No passes for passengers
PENSIONERS and the disabled across Wirral have been left without bus passes for the past eight weeks.A combination of delays caused by a Merseytravel printing problem and an error at a Post Office distribution centre left branches with no replacements, so people needing renewals have had to go home empty-handed.
Many said they have had to rely on the goodwill of under-standing bus drivers or have abandoned their usual trips to Liverpool on the grounds of expense.
Arthur Read, 66, of Liscard, said: "I have been trying to get a bus pass renewed for eight weeks now, I was originally told to ring Merseytravel but they said the problem was with the Post Office and its Hemel Hempstead office".
All the other OAPs are in the same boat - we are being told to explain the situation to the driver but that leaves you hoping you'll get one who understands.
"I'm lucky because I'm OK on my feet, but if I had to get in to Birkenhead or Liverpool I'd be forking out quite a bit of money."
A spokesman for Merseytravel said: "There was a delay of between four and six weeks in getting passes printed but, according to our stock records, the Post Office had sufficient supplies to cover this period".
"We have now been assured that every Post Office will receive supplies from their central depot this week.
"If any Post Office hasn't, they should contact us and we will investigate."
A spokesman for the Royal Mail apologised for the delay and said the matter had now been rectified.