Concessionary Bus Passes

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Concessionary Bus Passes
This morning (August 9) I arrived in St Helens intending to catch the 352 to Wigan. I arrived early before 0900 so I hung around the bus station. The 0910 352 came and I thought of catching it using my Merseytravel disabled ENCTS pass, but thought better of it as I thought I'd be fare dodging for five minutes or so.
The 0925 352 came and I boarded the bus, placed my card on the reader and the driver asked me where I was going. I was surprised to be told I'd have to pay to travel into Wigan regardless of where the bus was at 0930 even though my pass had been accepted. I explained it was a Merseytravel disabled concessionary and said the border is close to Billinge Hospital 20-25 minutes away (didn't want to offend driver's intelligence), but the driver wouldn't have any of it. So I left him to it to begin his route.

I then decided to enquire whether this rang true at the Merseytravel shop. I explained the problem to the advisor, but trying to get an answer for the journey I was intending to catch I couldn't get out of the advisor. It was like getting blood out of a stone. I had also said I've been on buses within the Merseyside where I've caught them before 0930 and crossed the boundary after 0930. But still like getting blood out of a stone.

I've never had this question put to me to and be refused travel and nor have any drivers questioned me during or at the end of the journey. I wonder if there is anybody who really understands this lecture if they can tell me who's right and who's wrong?
As I've crossed the boundaries many times, I've been left confused.