Man says he was 'told to leave' Truro park and ride bus because he had a coffee
Jonny Dearden claims he was late for work after being refused travel on a Truro park and ride bus
Mike Smallcombe
A man claims he was late for work after being refused travel on a Truro park and ride bus because he was carrying a coffee.
Jonny Dearden boarded the First Group service at Victoria Square in Truro city centre, bound for Langarth Park, just before 9am on Tuesday.
However after showing his ticket and sitting down, Mr Dearden claims a "petulant" member of staff "barked" at him in an aggressive manner and told him he couldn't board the bus with his coffee.
Mr Dearden told the man he couldn't see the issue, as his coffee had a lid, and decided to speak to the driver.
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But the driver informed the business analyst that he needed to either throw the drink away, or get off the bus with it.
Mr Dearden then asked to be refunded for his ticket, a request which was refused.
Jonny Dearden boarded the First Group service at Victoria Square in Truro city centre
"I advised the driver that I had not been made aware of this draconian rule, but if this was the case, I would like a pass to be added back on to my card," he said.
"The driver refused to do so and told me to put my coffee in the bin outside. I advised that I was unwilling to do so and that I would like a refund.
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"The driver raised his voice and stated that he wasn't going to sit around arguing, and that I had to leave the bus."
A disgruntled Mr Dearden saved his coffee, but not his bus fare.
A Truro park and ride bus
He added: "Not only did this put me out of pocket, it also made me late for work.
"Their 'no hot beverage' policy is not stated at the point of purchase, there is no signage to advise the rider prior to boarding and there is no mention of this policy on the park and ride card."
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On its website, First Group's policy on drinks states that passengers must "ensure that any hot drinks have a lid on".
A spokesman for First added that while he had never heard of an incident where a passenger has been refused carriage for carrying a hot drink, drivers are able to use their discretion with regards to food and drink.