A DISABLED woman is having to cut down on visits to grandchildren and the shops because of arguments with bus drivers over her carer's travel pass.

Susan Conkie, 59, has a Companion bus pass which allows a carer to travel with her in the borough of Tonbridge and Malling.

But according to her carer and partner Ian Walkling each time they travel together the driver insists he has to pay. She is not able to travel on her own.

He said: "It's embarrassing. You end up having an argument with the driver every time you want to use the bus. We prefer not using the buses and walking to the local shops because, although the driver says he will let us on 'just this once', we have to convince him that it is a valid pass."

The £10 yearly pass, issued by Tonbridge and Malling council, allows a disabled person to travel on the buses with a carer.

Mrs Conkie, who suffers from Parkinson's Disease, epilepsy, and depression, likes to travel from the couple's home in Kingfisher Road Larkfield, to visit her grandchildren at Holborough, near Snodland, and go shopping at Kings Hill.

"We should not have to suffer just because Arriva bus drivers are not sure of the Companion pass," said Mr Walkling, 50.

"We have asked the council if they will give us some sort of letter to prove that the pass is valid, but we have had no joy."

Malcolm Spalding, commercial manager for Arriva Southern Counties, said under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, people who needed a companion to travel had the symbol C+ on their pass.

He said: "There are very few holders of passes with the C+ symbol. Drivers see them only occasionally and this is no doubt what is causing the confusion.

"Our drivers will be reminded of the conditions attached to this card. If Ms Conkie has any further problems I would urge her to contact our customer services office. I apologise for the embarrassment this is causing."

Julie Beilby, customer services manager for Tonbridge and Malling council, said the council had issued about 50 Companion passes which can be used on journeys starting in the borough.

She said: "We've already taken steps to ensure that our local bus operators clarify the situation with their drivers as soon as possible. We would be pleased to hear from anyone experiencing similar problems so we can take this up with the operators."

To report problems using the Companion bus passes call the council on 01732 876322.