Disabled bus user accuses Stagecoach of discrimination

An Exeter disabled bus passenger has accused Stagecoach of 'discrimination' after claiming its new buses are too small for wheelchair access. Barbara Taverner says she has never encountered any problems travelling on buses until the introduction of new electric buses and ones that have been used in Plymouth which have a different seating arrangement for disabled passengers.

The 85-year-old claims that she has been left out in the cold waiting for an older bus after being unable to reverse her wheelchair into the dedicated disabled space and getting 'stuck'. Stagecoach insists that all of its new buses meet the required regulations, but has said it is reviewing the concerns that have been raised.

Barbara, of Newcourt, has ME, fibromyalgia and other health problems. She travels on buses every other day and relies on them to get to appointments and do her shopping. She says the design of the new disabled spaces are too narrow and small, and the poles of the bus get in the way.

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Barbara, who has been using wheelchairs for nearly 40 years and now relies on a power assist wheelchair to get around, said: "Stagecoach are now using buses on the J and Ikea route with altered seating arrangements for wheelchair users. This is a disability discrimination because I can no longer access the bus wheelchair space.

"The new seating configuration on all new buses and some buses brought up from Plymouth are considerably narrower and don’t have enough turning space which makes it impossible to ride into or reverse into a space.

"I have been caught out by this five times in less than two weeks along with other bus users in the local area experiencing the same problem. On one of those journeys, the bus driver told me that I would have to wait for another older bus to arrive so that I can get on one with enough space.

"I am almost 86 and can’t sit out in the cold in my wheelchair waiting for buses to come that I can actually get on to. I had to reverse off the Ikea bus once I realised I couldn’t get into the disabled space which is very dangerous and also held up all the other passengers trying to embark and disembark.

"Last week I managed to slide into position onto one of the new buses but that was because I had no shopping with me and the space was so tight. I had to do around five maneuvers.

"I have used this same wheelchair for almost six years and never had a problem until now. I was told by an employee at Exeter Bus Station customer services there is a national rise in complaints as all new buses have this narrowed configuration.

"It has not allowed for poles and handrails which means no other prams, pushchairs or shopping trolleys can get on the bus if I were able to get into the new disabled space. There is now also no luggage space on the new buses.

"A couple of days ago l got on the Ikea bus and to my horror got stuck again. It was the same small turning space with poles in the way too close and only one single fixed seat. The more seats there are on the side the further distancing of the poles.

"I had to reverse off yet again, and what a struggle because of how my front wheels turn, momentarily sticking out. It unnerved me so l didn’t wait for another bus. l trundled off to Newcourt train station and caught the train into Exeter Central.

"Many times l’ve wriggled into spaces and passengers have hand clapped me. If l could have a pound for every male passenger that has praised me saying l reversed my chair better than he can reverse his car, l’d be rich.

"A Stagecoach manager I complained to, who I showed how I was getting stuck on the buses, said he would not put the new buses or buses from Plymouth on the l or J bus route."

Barbara's concerns are now being reviewed by Stagecoach. A spokesperson for Stagecoach South West said “All of the vehicles we operate meet the requirements of the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations and our drivers receive regular training on assisting disabled passengers to travel comfortably and safely with us.

"In cases where a wheelchair or mobility aid cannot be accommodated, we offer the option of getting the next available bus or provide a free wheelchair accessible taxi to help passengers reach their chosen destination.

"No specific discussions have been had regarding changes to the seating configuration of our buses. We always welcome feedback from passengers who use our services and will be reviewing the concerns raised.”