Network Warrington regularly bend the rules for one person, which others would then demand the same treatment which unfortunately for this young man cannot be allowed to happen."
  • This field is mandatory
  • This field is mandatory
  • Please note we will not accept reports with HTML tags or URLs in them.


  • Enter the above word in the box below

Please be fair, courteous and respectful to the views of others so we can build a vibrant community in a safe online environment. You are personal liable for your comments and action will be taken against anyone who offends, ridicules or posts malicious and damaging views. If you wish to complain, please contact us.

Mutiny on the buses over travel restrictions

Oliver Thomason Oliver Thomason

NETWORK Warrington has apologised to a 20-year-old passenger with Down’s Syndrome who was left standing at a bus stop because he was travelling three minutes earlier than his pass allows.

Oliver Thomason tried to use the 9.27am Service 3 bus from Monmouth Close, Woolston, on June 20.

He holds a disabled pass that allows travel from 9.30am and uses the service three days a week to get to work in the cafe at The Gateway, on Sankey Street.

After boarding with other passengers he was told to get off the bus which was then driven away.

Mum Fiona, aged 51, from Woolston, complained to bosses at Network Warrington.

She said: “I spoke to the bus company who said that it would be sorted and should not be happening.

“I’m not looking to cause trouble I’m just looking after my son’s safety.

“I really don’t want it escalating, him being left and something happening to him.”

Following the incident in June, Mark Harrison, operations co-ordinator, sent a written apology to Mrs Thomason.

It read: ‘I was dismayed that our driver had failed to pick your son up. I have arranged for CCTV footage to be recovered, the driver has been spoken to and dealt with in accordance with company policy.’ But the Green Lane School teaching assistant says it is the third time Oliver has been barred from the bus in 18 months. Each time an apology was given. Now she wants assurances he will be allowed to travel.

David Squire, managing director of Network Warrington, said: "There are two types of disabled pass, one that gives travel all day and one for post-0930 only, her son clearly has the latter.

"The passes are issued by the local authorities (not ourselves) and we do not set the time rules.

"However, the traffic manager has told our drivers to exercise discretion for the sake of a couple of minutes and we have re-iterated that instruction.

"I’m sorry for any inconvenience caused."

Local Businesses

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree