Of course wheelchairs should be given priority, you have a choice in whether to have children while I have no choice in using a wheelchair. I cannot choose the type of wheelchair I'm issued with, whereas the majority of parents play an active role in the choice of pram, buggy etc for their infant.
I'm not saying ban prams and feel that Lothian Buses aren't exactly the sharpest tools when it comes to judgement, I'm just saying that the wheelchair user should be given priority. I feel this ban is being enforced to cover drivers against the inhospitable or violent reactions they may face from the undesirables of modern society when asked to fold up or get off.
Buggies fold down, and you should only need to do it if and when a wheelchair user needs the allocated spot.OR be willing to get off the bus. Please note. I said allocated, as it is for the sole purpose of wheelchair users that this space exists, as legislation states public transport must be accessible to all including those with disabilities. These spaces are clearly labelled with their purpose.
Pushing a pram a few stops or waiting for the next bus may seem like a hastle to you, or may not be the easiest thing to do, but get some prespective.
A disability means you are UNABLE to do something, no choice I suffer from fairly severe ME. This causes, poor mobility, pain, fatigue sensitivity to light and sound etc on a sliding scale worstened by physical or mental stressors. This means even walking 50 metres is impossible without leaving me bedbound, or at best housebound for several weeks. Also waiting until the next bus comes along may take up what valuable little energy I have, exacerbate symptoms after managing to venture out the house once in 2-4wks. Hell I often have to have dark sunglasses on just to tolerate the lighting on a bus.
Really you can choose what pram you purchase, or even if you want children atall. My lifestyle is no choice, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but LRTs wheelchair space is the only reason my electric and gas aren't cut off, or that I can attend hospital treatment. Also pram pushing parents should note the space is provided on buses for the use of wheelchair users and having an unfolded buggy/pram on board is a(N abused) privilage not a right.
As for the suggestion that priority should be given to prams, based on the fact you pay the fare while I have a concessionary pass. Sickening, greedy, me first attitude I have come to expect in modern society- I'm only 26 and when I was able bodies I showed more human decency, compassion and good manners, because that what it boils down to. Also have you seen the pitance I have to live off, just the fact I can travel for free to pay my bills and to hospital is the difference between me turning on my heating in winter or not. As such taxi's are un-affordable. I am not allow to drive for medical reasons, so a wheelchair is my only option and a lifeline. Okay Maybe if my health improves I may be able to conduct limited social life, a dream only possible with this transport service.
I remember my mother taking me and 3 siblings on buses and yes I know its a bother, but you have if you see this as an impediment, you should try being stuck in a wheelchair in this fairly inhospitable hilly, cobbled city.
I hope this has made just one person think before making such sweeping statements.