Should I accept ticket refund or expect more when discriminated by bus provider who refused access

littleacorn

2 local service busses one after another refused to put the ramp down for me to access the bus letting others access then driving away. I mafe a complaint and they said as they had awarded a temp contract with another bus company to run their buses they will contact them for answers. In the meantime they have said this is not what they expect from the drivers and as a good will gesture they will offer me £25. 

Is this enough or am I expecting too much? Not just financially but wanting to see real change.

The previous week I was left for 2 hours at a local train station waiting for a taxi to take me on to my destination as there was incident on the line and everyone had to get off and get on a bus they had provided to reach their destination. I was told to get off at a different stop and a taxi would arrive to take me to my destination. The taxi never arrived and after 2 hours  I had had enough of the cold and decided to returned home and forfit by day.  This train operator has said once again this is not what they expect from their staff and will look into this and will refund my fare. They also said they will adress this furthed. 

Once again am I expecting too much? 

I have contacted the local law centre to get some advice but are not taking on any more cases and as my husband works be it a low paid NHS worked I am not entitled to legal aid. I cant believe that a week after one incident anothed happens. When are we ever going to get equality? What else should I do? Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @littleacorn

I can't believe that this has happened, I am so sorry. It isn't right at all. You are not expecting too much, for a lot of people in the disability community, public transport is a lifeline, especially for those wanting to have independence. 

You did the right thing putting through a compliant to both of them. Going further, I would look at contacting your MP and letting them know that this has happened.

littleacorn

Great idea will do that.

L_Volunteer

Good luck @littleacorn. Please feel free to let us know how it goes and if you need any further support in the meantime.

We are all here for you and listening to you. You don't have to experience this, or anything else, alone if you don't want to.

Take care for now and we will look forward to, hopefully, hearing from you again soon 

john_taylor

I know there is a universal train booking option these days passenger assist? In my opinion see if your local station will phone ahead to your destination. I do think you have a right to turn up and go without booking. I’ve not been on them for almost 2 years.so I don’t know.

it’s very useful to know a lot of operators are getting roll on and roll of trains which mean it’s flat and you just roll on. I know Greater Anglia slow trains are roll on and off. I heard the mainline ones weren’t. Thameslink/GTR new trains the 700’s are but I just hope the trains now the platform levels. (Trains Peterborough, Cambridge, Luton and Bedford.) there are trains which go straight down to Brighton through central London on the old Thameslink used previously just Luton/Bedford . 

Chester and am I right trains heading up to Liverpool or somewhere going the same way. This is all I know currently. Train access is getting far better with a large number of stations are step free.

About buses the drivers who do this are breaking the law. Also they have to clear the wheelchair bay for a wheelchair user, this can mean asking passengers with prams to get off if frequent service to make room. With all these buses that are low floor in this modern day this discrimination shouldn’t happen.

littleacorn

Is it against the law if drivers dont get those with buggies to move or get off the bus for a wheelchair user?

I have looked at taking this issue legal and really want to but as Im not entitled to legal aid as my husband works and I can afford the £230 hour fee unfortunitely I can not take this further. This is very annoying and feel that as companies keep doing this with no consequences we will never get equality. 

Cher_Alumni

@littleacorn The government webpage 'Transport support services for disabled people' doesn't directly address driver's responsibilities around buggies, but states:

Help getting on and off
The law says bus and coach drivers must give reasonable assistance to disabled people, for example by helping them get on and off the bus or coach. This does not mean physically lifting passengers or heavy mobility equipment.
If you need help to get on and off a coach, you should ask for this when you book your ticket.
Report a problem
If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the bus or coach service operator directly.
If you cannot resolve the problem with the operator, contact:

• Bus Users UK for complaints about services outside of London

• London TravelWatch for complaints about services in London

• your local government ombudsman for complaints about bus passes

Whilst, I'd also recommend speaking with the Equality Advice and Support Service for free around where you stand from a legislative point.

I can understand your annoyance given repeated incidents and seemingly token compensatory gestures. It shouldn't be this way. 

Please keep us posted and wishing you the very best. 

littleacorn

I have spoken to Equality Advice and Support Service and they were very helpful however it is so anoying and frustrating that I cant afford to take this further! 

anawilliam850

Hi! I'm sorry to hear about your experiences with the transportation services. It is understandable that you want to see real change and not just financial compensation. The amount of £25 offered as a good will gesture seems quite low for the inconvenience caused, but it ultimately depends on your personal judgement.

In terms of wanting to see real change, you may want to consider bringing your concerns to a higher authority or regulatory body that oversees the transportation services. They may have more power to enforce change and hold the companies accountable for their actions.

Additionally, you can also consider sharing your experiences on social media or with local news outlets to raise awareness about the issues you faced. This may put pressure on the companies to address the problem and make changes.

It's great that you have already sought advice from the local law center, but if they are unable to take on your case, you may want to consider seeking advice from other legal resources or advocacy groups that specialize in transportation accessibility.

Overall, it's important to advocate for yourself and others who may face similar challenges in accessing transportation services.

littleacorn

I am at a loss as to where to go next. I dont really want my name in the media but want something to change. On Thursday another example of discrimination when our metro system didnt have a ramp for me to get on the train as it was another station. At least 7 metros came and went and I was still waiting for the ramp to arrive from the other station so I gave up. I am sick of complaining it seems to be happening everytime I go out. 

Alex_Alumni

That's so frustrating @littleacorn I'm sorry to hear what's been happening.

One thing you could try is sharing your experience with Transport For All, it's a disabled-led group striving to increase access to transport and streetspace across the UK. Although it's primarily based in London, it might be worth contacting them for advice. 

Steve_in_The_City

@littleacorn My heart is going out to you 27 beats to the dozen. You have been treated appallingly. I live in London and have never been treated like this. If I was, I would cry. I do not know what to suggest. I can see you are not happy about social media, but it may be your best way forward: Name them and shame them. Here is sending good vibes to you. 

littleacorn

Thanks for your kind words and understanding. I will look up Transport for All and let you know my next steps.

Steve_in_The_City

Google The Law Society and see what they say.

littleacorn

The law Society can't take this as they are at capacity