Buses

[scruffycat]

have any wheelchair bound ataxians travelled independently on any bus?

Due to a broken hand, my wife was unable to drive. With an extra pusher, we decided to give the bus a go. Scarey issn't the word! There is no way I could do it alone.

[neta]

Hi here,

I am not wheelchair bound at all but generally I see that bus drivers (at least in NY) are very

conscientious when it comes to wheelchair passengers. I think the "trick" is that one has to board a bus with a wheelchair icon. Not sure how things are in London or elsewhere But you deserve an A for effort. I am loathe to ride buses as a standing person because drivers in Jerusalem drive like maniacs. N

[scruffycat in reply to neta]

Ive not been to NY, but at least they let tou travel forwards and properly clamped down, with a seat belt (or so I hear ) In London, we have to fill in a 15 page form and then we can risk our lives for free! Then wobblybee, wheelchair passegers don't have to pay.

[wobblybee]

Well done for giving it a go! I use a walking stick at the moment but I would hesitate

to travel by bus because so much concentration is required in a few seconds. Getting

on, familiarising yourself with layout, paying the fare, keeping out of other peoples way.

Just my personal take on things but in a wheelchair at least you're stable and can focus

on everything else. I agree with Neta about bus drivers, most think they're rally drivers.

Choosing a quiet time of day to try this out would give more confidence. Good luck!

best regards

Beryl

[scruffycat]

Sooy Beryl not wobblybee (my screen wasn't big enough) There must be something in the 15 pages to let you not pay. I assume all of the UK uses this form?

[wobblybee in reply to scruffycat]

Good Morning Scruffycat! (it's ok, any name will do)

I haven't encountered the 15 pages yet. It sounds horrendous!

Battery operated wheelchairs were allowed on the Metro system in Newcastle

until accidents occured, when the users entered carriages at speeds enough to

send them into the opposite closed doors. If they had to increase speed to get

in, maybe the levels between the carriage and platform weren't equal.

At the moment I rely on a walking stick for confidence, but I still get scared at

times, and frustrated. I can see how in some ways it would be 'better', for the

want of a more apt description, for me to be sitting down when out and about.

Are you confident to be out and about alone in your locality anyway, can you

visit local shops etc? I live in a fairly quiet area outside the city, but the

pavements here are dreadful, dug up so many times and riddled with tree

roots. I rarely walk anywhere because the camber on the pavements sends

me panic mode!

[scruffycat in reply to wobblybee]

Sorry Beryl,

My disability level means that independant public anything, would be pie in the sky. Fortunately, my wife have supported me for the last 20 years since my accident.

Most times it's good to have the confidence of having a mind that will work more quickly, as you seem to need that these days.The world seems to operate at light speed these days. But, it still takes forever to dig up the pavement and put it back, so that within a few days it's as wonky as before!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wobblybee in reply to scruffycat]

Re wonky pavement

So true, how hard can it be to use a spirit level!

[pennypoop]

I take my gogo mobility scooter on the bus. Yes its scary and frustrating and takes alot of nerve and pratice, but independence is more important tlo me. Most people know me and I stay local, but strange passengers dont know what to do when Im trying to park up in the wheelchair space, it also means alot when the drivers helpful.

[scruffycat]

A positive at last. May I ask where you are?

[annasgonesailing]

I have FA and I have used UK and RoI busses alone. It is made easier/more difficult by others on the bus, the driver and the manouverability of your wheelchair as the design of the wheelchair space means you are facing backwards and there is a pole next to it.

[scruffycat in reply to annasgonesailing]

This is exactly the sort of thing that made me glad my wife normally drives me. Maybe Mr Cameron or Mr Jonson, would like to give it a go one day! We have a nice single decker that will stop right outside, if he wants to give it a go.

If he asks nicely, we might even give him a cup of tea.

[scruffycat in reply to scruffycat]

I fergot, they'll have to travel alone 'cos there's only 1 wheelchair space.

[Hidden]

A bus in my area?. In all my years of living here I don`t think I`ve ever seen a bus that is wheelchair friendly, I`ve never seen a wheelchair on a bus, any bus. If I`m going to the Hospital, I go by Ambulance - in my wheelchair. If I`m going to my GP I go via my local taxi company which has special vehicles fitted for wheelchairs, the driver collects me from my house wheels to the taxi and drives to the GP surgery and wheels me into the reception area (same on the return journey).

Wheelchair friendly bus company, that would be something to see, boy oh boy

[scruffycat]

Good to receive your reply John,

I'm afraid the whole country is still living in the past. There are far newer countries, which are supposedly way behind the UK but, treat people in wheelchairs, far better.

When will we get into the 21st century? Stop making excuses and, do something positive.

[scruffycat in reply to scruffycat]

Does anyone know what the VAT position is, for London buses?