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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:
Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 23/10/2020 12:00

The post man DID handed over my bus pass today! That came very fast !

I have my kids home next week for half term, so I will try the buses in the week commencing 2nd November and will report back, how it went Grin

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 23/10/2020 12:55

Good luck!

Fajitanita · 23/10/2020 13:01

I can't use taxis, as I can't lift my chair into them without a hoist.

It might be worth asking locally OP, the local taxi company have a fully accessible taxi, they don't charge any extra (as appallingly some do apparently)- might be worth knowing just in case of emergency.

Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 23/10/2020 13:48

@Fajitanita

I can't use taxis, as I can't lift my chair into them without a hoist.

It might be worth asking locally OP, the local taxi company have a fully accessible taxi, they don't charge any extra (as appallingly some do apparently)- might be worth knowing just in case of emergency.

As I imported my chair. It has not got the anchor point stickers on it hat the UK chairs get and apparently I can't get these stickers put on in the UK.

Therefore I can not be transported by taxi or the ring and ride minibus. So my only options are the bus and in a few months I might have the option of a mobility car if everything aligns :)

OP posts:
Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 23/10/2020 13:54

Thst is what the mobility shop told me re anchor points. They were trying to get me to get a chair off them!

But the reason I imported a chair was that I got a good chair for a fraction of what it would of cost in the UK and the price was still eye watering expensive for us. Plus it was the ONLY chair which would fold to fit in the 7 seater with me, DH and out four kids.

I will be looking more into these anchor point stickers, as it seems daft I can't get it done here.

OP posts:
Bl3ss3dm0m · 23/10/2020 14:57

Sorry OP, but you will need to have anchor points on your wheelchair, or Motability won't provide you with a WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle).

Fajitanita · 23/10/2020 14:59

Ah okay, it was just a thought in case :)

lifestooshort123 · 23/10/2020 15:16

It sounds as though what started off as a query about buses has turned into a dilemma for you re the wheelchair. As if life isn't tough enough for you and your family already 💐

Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 23/10/2020 15:59

@Bl3ss3dm0m

Sorry OP, but you will need to have anchor points on your wheelchair, or Motability won't provide you with a WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle).
I am have been assessed as needing a 4 way boot hoist (not a WAV) and other hand adaptions but your point still stands as I do still need anchor points on my folded chair to use the hoist.

I rang the garage dealing with my mobility application and they sort it out apparently. So I will get a ring back with details.

OP posts:
lyralalala · 23/10/2020 16:04

The garage will sort that for you OP.

They added a bar thing to FIL’s wheelchair that the hoist clipped onto. Hopefully you have as good an experience as we did with the garage as they were super helpful with things like that

Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 23/10/2020 21:15

lyralalala Thank you. I hope they do Grin

OP posts:
WiddlinDiddlin · 24/10/2020 20:41

You only need anchor points on yoru chair if you will be sitting in it, in the car. If you will be sitting in a car seat then its fine.

Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 25/10/2020 18:02

@WiddlinDiddlin

You only need anchor points on yoru chair if you will be sitting in it, in the car. If you will be sitting in a car seat then its fine.
Yes, it was for the Ring and Ride people, who do transfer people in chairs. I contacted the wheelchair manufacturer who sent me a video explaining their anchor points. I will try and get the video to the ring and ride people and see if they will let me on without anchor stickers Hmm As they are currently not allowing me to travel with them.

The garage man rang me and said when I pick up the mobility car. The adaption people will be there to show us everything and will attached a rod to my chair for the hoist.

Ps. My mobility application has been accepted, so everything going forward :)

OP posts:
Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 05/11/2020 14:49

UPDATE

I made it to the shopping centre and back on the buses today and luckily had no issues :)

The bus driver was lovely getting the ramp out for me and didn't laugh as I badly reversed into the wheelchair space.

I enjoyed looking at a couple of shops that are currently open and back to the bus stop.

Where I met the same friendly bus driver to help me get back on.

So first bus trip can be ticked off my to do list.

Plus the bus driver told me of another bus I can take from the shopping centre which involves a mid journey bus change but will be an alternative home if I miss the direct bus. So that is super helpful to know. Grin

OP posts:
ValleyClouds · 05/11/2020 17:49

Well done OP

WiddlinDiddlin · 05/11/2020 17:54

Oh thats good to know, well done for braving it and thanks for the update too :D

Knittedfairies · 05/11/2020 18:08

That's a great update OP.

TracyBeakerSoYeah · 05/11/2020 18:13

Good & it's also put your mind at ease re getting from A to B & back again.

Katinski · 05/11/2020 18:40

Well done, OP. Really pleased it's all sorting out for youSmile Enjoy your new freedom!

Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 05/11/2020 19:15

My journey out really cheered me up and it means whatever happens to my driving license, I can still get out on my own

That makes me happy Grin

OP posts:
Felifox · 05/11/2020 19:24

Congratulations on being able to be independent💐 Good luck with the car

Livelovebehappy · 05/11/2020 19:35

You do have priority, but many bus drivers don’t enforce it. Some will ask a mum with a buggy to get off to accommodate you, but if the person refuses, the bus driver tends not to force the issue.

Charleyhorses · 05/11/2020 20:10

That's a lovely update op. Well done!

copperoliver · 05/11/2020 22:38

Wheel chair users have priority over buggies, but I do think drivers should not make buggies with disabled children get off.
I was on the bus the other day and a young girl was on the bus with a small disabled baby feeding tubes up his nose ect and a wheelchair wanted to get on so he made her get off, she pointed out he was disabled and they were on there way to any appointment.
But he still made her get off.
I understand wheelchairs have priority but he was disabled too just thought it was a little unfair. X

Original poster
Worrysaboutalot · 12/11/2020 09:36

It looks like (on the DVLA website) my medical driving license has been issued.

So I can go ahead with the mobility car order, which hopefully will be here mid January!

OP posts:
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