To expect coach driver to put buggy in luggage hold for me at bus stop as I have hands full with baby/bag?

[Norfolkbumpkin]

I live in the sticks and have a 15 minute walk to the main road to get a bus into the city as I can't drive. I attempted to get on the coach thet pulled up this morning but the driver said I could not bring the stroller on, I would have to put it in the luggage hold on the outside of the bus. He then along with the passengers just looked at me expectantly. Tears started to well up in my eyes and I just got off, very humiliated mumbling that I couldn't manage to do that with a baby strapped to my front and a large bag. I went home and phoned the bus operators' complaints line, and have been advised that the drivers' aren't allowed to leave their seats to help as it would leave the bus,passengers and fare money vulnerable.They also (for health and safety reasons) aren't allowed to assist as they might injure themselves. I queried the fact that none of the luggage in the hold would be secure if a passenger didn't close the door correctly, and assumed that like with most large commercial vehicles the driver is responsible for securing his load. The operator said she could understand my frustrations but they are the rules. I'm gutted as it means depending on the type of bus that arrives at the stop, I won't be able to get on and have trekked up there for nothing.

I think it's a total cop out for the bus company to say that the driver can't get off and help. What if the person was disabled and needed a bit of help to get up the steps? If the bus company refused to help they could face litigation under Disability Discrimination legislation so it ought to be up to them to do what is necessary to enable the driver to leave the cab and assist. FFS, he could take the keys out and lock the cash drawer, couldn't he? And if the cash drawer won't lock they should get locking ones.

I find it very strange actually seeing as the bus my dad gets is run by First. The driver has always gotten of to help people. When we went to visit a few months ago the driver got off and opened the luggage hold and put DS's pushchair in for us.

Bloody bus companies!!

No problem, NorfolkBumpkin. I just hope you find something you're happy with to replace the Baby Bjorn.

I've used both the ordinary Baby Bjorn and the Active, and, while I think they're great with small babies, they don't compare to the ones available from sling specialists for older babies.

You can hire them from some sellers to try out for a bit and so save yourself from making an expensive mistake.

As far as I remember, the only stroller I was able to fold one-handed was the cheap as chips, umbrella-handle style Mothercare's own brand one. But I am a bit cack-handed.

Best of luck with the next trip and don't be ashamed to ask for help from other passengers. Sometimes people are just off in a world of their own and don't notice what's happening under their noses.

could you not have put the bag on the floor while you folded the pushchair down? i don't see why you needed to hold the baby if she was in a sling?

i have always had to fold the pushchair up too and it is a pita. to make it easier i would lie him on the floor on his blanket whilst i folded the pushchair up and we would wait for the bus. i would then just pick up the pushchair and get on the bus whilst carrying ds. as he got a bit heavier sometimes i would ask someone to hold him whilst i lifted the buggy on or i used to take a sling with me to put him in.

We have Stagecoach buses here, and often the driver (depending on who it is) will get out and assist in folding up the pushchair. We regularly have other passengers volunteer to assist as well.

You stated you had a big bag with you. Is there any way you can trim what you bring with you? I admit that I initially filled my bag with every "essential" baby need known to man but found that I actually was using very little of it when out and about, and trimmed what I brought along. It all fit in a very reasonable sized handbag - and that was when DS was an infant and even now when he's a toddler. A small bag may make the whole procedure a bit easier.

Message withdrawn

I always swore by this buggy - easy to fold one handed and also had a shoulder strap, not too heavy, I got it because I used public transport a lot with a baby and a toddler and it was great.