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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to expect to be a priority getting on a bus in a wheelchair

255 replies

Worrysaboutalot · 20/10/2020 16:38

I am going to start using buses whilst in my power chair.

Apart from wondering how I will physically be able to get on to the bus, I would like to know what is the law regarding prams and wheelchairs.

Do I have priority over a pram or not ?

Can I insist that a pram is folded, so I can get on?

There is only 1 bus every 2 hours between my village and the shopping centre, so I really can't risk being stranded there. On other hand I need to get out of the house too.

Any advice welcome. I am in the North West if that makes any difference.

OP posts:
Creepycaterpillar · 20/10/2020 16:41

You have absolutely, legal priority over any non wheelchair user (buggy, shopping trolley) on buses. Have a Google. The space is a legal requirement for wheelchair users. The driver should make people move if they don't do so willingly.

CeibaTree · 20/10/2020 16:52

Yes wheelchairs get priority and the driver should be enforcing that.

LockdownMayhem · 20/10/2020 17:02

I think most buses these days will also lower to the kerb to help you get on. But yes, agree with PPs, you should have priority.

Mustbe3ormorecharacters · 20/10/2020 17:03

Yes as PP have you you will have priority and the bus will lower the suspension to the curb so you can drive right on.

VHSappy · 20/10/2020 17:04

Yes you have absolute legal priority.

Despite what some people think is correct.

PurpleDaisies · 20/10/2020 17:05

Yes, you should be prioritised.

DGRossetti · 20/10/2020 17:06

Probably a good idea to invest in waterproof clothing for when you can't get on. Make sure your phone has charge and you have enough money for a taxi when the last bus whizzes by and you couldn't get on.

YANBU to expect priority though.

Love51 · 20/10/2020 17:07

Legally, yes. It seems that this doesn't always mean it will be enforced, it seems to depend on the driver. Usually it seems to be, but usually is a risk.

Givemeabreak88 · 20/10/2020 17:08

Yes.

Oddly though I got off for a woman not long ago who had a go at me for getting off! Wasn’t expecting that to ever happen Confused

Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 20/10/2020 17:08

I am glad to hear that.

Guess I read a few posts in here, about drivers not letting chairs on and it had me worried.

OP posts:
ivfbeenbusy · 20/10/2020 17:09

Yes you get priority however If you live in a village in the middle of no where with an infrequent bus service the bus driver is hardly going to evict parents and babies and leave them stranded if it has several prams already on board but of course everyone should try and get them folded to make space.

You'd be surprised how unhelpful fellow bus passengers can be though when faced with a mother struggling to fold a pram for a young baby whilst also trying to hold the baby (and what if she has twins!?)

IMNOTSHOUTING · 20/10/2020 17:12

@ivfbeenbusy

Yes you get priority however If you live in a village in the middle of no where with an infrequent bus service the bus driver is hardly going to evict parents and babies and leave them stranded if it has several prams already on board but of course everyone should try and get them folded to make space.

You'd be surprised how unhelpful fellow bus passengers can be though when faced with a mother struggling to fold a pram for a young baby whilst also trying to hold the baby (and what if she has twins!?)

But what if that left OP stranded in the middle of nowhere in her wheelchair? The mums with babies would have to get off, or fold their prams.
Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 20/10/2020 17:13

@Love51

Legally, yes. It seems that this doesn't always mean it will be enforced, it seems to depend on the driver. Usually it seems to be, but usually is a risk.
X posted with this.

I have waterproof stuff in my chair bag. But I can't afford taxis, I need the buses to be reliable.

I think I need to ring the local bus company and get something in writing off them.

OP posts:
blubberball · 20/10/2020 17:13

They usually can lower a ramp for you too.

Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 20/10/2020 17:15

I am happy to hold one or two babies whilst a mother folded her pram.
I just need some reassurance that I won't get stranded.

OP posts:
Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 20/10/2020 17:15

@blubberball

They usually can lower a ramp for you too.
Good to know.
OP posts:
HettySunshine · 20/10/2020 17:16

With the bus being so infrequent it may be worth considering what you would do if there was already a wheelchair user using the space when it got to your stop.

DGRossetti · 20/10/2020 17:16

You'd be surprised how unhelpful fellow bus passengers can be though when faced with a mother struggling to fold a pram for a young baby whilst also trying to hold the baby (and what if she has twins!?)

OP is a wheelchair user. I doubt there's much shitty behaviour they'd be surprised at.

LavaCake · 20/10/2020 17:17

You should definitely get priority over a pram, and the bus driver should help enforce that. You can also insist that a pram be folded to make space.

The wheelchair spaces are a protected necessity for wheelchair users and a ‘nice to have’ for people with prams - your need trumps theirs every time.

StuckInTheMiddleAndBoo · 20/10/2020 17:18

@Worrysaboutalot

I am happy to hold one or two babies whilst a mother folded her pram. I just need some reassurance that I won't get stranded.
In the time of COVID, I daresay the mum wouldn't be happy for you to do this though.

Also, if there's another wheelchair user onboard you may find yourself stuck.

DGRossetti · 20/10/2020 17:20

@LavaCake

You should definitely get priority over a pram, and the bus driver should help enforce that. You can also insist that a pram be folded to make space.

The wheelchair spaces are a protected necessity for wheelchair users and a ‘nice to have’ for people with prams - your need trumps theirs every time.

Not when it can't be enforced it doesn't.
IMNOTSHOUTING · 20/10/2020 17:21

@StuckInTheMiddleAndBoo

It would be up to the mum whether she lets someone hold her baby or gets off the bus. Most buses have space for 2 wheelchairs so as long as there aren't three wheelchair uses all trying to get on the same bus OP should be fine. I've never seen more than 1 wheelchair user on a bus but there are often multiple mums with buggies.

LavaCake · 20/10/2020 17:22

I think I need to ring the local bus company and get something in writing off them.

The only issue I can foresee is if there is already a wheelchair user in the space. In that case, the bus service wouldn’t be able to prioritise you over the person there first. I can’t imagine this would happen often, but it would be worth having an emergency fund for one taxi in a pinch if you could manage it. Or see if you can rustle up a couple of friends who would be able to pick you up if it was an emergency.

AlternativePerspective · 20/10/2020 17:23

Yes you absolutely do get priority but unfortunately this often depends on the driver. If you live in an area with less frequent buses though there’s a chance that they will get to know you over time and be more amenable.

I am VI and until recently had a guide dog and I usually go into the wheelchair space because there’s more space for the dog, but I have been asked to and have voluntarily moved for a wheelchair to get on...