Mr P of Paignton
writes:
Where have all the wheelchair friendly buses gone?
My wife, who is wheelchair bound, has a free bus pass that allows her
to travel half price on the bus between Paignton and Torquay. But this is rendered useless
as she cannot access the bus.
She can get a disabled-friendly taxi or help with ramps to get on the
train, but this is at extra cost.
We used to enjoy our trips to Torquay and now feel discriminated
against, as well as isolated. I would be interested to hear what comments the Bus Company
have to make on this subject, and if there are any proposals in the pipeline to rectify
the situation.
A Spokesman from Stagecoach replies:
Due to the recent push in getting people out of their cars and back onto public
transport, the volume of customers now using the bus service between Paignton and Torquay
has increased
To try and meet demand we have had to put on extra doubledecker buses
to meet the needs of the majority. However, in the next eighteen months, we are hoping to
purchase a fleet of low floor doubledeckers that will go some of the way in rectifying the
problem.
We do stress that if a person in a folding wheelchair is able to get out of the chair and
sit on the bus, the wheelchair can be adequately stored on the vehicle.
In response to BS of Paignton, who raised some issues about respite care
featured in the last edition of News & Views, we have asked a representative from
Torbay Social Services to make a considered response to this item, and will endeavour to
update you in the next issue.
