Bus driver refused to make passenger leave

Not sure why you tagged me in a thread I've not been involved in?

I should add that people are not meant to travel in with open buggies in the corridors as it is dangerous, but I've seen mothers refuse to move from the chair space because they say that they can't fold them. If they refuse to co-operate I expect they should be asked to get off, but I doubt that this happens.

Obviously the rule is now that wheelchair users have first call on the space. Buggies should be foldable so parents can fold them and move out of the space.
Our local bus drivers (outer London) would normally tell someone with a buggy to move out of the space, but I suspect that if the bus was completely packed he probably wouldn't ask anyone to get off to give you room. Locally most people in wheelchairs would not attempt to get onto a bus if it was so full.

It's up to the driver to lower the ramp for the passenger and their wheelchair, ONLY when the wheelchair space is free.

So no, he didn't do his job.

Correctly positioned means in the right space - the only space! - on the bus facing the right direction. The driver doesn’t need to leave the cab to ensure that is the case!

to drive knowing a wheelchair isn’t correctly positioned is dangerous.

You said that the drivers job is "to ensure it's correctly positioned" .

It's not and you now realise that.

The drivers job is to drive the bus. Passengers can sort their own arguments out

No they make sure they are in the wheelchair space. It’s not rocket science!

You cannot be serious. You think every time a person in a wheelchair gets on, the driver turn off the bus, gets out of the cab, and goes and checks it's positioned properly?

Lol, no you don't.

So your saying passenger safety isnt the drivers responsibility?

the driver should ensure the wheelchair is correctly positioned in the one place it can safely travel. It is dangerous for everyone if the wheelchair isn’t safely in position

Incorrect. That's not his job. Its up to the passenger to get their equipment in the correct place, not the driver.

@rwalker What I meant by my post is that the driver should have asked people to move out of the wheelchair space. If they didn't comply, he should then have refused to move the bus (remaining in his cab) until they did so. If the passenger threatened him or anyone else (as it appears they threatened the OP), he should have contacted his base and requested police assistance. This is what I meant by training and security. He should be trainined in the law and how it is applied, how to keep himself and others as safe as possible (including wheelchair users) and how to manage escalating situations. If the police were funded properly, he would also have confidence that they'd actually show up if he did require assistance. Of course, it would also be nice if other people stood up for those like the OP rather than remaining silent.

What I'm trying to get across is that people in wheelchairs are not an inconvenience. Their needs as public-transport using individuals should not be brushed aside because some people assume they're simply too difficult to accomodate. And by saying that it's ok for bus drivers not to do their job (and asking people to move out of the 1 and only space that's safe for a wheelchair user to travel in IS part of the driver's job), you're effectively saying that the needs of people with disabilities don't matter.

@ArminTamzerian No, the bus driver didn't do his job. He shouldn't have driven anywhere with a wheelchair user in an unsafe position. He also should have asked people to move out of the wheelchair space.

The bus drivers job includes keeping everyone safe. For someone in a wheelchair to be safe the wheelchair needs to be correctly positioned in the wheelchair space. Therefore the driver didn’t actually do his job

On the contrary, there is an expectation that he will intervene to protect the interests of the disabled, at least by refusing to move the bus till the space is freed. If his employers don't require this they may be guilty of disability discrimination.

Are they vulnerable in practice? Aren't the screens around cabs unbreakable? They don't have to get out of the cab in this situation, all they have to do is to refuse to move the bus till the wheelchair space is vacated.

The bus driver did his job...he drove the bus. He's not a security guard, it is not his job to intervene in passenger disputes.
In fact he could be fired for doing so.

As someone that lives in a market town, sometimes the next bus can be over an hour later, not always practical to wait for next bus, especially if you are somewhere where there is not much shelter from elements. As an abled bodied person that could walk and find anywhere to go maybe, but it's never that easy for disabled people.

That is, without any possibility of doubt, assault, and a police 999 matter

Yes, being disabled is still seen as an inconvenience to others and asking for simple adjustments can be treated like asking for the world on a plate.

I'm deaf and need subtitles. Every time I go to the cinema (which is rare due to lack of subtitled showings), they warn me that there will be subtitles and ask if I am OK with that. Regularly get asked if I would prefer to wait for a non subtitled one starting 15 mins later. Great way to make your deaf customers feel welcome... I have even had to go out and find a member of staff after the film started as the subtitles they warned me about weren't even switched on.

Isn't it strange how DEI is never about people who are disabled and wheelchair users and making them feel safe, their life easier, including them by ensuring there are facilities for them.

It's hardly asking for the world is it to be able to access public transport safely.

I am sorry you had that incident and experience @MobilityCat - complain, complain, complain.

Discrimination against disabled people and wheelchair users is endemic.

The driver is supposed to MAKE people, who are sitting in the wheelchair part of the bus move. They are supposed to be given priority over everyone else! I would make a strong complaint about it to the bus company, give the time you boarded and the bus route, they can work out what driver it was and should deal with it.

I just find public life shit in London for a person like myself, I use two walking sticks, had them kicked from under me a good few time, no apologies.
Where the buses & trains are involved, it’s everyone for themselves😩
a guy got up to let me sit down, he was a northerner from Lancashire (we are much friendlier). I’ve done with London & wont be back anytime soon