U-turn after student banned from trams

Transport chiefs have decided to make an exception for Ann Matthews after her case was taken up by the Express & Star.

The 38-year-old single woman was devastated when she was told that the mobility scooter she uses would be too big to be allowed on the tram in future after a rules change.

The decision threatened to wreck her ambition to complete an MA in History with the Open University as she travels into Wolverhampton to use the University Library and City Archives.

The tram is the only practical means of transport because of her complex disabilities. She also has to use a computer that automatically types the spoken word and has to rely on talking books.

National Express, who operate the trams, told her she would no longer be allowed to use the Midland Metro with her scooter at a meeting on October 7 but today they disclosed they had changed the ruling and would let her on board providing she passes a 'driving test' to show she can control the scooter that has top speed of 4mph.

Miss Matthews, of Broad Meadow Green, Bilston, who has been severely disabled from birth and whose weight restricts the type of mobility scooter she can use, has travelled on the tram for the past five years without incident.

She said today: "It is hard to put into words how much this change of heart by National Express means to me.

"I will be able to go to places I need for my studies accompanied by my friends and actually have a purpose in life again, rather than being left on the side of the road to rot.

"I felt that I was being treated like dirt through no fault of my own."

National Express decided to revise their policy regarding the use of mobility scooters by passengers on the Midland Metro on September 1.

Officials stressed this was result of industry guidelines, rather than their own, which were drafted primarily to ensure on-board safety.

They maintained its introduction at the same time as a £4.5 million revamp of the tram system, including the main Wolverhampton stop, was a coincidence.

Midland Metro said: "We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to Miss Matthews and have taken the decision to waive the industry guidelines in this case. As Miss Matthews is registered disabled and uses the tram to get to and from full-time education, we feel it is right to help in anyway we can."