London buses: BUGGY POLICY

I was on a bus recently when a woman with 3 kids, one in a pushchair, was refused entry because my buggy was in the buggy bay (there was loads of room in it). I remonstrated with the driver I was under the impression that extra buggies could be admitted at the discretion of the driver but he said the rules had been changed. After this email from TfL this morning, I now know he was simply being an arse. I'm going to print this out and keep this in my wallet for next time.

'Thank you for your recent e-mail about buggies on buses.

You'll be pleased to learn that it is not our policy to allow just one unfolded pushchair on our buses. London buses is committed to ensuring our buses are as accessible to as many people as possible. And we're proud to have the first and only, bus network of its size in the world to be made accessible through the universal use of low-floor vehicles.

As you rightly point out, up until the end of last year, the decision to allow buggies on board was largely left to the driver's discretion. Unfortunately, this was causing problems and confusion for both drivers and passengers. In addition, some operating companies were adding their own guidelines.

So to help clarify matters for drivers and passengers, we introduced new Conditions of Carriage relating to carrying wheelchairs and pushchairs at the beginning of this year. Essentially, wheelchair users have priority to use the designated area as they cannot travel elsewhere on a bus. If there is no wheelchair on board, then passengers with pushchairs can use the space.

There is no limit to the number of unfolded buggies that can be carried, as long as they fit into the designated space. Only if the designated space is already full will subsequent passengers with pushchairs will need to fold their pushchair. The Conditions of Carriage can be viewed on our website at www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/fares-tickets/2006/downloads/Conditions-of-Carriage-06.pdf.

These conditions apply on all routes. If you come across drivers not adhering to them, please report the incident to us, giving as many specific details as possible (eg. time, date, location, route number, and if possible the vehicle registration and a description of the driver). We can then pass the details on to the relevant bus operator, and insist they take appropriate action.

Thanks again for taking the time to bring your concerns to our attention. If I can be of any further help, please let me know.

Kind regards
Gavin Clark
Customer Services'