IS IT FARE? No change on the buses
DRIVER SAID THE MONEY WOULD BE GIVEN TO CHARITY INSTEAD
AN NHS worker has hit out at a bus company for refusing to give her £1 change for her bus ticket.
Elaine Earle was trying to catch the Arriva 22 service, which runs between Derby Bus Station, Chaddesden, Breadsall, Oakwood and Derby Morledge, on September 16, when she was told by the driver he could not give her any change after she gave him a £2 coin for a £1 fare.
Elaine, who works as patient experience and family liaison officer for Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust says she was then left confused after the driver told her that the leftover money would be given to charity on her behalf.
She says that while the money is being given to a good cause, she is concerned that people are not being given a choice in the matter when personal finances are stretched more than usual during the coronavirus pandemic.
She says Arriva Bus UK later confirmed to her it was company policy not to give out change during the pandemic amid concerns about the transmission of Covid-19.
“The driver informed me he could not give me change but could accept the money,” she said.
“I did not have any other change and do not use contactless payment. I asked if I could have a change receipt as this is given by ticket and he said no – he stated the extra money goes to charity.
“I appreciate due to the pandemic that precautions need to be taken, however this is unnecessary action, especially in a time where people cannot afford to lose pounds against their will. I work in patient experience and complaints myself and I am usually the last person to complain unnecessarily.”
Elaine said that she felt this change in policy, while worthwhile, wrongly takes the decision to donate to charity out of people’s hands.
“I don’t believe it’s fair they are making decisions what to do with people’s money,” she said.
“I am all for helping charities, but it should be an individual choice. You do not know people’s personal financial circumstances
and have no right to dictate what they do with it.
“All other services such as shops, supermarkets and other bus companies are providing change to customers. Imagine if every service took it upon themselves to do this, if you went to by a bottle of milk and they kept the change. Cash is still legal tender.
“They are only accepting contactless payment by card, what if you don’t use contactless? It backs
you into a corner to lose money.”
She said she could also understand the health reasons behind the decision, but felt it was hypocritical as drivers on the bus do not wear gloves or other PPE.
“Arriva state they are doing this for infection control purpose, yet the driver who took the money from me was not wearing gloves or a mask and told me to remove my mask when talking to him,” Elaine said.