Refugee 'humiliated' by denial of free bus travel

A refugee who became a Welsh language activist has said he has been "humiliated and discriminated" against after being denied free bus travel, despite being eligible.

Joseff Gnagbo, who lives in Cardiff, said he had been refused entry on buses in the capital and beyond about 10 times in more than a year.

According to one charity for refugees and asylum seekers, it is a "universal" problem on public transport in Wales.

Cardiff Bus said Mr Gnagbo's complaints were investigated.

According to the Welsh government, there have been "issues" administering the scheme.

The free travel scheme for refugees provided by the Welsh government started in March 2022.

It was part of Wales' commitment to becoming a nation of sanctuary following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Welcome Ticket provides unlimited travel for all refugees and those seeking international protection on local bus services and Transport for Wales rail services across Wales.

To prove eligibility a document needs to be provided, such as a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), marked that someone is a refugee.

Mr Gnagbo, a refugee from the Ivory Coast, moved to Cardiff in 2018 and is the chair of the Welsh language campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith.

"You try and explain to them this is the card... it means I'm eligible to the scheme and they still say no," Mr Gnagbo said.

He said it was "really awful and embarrassing", adding: "I feel really sad about it because it's a really good scheme from the Welsh government.

"That initiative ends up with refugees being humiliated and discriminated against."

Kirran Lochhead Strang from Oasis Cardiff, a charity which helps refugees and asylum seekers, said it was a "universal" issue on public transport in Wales.

"In Wales pretty much everyone I've spoken to who's tried has faced issues with drivers or people working in train stations just not being aware of the eligibility and who should be eligible to use the service."

A Cardiff Bus spokesperson said it had received two complaints from Mr Gnagbo in February and May.

"Each complaint was investigated, and a reply issued through our customer services team, in line with our usual process at the time they were received earlier in the year.

"Along with all other bus operators in Wales, we participate in the Welsh government’s Welcome Ticket scheme, and we pride ourselves on providing safe and reliable transport across our network for all."

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “Our Welcome Ticket scheme has been essential in helping those seeking sanctuary integrate into Welsh society. We acknowledge there have been issues administering the scheme and have recently issued refreshed guidance to operators.”

“As part of the Welsh government’s commitment to be a nation of sanctuary we are working with partners, including sanctuary seekers, to explore options for a sustainable model of the Welcome Ticket in Wales.”