Stagecoach comes up trumps for disabled travellers
By Jayne Warren - 08/12/2006
While Arriva Buses have been telling disabled traveller Marshall Vine that his fold up mobility scooter is no longer welcome on their buses, (click below for original story) another major bus company - Stagecoach - have been telling Mature Times a very different story.
Not only have they carried out their own tests for mobility scooters and published a very helpful leaflet, they even have a dedicated disabled helpline, and will send someone out to measure a scooter in order to help accommodate them.
Paul Southgate, MD for Stagecoach in East Kent and Hastings, told the Mature Times: "The issue regarding scooters is particularly difficult as there are currently no national guidelines for bus companies. However, Stagecoach has conducted its own tests and our helpdesk team have a list of all the scooters that have been approved as safe for use on easy access buses.
"We would encourage customers to contact us before travelling and if we have any concerns, or they don't feel confident about taking their scooter on board without checking first, we will send out a member of staff to carry out an assessment."
The Stagecoach tests were done in conjunction with some of the main scooter manufacturers. Easy access buses were taken to their sites and various models were physically tried.
The tests led Stagecoach to set an interim policy that limits scooter access by size. This then takes into account the minimum width of the ramp and the space within the vehicle to manoeuvre into the wheelchair space.
The very helpful leaflet asks people to contact their Helpdesk with details of the make, model and dimensions of their scooter to obtain authorisation before attempting to travel.
In addition, Stagecoach staff will “offer reasonable assistance when requested, and when they judge it is safe to do so”, and “request other passengers to vacate the wheelchair parking area if this prevents a wheelchair from boarding”.
Paul added: "Our new leaflet is designed to help our disabled customers understand what we are able to do to assist them, and also explains how they can contact us with specific questions."
For a first journey, Stagecoach even offers disabled passengers the option of taking a companion, who is then offered a free return journey.
To find out more about Stagecoach visit: or call their helpdesk on 08702 433711.
To see their leaflet, click on the download below.
Mature Times says:
While one major bus company hides behind the current Government indecision over what can or can’t be carried on buses, Stagecoach has shown that a pragmatic approach is possible. Moreover, it’s an approach that is patently trying to help provide disabled passengers with equal and fair access to public transport.
It isn’t rocket science to look at the various models of mobility vehicles on the market and then decide what can and can’t be safely carried. Why can’t other bus companies follow Stagecoach’s lead?
Relevant links
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| stagecoach leaflet. pdf.pdf | 2.13 MB |