The daughter of a disabled pensioner is outraged that her father has been denied access to a Clunes V/Line bus service on two occasions despite following correct protocol.
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John Condon suffered a stroke two years ago which saw him lose the use of one arm and his ability to walk. The 69-year-old has since relied on a mobility scooter for transportation.
Daughter, Selena Condon said Mr Condon had recently taken advantage of funding through the Hepburn Shire to participate in a program with an occupational therapist to assist him in catching public transport from Clunes to Ballarat, which she said was a great success.
“My father finally had some confidence back knowing he could leave the confinement of our small town,” she said.
“He was told by V/Line that he had to let them know when he was planning to use the bus the day before and so he did all the right things earlier this month and when he went down to the bus stop and the driver wouldn't let him on and said there wasn't enough tie down points on his mobility scooter.
“I’d had surgery the previous day and my father wanted to visit me in Ballarat Base Hospital. He went down to the shop and saw my husband after and was in tears.”
Left with no other option, Mr Condon took the bus driver’s advice and purchased a new mobility scooter from eBay, costing him $550.
He arrived at the Clunes bus stop on Tuesday morning to find the same driver and same result.
“This is totally victimisation and discrimination,” Ms Condon said. “I am absolutely disgusted that my father...has been treated so terribly. He once again is devastated.”
V/Line released a statement saying it was concerning to hear about the incident involving Mr Condon.
“This is something we take very seriously and V/Line is investigating the matter, in conjunction with our coach service contractor,” the statement said.
“The customer will be offered a full refund for his tickets and our customer relations team has been in contact with him. We sincerely apologise that alternative transport was not provided."