Wheelchairs Or Pushchairs: Who Should Take Priority On Buses? (Part 2)

[SlackAlice]

Update on an earlier thread

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-30376446


Earlier thread

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1379089-6.html

[New Judge]

This decision is a little strange.

Modern buses were designed with wheelchair users in mind. Most older buses had no facility whatsoever for wheelchairs and the spacious layout now the norm was not designed so that mothers could wheel their pram full of shopping (and occasionally an infant) onto the bus. Transport companies have a legal obligation to make all reasonable provision for disabled people. Providing a special place for them to travel but not ensuring that the space is cleared by able bodied people is an abrogation of that responsibility. The drivers of buses should be given absolute authority to enforce the rules in the same way that they enforce others (such as preventing further passengers boarding when the bus is full). Saying it is too much trouble will not do.

I feel this matter may go to the Supreme Court and may well be reversed.

[ludwig]

// The drivers of buses should be given absolute authority to enforce the rules in the same way that they enforce others (such as preventing further passengers boarding when the bus is full). Saying it is too much trouble will not do. //

Are you saying they should be allowed to manhandle uncooperative mothers and babies out of the way NJ?

[Mamyalynne]

If it does go further and they get that authority then I agree NJ ,would they have to call the Police for assistance if a refusal occurred do you think?

[dunnitall]

As usual NJ, well voiced and well-observed. The voice of sanity and IMO the voice that most decent minded people would agree with. Can you stand for PM please, we might bring back some sanity to this country of ours!

[tamborine]

Bus driver should refuse to move till any fracas with pushchair v wheelchair is sorted.

[New Judge]

"Are you saying they should be allowed to manhandle uncooperative mothers and babies out of the way NJ?"

No, not at all ludwig. As I said in the earlier thread they should switch off their engine, get a book out of their bag and await the arrival of PC Plod. I've seen it done for far less serious transgressions by passengers and is standard practice when public servants face intransigence from their customers.

[Old_Geezer]

In my experience if a passenger is not cooperating with the driver then the driver calls the police and we all stick there awaiting them to arrive and sort the issue out.

I think wheelchairs should have priority but I don't see why it is beyond the wit of those there to be able to move things around and get both in for the few stops involved until one gets off. Pushchairs should fold anyway. If one is using a bus then the wheelchair should too. But even if both fail on that, I find it difficult to believe putting up with an obstruction for a few stops is such a big issue, rather than force someone to wait for the next bus.

[China Doll]

Generally wheelchairs. However I think the lines become more blurry if you're a parent of multiples (twins for example) who may well hav2 alread had to let several buses go past before they can get on; or disabled children in a pram; turfing a potentially premature baby out in to wind and rain also wouldn't sit right with me. I don't think it's a completely black and white issue.

That said; if you and your baby are healthy then you either fold or get off.

[woofgang]

"The wheelchair should fold" What if the wheelchair user cannot transfer into or use a normal seat?

[joeluke]

Mother with baby in pushchair has as much right as anyone to be on the bus, and as parking her pushchair in the aisle would cause H&S access issues should have no option other than to leave it in the 'disabled' space.

[mikey4444]

Of course wheelchairs should have priority ! All the people with pushchairs can walk, otherwise they wouldn't have pushchairs, but some, at least of the wheelchairs users can't.

Why can't people just use common sense with this issue ?

[mikey4444]

joeluke...complete drivel !

[Prudie]

It's nothing to do with right, it's about putting yourself out for the sake of those less fortunate than yourself.

[joeluke]

So where does the pushchair go in order to accommodate the wheelchair? In the aisle blocking other passengers access? What if there was already a wheelchair user in the space when he tried to board the bus? He'd have had to wait for the next bus then so why didn't he just do that?

[Mamyalynne]

OG echoes the point I made earlier - Mum holds sleeping baby and a couple of other passengers take over pushchair and shopping and move them out of the way.

When she gets to her stop,they or someone off helps her off.


It's called cooperation.

[mikey4444]

Its also called common sense Mamy !

[joeluke]

Why should the sleeping baby be disturbed (and probably woken up) by removing it from the pushchair?

Women with babies have rights too you know

[Mamyalynne]

Yes Joe, but Babby can sleep later,chap won't suddenly get the use of his legs back.


If the bus is jammed full and wheelchair space taken up legitimately then yes,he'll have to wait.

[mikey4444]

Its seems that common sense may not be quite as common place as we thought Mamy, judging by some of the daft posts on here tonight !

[Mamyalynne]

Aye,some wouldn't last long round here,that's the truth.