Opinions on Wheelchair travel

The original link is out of date, more hearings went on after that. The driver has no legal obligation to demand that the buggy is folded. Ruling on access to buses for wheelchair users

Your link is still out of date as the Supreme Court overturned the appeal, the Supreme Courts decision was final.

Wheelchair spaces on buses must be a priority, court rules | Equality and Human Rights Commission

As an aside, spoke to @foolzy yesterday at the match about it.

He should push this as far as he can, maybe not for personal gain, but to ensure that the bus companies uphold what is Law and ensure their drivers are adequately trained to know their duties in ensuring customer care.

He struggled around for years on his crutches because scenarios like this, where being confined in a wheelchair would be detrimental to his day to day life. If he doesn’t want the compensation then I’m sure the many charities that fight for disabled rights would be happy to accept the donation.
 
Last edited:


Unless the bus was rammed to the nines, there should have been a solution that worked for both the parent and child and the wheelchair user.

If the bus was rammed, then the wheelchair user should likely have to wait for the next bus, same as anyone else, be it pushchair pusher, wheelchair wheeler, dog walker, joe public etc,
Except in law that isn't the case. Like it or not, wheelchair are a 'special case ' in law. However, if it was a pram that couldn't fold up, then no i wouldn't want them shifted, I would get next bus.

This was a buggie that could be folded and while that might be a pain, tough basically
 
Except in law that isn't the case. Like it or not, wheelchair are a 'special case ' in law. However, if it was a pram that couldn't fold up, then no i wouldn't want them shifted, I would get next bus.

This was a buggie that could be folded and while that might be a pain, tough basically

Are you or have you reported this then?
 
Regularly get the bus with the bairns as it's easier than trying to find a parking space in Newcastle. It's utterly shameful that lad wouldn't move the buggy. Some people are just kernts. Bet that bairn will grow up into a lovely individual too with parents like that.
 
Unless the bus was rammed to the nines, there should have been a solution that worked for both the parent and child and the wheelchair user.

If the bus was rammed, then the wheelchair user should likely have to wait for the next bus, same as anyone else, be it pushchair pusher, wheelchair wheeler, dog walker, joe public etc,
No, the bus will never be so full that a wheelchair user can’t fit on it.

The driver should manage the passengers accordingly
 
I've decided I'll ring them tomorrow and complain about what happened. I'll ask for specific training and updates for driver in question, explain to me what processes and training they will put in place to stop this happening again with other drivers and ask them to make a donation of £500 to Spinal Injuries Association and it will be taken no further.
 
Except in law that isn't the case. Like it or not, wheelchair are a 'special case ' in law. However, if it was a pram that couldn't fold up, then no i wouldn't want them shifted, I would get next bus.

This was a buggie that could be folded and while that might be a pain, tough basically
This is what my first paragraph stated...a solution for all. Buggy gets folded, wheelchair user gets on.
 
Attempted to get on the no 20 Go North East bus today in wheelchair.

Already a buggie in wheelchair space but plenty of seats on rest of bus. Driver said space already taken. I said, wheelchair have priority ,that's the law. He said it's not, I said yes it is.

Went round like this for a few minutes and he said I can't hoy off a buggie user for you I explained I don't want them off the bus but to fold up buggie so I could get on. He made half arsed attempt to ask him to move buggie a little, lad refused.

I told him to just go. Researched it online and wheelchair does indeed have priority and the next bus I got had a big bloody sticker next to wheelchair space saying that

Wheelchair spaces on buses must be a priority, court rules | Equality and Human Rights Commission

Mate I would definitely make a complaint. I know people fairly high up at go ahead who would hit the roof if they found this driver had behaved like that.
 
This is what my first paragraph stated...a solution for all. Buggy gets folded, wheelchair user gets on.
Your second paragraph stated that wheelchair users should be treated the same as everyone else.

In law that isnt the case
 
Anybody who was brought up correctly, would fold the pram up without even having to be asked. If that's not possible, they should at least offer get off the bus so that the person in the wheelchair can get on.
 
No, the bus will never be so full that a wheelchair user can’t fit on it.

The driver should manage the passengers accordingly
I've been on buses that are so full that a wheelchair user would not be able to get on. What happens then? Do people have to leave the bus to enable a wheelchair user to get on? Genuine question.
 

Back
Top