Bus companies are not required by law to force parents with buggies to make way for wheelchair users

[DuelingFanjo]

story

First Bus wins wheelchair court judgement - Bus companies are not required by law to force parents with buggies to make way for wheelchair users in designated bays on vehicles, senior judges ruled.

Might be a controversial opinion but I am glad.

Baby free of charge so no profit lost

I'll think you'll find the gazillion's of parents that catch the bus with their babies everyday is where they make their profit - not from the babies

Yes they folded because they was buggy storage

Which there isn't now.

Can you imagine ten seats taken up with folded buses - the outrage that would cause on a busy bus at peak time.

That idea wouldn't float for long.

It would take just one day of parents boycotting the buses due to a 'buggy ban' to make the bus companies change their mind.

Not that it would ever happen in the first place.

It's about the money, money, money ..

On a normal term time day between the hours of 10am - 2pm, the only people on buses are pensioners and mums with buggys.

They are not going to throw all that money down the drain

I would get on a packed bus at 5pm with my son in a sling and my folded up buggy. Without fail another passenger would offer his/her seat to me. I have always been grateful for their kindness and would always seek to help out other passengers if I could see that they needed it.

I never expected any one to hand over their seat. It seems that there are thoughtful people out there.

Here are photos of the insides of our 2 main bus services (stagecoach and first) - you can see the luggage bit right at the front of the photos. I have put folded buggies in these bits, they do exist!

(I can't believe I am google imaging the insides of buses!)

Babies do not need to get around. Wheelchair users do.

Sure, because babies never need to go to the doctor, and their mums never need to nor should leave the house.

Having said that, for most short trips, a sling might be better. :) And if a parent needs to travel a lot, then it would be better to have a lighter easier to fold buggy. (I did)

But, sometimes, someone who doesn't travel often, or needs to go on a longer trip will use the bus and may not be able to easily leave space for another user (with babies or on a wheelchair). It's difficult to set a blanket rule.

That's a really old bus though..in fairness lol. Last bus I was on there wasn't room to stand (London), I ended up sitting on the stairwell as I was feeling faint. Can't imagine trying to get a buggy or a wheelchair user on in peak times.

No idea what happens as I don't use them much and prefer to travel on the tube.

Does anyone know what happens in other countries on buses and trams when wheelchair users and buggies travel? Just as a matter of interest...

Genuine question - how many buggys exist which don't fold? I know the giant Silver Cross ones don't, but I rarely see them (they only seem to be owned by the fun fair folk!). I had a Bugaboo, and I'd fold that if needed on public transport. Perhaps times have changed, but I remember that I once took a bus which, although empty, insisted that I fold the buggy if I wanted to get on. This was a regular London Bus.

The bugaboo was a Chameleon, not the ultra-foldable ones.

I am quite ashamed for you posting that WUME.

Someone has to be I suppose.

Apparently in France, it is law and buggies have to move. If this goes to the European courts, I can't see Britain coming off favourably tbh.

I have been on another group today debating this, as well as this thread, and I have been left feeling really, really sick. I am increasingly worried for the disabled in this country and I am dreading what some of you are teaching your children.

Of course babies need to get around! What other options other than buggies do you feel their parents have? Slings are not practicable for everyone, older children or close siblings. Are you saying it is ok to discriminate against them and their mums because their mum could walk? The presence or absence of alternative means of transport does not allow for discrimination. You would be rightly aghast at the suggestion that Muslims shouldn't get on a bus but it is ok as they can walk!!

This point is not about people in wheelchairs for whom I have said there needs to be provision. I am saying buggies (possibly just folded) need to be accommodated as well.

Comparing babies to Muslims and crying discrimination is just weird and desperate.

This thread is grim and depressing.

In this bus boycott by parents, do i boycott as a parent, or not as a wheelchair user?

Gosh, life is difficult when you check more than one box.

Lucky i'm, like, the only disabled parent in the world, eh?

It's coming to something when the Daily Fail comments are more tolerant than a MN thread!

How does one go about appealing to the ECHR?

Anyone else hear the scraping of barrel?

I rang them Beyond, they are really nice and helpful. They even ring you back to so it doesn't cost you anything.