Arriva Charged Kids DD ticket

Pinkgirl1981

I've been charged by arriva for my kids monthly bus ticket this month, which seems a little off due to the government subsidising "kids go free" travel for the whole of August. I've emailed Arriva and requested they refund this month's charges, but are they allowed to charge this if the government have mandated free kids travel? I surely can't be the only parent getting screwed over by this? Any advice on what to say if Arriva push back with "you could've cancelled your August DD and reapplied for September"?

Valli

As you have set up the DD it's up to you to cancel unfortunately.

A quick google suggests you're paying for an annual pass on a rolling contract basis- what should (possibly) have happened is that Arriva reduce the DD by 1/12th to account for the free month but leave the pass valid.

Woodstok2000

Are they allowed to charge you for something you signed up to, which is available elsewhere for less (or for free): Yes.

Should they probably refund you the money: Also yes.

Will they refund you: Only one way to find out.

Pinkgirl1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82091440#Comment_82091440

Oh yeah, I completely appreciate that ordinarily they can charge for something that could be less or free elsewhere, but as this is a government instruction I wasn't sure if they "should" be allowed to claim for the child DD tickets. I've put a query in with them though, so as you said, only one way to find out! 🤞🏻

flaneurs_lobster

As you have set up the DD it's up to you to cancel unfortunately.

Only half right, the payee sets up the DDs (and decides how much is to be charged) acting on the instructions of the payer.

You can certainly cancel the instruction but that's probably not what's wanted here.

Pinkgirl1981

Yes its the annual rolling contract, so I pay for every month, not just the term time travel. Morally the right thing to do is not charge for it, but when has a travel company ever had morals 😂

MSE_James

Please do post back here and let us know the outcome

Pinkgirl1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82091479#Comment_82091479

Response from Arriva:

"Thank you for your enquiry.

We appreciate your query regarding the Government's free child travel scheme during the month of August.

As your child's ticket is provided under an ongoing Direct Debit agreement, we are unfortunately unable to offer a refund for this period. The Direct Debit is a continuous subscription and remains active until it is cancelled.

If you do not require the ticket while the free travel scheme is in place, you are free to cancel your Direct Debit at any time. However, please bear in mind that if you wish to use the scheme again in the future, you will need to submit a new application and allow sufficient time for this to be processed before travel is required.

We apologise for any disappointment this may cause and thank you for your understanding."

Pinkgirl1981

I've asked how do I cancel and get a refund if they've already taken payment, but I can't see the response being positive!

Valli

Ask them if they can reduce the DD (going forward) by 1/12th.

Pinkgirl1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82091496#Comment_82091496

I'm still pushing for this month being cancelled/refunded, but I'll definitely try this if I'm getting no joy.