A WOMAN claims her two daughters were turned off a bus and humilated by a driver for being each 2p short of their fare.

Julie Barton, of Alfred Street, Darwen, sent her children Lean, 11, and Carleen, ten, to catch the 346 Blackburn Transport bus from Bolton Road to Darwen town centre on their way to school.

But the girls were both 2p short of the 28p fare and were told to get off the bus by the driver.

Julie said: "The girls normally get a taxi to school but Leah wanted to catch the bus. She is due to go to secondary school next year and she wanted to feel more grown up. "I couldn't believe it when she came back really upset. I didn't realise the fares had gone up since the last time they caught the bus."

Leah claims the woman bus driver snatched back tickets she had already issued for the girls when she realised the error.

Then she told them to get off and walk if they did not have any more money.

Julie added: "Leah is very quiet and has been embarrassed by the whole thing.

"She was trying to be grown up and has ended up being humiliated for the sake of 2p."

Doug Nicholson, of Blackburn Transport, said: "I would have to investigate this matter, as this is not the way we usually operate.

"Our fares have not increased since December 1995."

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