Mother's outrage at infant bus fare policy

A MOTHER of triplets has accused Lothian Buses of discriminating against her by only allowing two of her babies to travel for free.

Carolyn Armstrong said she was "outraged" when drivers told her she would need to pay for one of her 21-month-old children, as the company only waives the fare for two children under five.

But the bus company has refused to back down and has only replied to her letters by sending her a copy of their policy.

It comes as the council-owned firm is already under pressure from parents due to its controversial ban on prams.

Most other companies, including First Bus, say drivers are encouraged to use discretion when it comes to babies. They say mothers need not pay unless the children are occupying seats.

Mrs Armstrong, 43, a full-time mum from Corstorphine, carries one child on her back and two in a double buggy.

She said: "I was absolutely shocked when I was asked to pay. If my children were walking and sitting on seats then I would have no problem paying for them.

"I've written to Lothian Buses on several occasions, but they just quote their policy and don't acknowledge the special circumstances.

"I find I'm limited in what I can do now, as it is already difficult getting around with triplets. Some of the drivers have been quite rude when I've got on a bus.

"If they do ask me to pay, I ask them which one of my babies they want me to pay for.

"How sad that, as a mother of triplets, this blatant discrimination goes unnoticed every time I want to take my children on a Lothian bus."

As well as her triplets – Ben, Laura and Grace – Mrs Armstrong has a five-year-old son, Euan.

A spokesman for Lothian Buses said the policy was "in line with most other UK bus operators".

He said: "Our company conditions of carriage clearly state that two children under the age of five can travel free with every full fare-paying passenger. Additional children pay the standard child fare of 60p."

However, a First Bus spokesman said: "If a fee-paying adult came on with three four-year-olds who were sitting on seats, they would have to pay for one of them. But if the babies are in a buggy, then they are obviously not taking up any more room, provided the buggy meets our size requirements."

Lothian Buses has come under fire recently because of its policy of refusing to allow parents on board with prams or buggies that cannot be folded. The company says the policy is in line with the Disability Discrimination Act but disability campaigners have criticised the company's inflexibility, saying there is no reason mothers with prams cannot use the disabled space if it is vacant.

More than 100 people have signed a petition on the Scottish Parliament website and the company has received more than 130 letters, e-mails and coupons protesting against the ban, but more than 20 letters of support.

Lothian Buses' lawyers said it could not rely on the "common courtesy" of pram users to move out of the wheelchair space.