Wheelchair Vs Buggy

[Twinning546]

I've just been reading about Doug Paulley being successful in the supreme court regarding pushchairs having to move for a wheelchair user. How does this work practically if there isn't any space to move to and you've already paid for your journey? Considering I travel with a large double pram with twins under 1 I can't just fold it up and sit with a child on my lap so I'd have to get off the bus.

Yes, you would.

Yes you would disembark and take the next one.

I'm hoping the bus companies will clarify they'll accept fare already paid.

The bus driver will give you a follow on ticket that's valid for the next bus.

I'm pleased the ruling went this way.

good on Doug Paulley!

well you then need to fold or get off the bus and need to get a refund/forward journey ticket from the driver.

Our buses say please move if a wheelchair user needs the space i am not sure if the driver could enforce it though, good for Doug

I saw an odd one a few weeks ago...

Two people in wheelchairs at a bus stop with carers. Obviously bus could only take one. Bit of arguing about who should get on. One gets on... bus driver pulls off... woman gets out of wheelchair in to a seat and the carer then folds it!!!

Yes, you'd have to get off the bus and wait for the next one.

I think two things are bothering me about this. The first is from the bus drivers perspective, what are they supposed to do now if someone flat out refuses to move? Because in theory if they let them stay then the bus driver will be in breech of the law, but I'm sure no one is suggesting that the driver then physically removes anyone taking up a wheelchair space?

Secondly, although I suppose this isn't new but has only just occurred to me, what happens if there are more wheelchair users than wheelchair spaces available? Is it just the same as when the bus is full for able bodied and the have to wait for the next one?

Yes, you would have to get off. As a mum of a small child, I would happily get off to let a wheelchair on. Travelling for disabled people is awful, which is why you don't see many wheelchairs around, and I think it should be a criminal offence to add to the challenge. Don't get me started about able bodied people using disabled car parks.

Oh dear Milktwosugars

Seriously I think this is a non issue. The person is disabled. Obviously it's hard work having a baby and a pram and all your errands to run but think about it like this, it's short lived for us these people have all their lives to deal with this crap be courteous move don't make an issue of it. It's probably hard enough for them on a daily basis. If you have one baby and need to use public transport get a good quality carrier, problem solved!!

*and they have to wait for the next one.

smallbee if there are two wheelchair users the first on gets on and the next one waits for the next bus.

Thanks Purple
It makes me realise how bloody lucky I am that I've never needed to give it any thought. And that there should be much more space available for wheelchair users to start with.

Yes you would need to get off

I got off the bus a few weeks ago for a wheelchair user

I could have collapsed but I really couldn't be bothered and since we wasn't far, I just got off and walked the rest of the way.

But some people will refuse to move on the " I was here first" basis

there you go

Know some parents would be pissed off because their pram is more importantly

The bus company here gives people the option of folding or giving them a ticket to use on the next bus. We're in a city and there are a lot of frequent bus routes - I'm guessing that if you live on a less frequent route you have to plan (eg sling, foldable pushchair). We're lucky that most buses here have good space.

What happen's is there standing passengers in the wheelchair space and there is no where else to stand on the Bus. Officially call the police to get someone off but i imagine someone on the bus would threaten violence and the blocker would flee.
Buggy's should be banned from busses full stop during peak hours. Even folded up one's

Thanks for all your responses. I think getting off would be the only option but I'd never seen a driver issue a credit for a future journey. I also think I'd be very upset if this happened in the dark and cold with two lo's and the next bus was an hour away but it'd be horrible for the wheelchair user too so what can you do.

Oh that thread is so depressing soubriquet.

Driver's issue credit in London a lot when Busses get stopped early. Most buggy's can be folded up and put somewhere.

I'm so pleased about this. It should never have had to have gone to the Supreme Court, but thank heavens he won.

Fold your pram or get off!

Extremely so.

But it shows attitudes now days. More and more people need to be prosecuted for it to drill through but I think a lot of disabled people give up and lose the will to fight.

Tbf I would to if I needed to use a wheelchair

I am pleased about this ruling.

I do think some parents need to remember the only reason they can get their buggies onto buses (or around shops, or into places which previously only had steps etc etc) is because of the years of campaigning from disability rights supporters.

Yes, I used to travel with a large double buggy, shopping and a toddler on buses once. I'd always make way for a wheelchair user and I don't think that makes me especially virtuous. I'm agog that anyone would even query it.