Taking the buggy off of the bus for a wheelchair

[GoAgainstNicki]

I know in other places in the UK, there are buses that have no back doors so there’s a space for a wheelchair user and then buggy users. It’s not like that in London so the one space that’s available is for wheelchair users. Buggies are allowed to use the space if not needed by a wheelchair uses but need to get out of the way if necessary.

There’s been quite a few times where there’s been myself and another buggy on the bus when a wheelchair has needed the space. Each time, the other parent refuses to get off of the bus (even when I’ve got on first), so I get off to make space for the wheelchair. I also don’t like embarrassment so I’m not going to argue with another parent when a wheelchair user needs the space.

Now I’m always happy to get off for a wheelchair especially as buses come super frequently. However my issue comes with drivers not giving me a ticket to say that I’ve already paid to allow me on another bus. Just a few days ago, I didn’t have much money on my oyster but enough for my journey. I needed to take two buses within the same hour which I could afford with the money on my oyster. A wheelchair wanted to come on so I started to get ready to get off, no problem. I asked the driver if he could print a ticket as I no longer had money on my oyster (the one hour was up) and he said no!

Luckily a bus driver let me get on without paying but AIBU here? Why can’t it be standard practice for drivers to give you a ticket stating you’ve already paid if you have to get off for a wheelchair user?

I often think this might be why some parents with pushchairs are reluctant to get off the bus for someone in a wheelchair even when they know they should - it's not necessarily that they think they shouldn't have to wait for another bus but that they will be unable to pay for it.

Also, with shopping and on a crowded bus, folding the buggy isn't always an option.

It's been a few years but, I'd always rather get off the bus than fold the dam buggy up!

Not all buggies fold down in one. Lots, esp for younger babies, are two parts- a seat and a chassis- which not always simple to do with two hands and no baby in your arms, never mind on a cramped bus, juggling a baby, shopping bags, a coat etc.

That's shocking OP, of course you shouldn't be made to pay again.

And able-bodied people with buggies who refuse to let wheelchair users have the space are awful - it was because of wheelchair users' (not buggy users') hard work successfully campaigning for accessible buses that that those spaces are there in the first place.

all a choice

Yeah I've never thought about that. You can't be expected to get off and pay again!

Spaces for buggies are a relatively recent development. I had to hold a baby and fold mine and put in the luggage rack. When they were too tiny for a stroller I had then in a carrier fir when I got on the bus.

I think a few posters have misunderstood but some have since corrected their post. I understand the how the hopper scheme works but in this situation I had taken two different buses. The second bus would have taken me to my doorstep but because I had to get off that bus. I didn’t have money to then pay for a third bus which was outside of that one hour window. I think in situations like these, the bus drivers could at least give you a ticket so you’re not in an awkward position with the next driver.

For those who are asking why I don’t fold the buggy up. It sounds much more easier than it seems. I’d have to take the seat off of the pram frame which requires two hands (where would I even put the seat and the bloody frame?! It’s huge). I then have to fold the frame which again takes two hands. Where is 8 month old DC who can’t sit up by himself meant to be whilst this is happening? I then have his bag with all his bits inside (he has a genetic disorder) underneath the buggy in the basket. This is all meant to be going on with the bus driver still driving and people around me getting annoyed because I’m taking long? I rather get off! It’s not worth the hassle at all

Who said someone get’s ‘kicked off?’ I certainly haven’t used that phrase at all so I’m not sure where that came from

@somethinsomethin @Fuwari

Thats not been my experience, I’ve had some pretty bad ones on buses and trains. I’d happily rather get off to make space for a wheelchair user than even attempt to fold up!

@GoAgainstNicki you didn't someone else did.

I think in the case of the time running out on the Hopper fare TFL should be able to issue a 'single use' ticket.

What a grumpy driver! Have you tried baby wearing? So useful in London.

YANBU OP.

To everyone saying fold up your buggy, it’s not always that easy. You can’t fold one up if it has a bassinet on it can you!

Onwards tickets should be provided.

wheelchair spaces should be accessible to those with wheelchairs. Parents picking a pram that isn’t easy to fold isn’t the problem of the wheelchair user. In most cases if parents use an umbrella fold pram (or a sling) then there is no reason everyone can’t happily travel together.

My mum had me and two twins plus shopping. People are ridiculous nowadays.

Except it’s not, my shitty buggy came off freecycle because I couldn’t afford one

It was massive and impossible to fold, mums at baby groups were forever recommending other ones and I just thought alright then, are you going to buy it for me?

If you’re struggling for the cost of a bus ticket you’re presumably going to struggle for the cost of a good buggy!

Not the point of the thread but why don't people pick a more practical buggy?. When my kids were small I bussed everywhere so when picking my pram I took it into consideration. Why buy a buggy that isn't compact & easily folded.

ANOTHER thread on buggies in the wheelchair space? Are you guys bored?

London buses don't have any real luggage space - I do have a practical one handed fold buggy but sometimes there isn't anywhere to put it. Sometimes also there isn't a seat for my toddler to occupy when I am folding.

I just get off therefore for a wheelchair used but I am fortunate to be able to just pay another bus fare (or walk if mostly there)

I did when DS was much smaller but he’s such a chunk that my back can’t manage him anymore! He’s already one stone

For all those saying “it’s not easy to fold up the buggy” I do know that, but it’s easier than getting off and waiting for another bus IME

What are you actually talking about? Did you even read the thread? Wheelchair spaces ARE accessible to wheelchair users because I happily get off of the bus as the space is for them

I have 2 kids under 2. A 8 month old and a 19 month old. My choices were already limited when it came to choosing a double buggy, HTH

My understanding was that you should be given a ticket and I always asked and got one without an issue. So I think you were unlucky with a grumpy driver.
I used a fairly big buggy in London as it was great for walking. Umbrella buggies are like pushing a wonky shopping trolley.
I didn’t like slings either. As long as you make room for the wheelchair user when you have to I can’t see the issue.