Posted on 11/02/2006 10:36:17 AM PST by Alouette
A MUSLIM woman was prevented from getting on a bus in Greater Manchester because she would not remove her veil.
The 22-year-old Manchester University student from Oldham says other passengers laughed when the driver refused to let her on because he could not check her identity with her bus pass.
Now the driver's bosses at First Manchester are to meet with their trade association, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), to seek advice on how to deal with the problem if other passengers with photo passes refuse to lift their veils.
Advertisement your story continues below They say they have received no complaint from the woman and have been unable to track down the driver concerned.
The student, who didn't want to be named, tried to board the 59 bus to Oldham.
She said: "The driver asked to see my pass, but it has my photo on and he couldn't see my face.
"I told him I would not remove my veil and he said I couldn't get on."
She is now offering to help the company draw up guidance to drivers.
Situation
She said: "It is understandable because the driver has his duty, although he said it in quite a rude manner. It wasn't nice and other passengers were laughing.
"Bus drivers should be told how to deal with this situation. The veil is my choice and my religious duty. I am willing to go in and help the company so everyone knows what to do."
A First Manchester spokesman said: "We have investigated this incident thoroughly but found no complaint on our system.
"A women has now identified herself as the person in this situation. However, an official complaint was not registered. Under regulations passengers are required to confirm their identity if using a photo bus pass.
"If passengers aren't able to do this they will still be able to travel by paying for their trip."
A CPT spokesman said: "We have not heard of this happening before and as our meeting with First has not been held yet, we can't really talk about it."
One bus driver at Oldham bus station, who didn't want to be named, said: "What are we supposed to do? What is the point of a pass if you can't see someone's face?
"It hasn't happened to me yet but nobody has told me what I should do if it does."
Was the bus driver right not to allow the woman to travel without revealing her identity? Have your say.
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View comments (45 comments. Last comment 02/11/2006 at 16:03)
MUSLIM VEIL
Was bus driver right to refuse bus pass of woman who refused to remove veil?
Yes 92% No 8%
When I used to take the train and subway, I used to try to avoid cars that had an obvious muslim riding them,
Deal with it. No viel, no ID, no humanity ... why should they be kind to a couch?
Give the bus driver a promotion and a raise.
It is a violation of our laws in Georgia to enter a bank wearing a mask. I would guess this slave woman called CAIR to get the story out instead of filing a complaint.
I think this veil thing is something to create a bit of controversy - the men put them up to it; I think its only recent, except say for rich Saudis in parts of London. I do know that at least 2 muslim countries forbid, or at least take a dim view of head coverings - think Turkey & Tunisia. (not sure, will have to look it up)
I often wondered if a male terrorist could do something dresses as a female. Don't guess they would but it is a thought I have had.
Egad! This picture really ruined the rest of my day. Just imagine seeing them on Times Square or in the Capitol building. But perhaps I worry too much. After all, they represent the religion of peace.
What you're looking at is a picture of zombies.
Not letting you on is the driver's choice and duty. If you want to travel in a veil, go back to Pakistan.
Hey Now...LOL, If it's cold I'm in my baclava...Coarse, all it takes is a wave of the hand and anyone can see my smiling ulgy face.
it is clear to me: she wanted to create an issue...
You're right about Turkey. Not sure about Tunisia.
Why isn't she locked at home, beaten and illiterate?
just noticed your tagline...cool!
They laughed!? Oh! The humanity!
Good. And how did she manage to get her picture taken for the ID without uncovering her face? And what on earth did she think it was being taken for?
I am willing to help you know what to do:
Walk.
Who says it was her picture? Maybe it was somebody else's bus ticket.
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