Wheelchairs versus buggies court ruling

Rugby my mother had a Tansad for my sister and it had to be put under the stairs. I remember worrying myself silly that someone would steal it. I also remember that there was only space for a couple of pushchairs and if someone wanted to get on with one when the space was full the conductor (remember them) would put his hand up and say 'No more pushchairs. There'll be another bus along in a minute'. Of course in those days it was true. Could be an hour before the next bus here.

Yes, bus drivers can now 'require' rather than 'request' that a space occupied by a passenger with buggy should be given up for a wheelchair-user wanting to get on the bus.

The only option suggested seemed to be that the the bus driver should refuse to drive on until this had happened. The other passengers might make their feelings felt as well, but they may not all be on the same side!

Sad that it needs laws though.

It needs new laws I think.

Yes, of course the wheelchair user should have the right to occupy the place designed for a wheelchair, a buggy should be moved or folded.

Yes, buggies for bus use should be folded up.I had a McClaren too, blue and white striped, a nifty thing it was.

I'm uncomfortable about this. I don't know the ins and outs of this case (correct me if I'm wrong) but I gather that the rights of the wheelchair guy have been judged to trump those of mothers with non-folding buggies?

If so, I think this is all very well in principle but in my view no driver should be required to deal with these issues, without support.

So-passenger refuses to move to accommodate disabled person. Then what? As I gather, the driver only has the power to "require" that the awkward passenger makes way for the disabled person. S/he has no other powers. What then? Police?

Does anyone remember 'tansads'? Is that the name? I recall they had to be folded before you got on the bus with them and the conductor ( those were the days) put it under the stairs for you. The bus companies should ban all non foldable buggies. Small foldable ones are available that are suitable for very young babies. I think the Rolls Royce ones are a bit of a status symbol. I remember having a McClaren that I used on buses/trains

Good on the disabled man who took this to court ( 5 years!)

Typo,,,it's a pity..

I do hope so, I don't think it would be fair for a Mother and baby to be ejected from a bus, but I would expect a pushchair to be moved for the wheelchair user.It's a pity that today's buggies are so massive, they are the four by four with bull bars of the baby equipment world.

Yes, I agree. There are far too many mums who really believe they're 'entitled' to take up public transport space if they've got a buggy and child with them, at the expense of the disabled.