Monthly Archives: February 2018

And then Linda’s reply to them.

Events

 

Re: Poor driver behaviour – Route 237 CRM001:0005000002236

Dear Chico ,

Thank you so much for your response. We were on the bus between 12.55pm and 1.40pm. We actually missed a house viewing appointment due to the delay and had to wait around at White City until the agent could accommodate us again at 3pm. This led to delays for the entire day.

Perhaps something the bus drivers need to be made aware of is how long it takes wheelchair users to get around. It took 2 people 2 hours to get ready for that trip and house viewing. There is no such thing as just grabbing a coat as you walk out the door. To be met with rude and unhelpful bus drivers can make the difference to a paralysed person of even going out or not. Which sometimes seems to be the aim of the bus driver in question, that they would all prefer it if we just stayed home.

Your attention to my observations is most sincerely appreciated Chico, as able bodied people it our duty to do what we can for those less fortunate.

Kindest regards,
Linda

✅

Events

Temporary Carer is doing fine – day one is always critical and so far, so good. Linda has flown away for a few days, and entrusted me to a lovely Romainian. As I’ve been out a lot, it’s not been too demanding for her, other than 2 episodes of ridiculous spasming that was almost intolerable for me,  but that’ll change tomorrow I think, with Travel duties planned…

Oh, and she has to make me pancakes, obviously, as leaving me in charge of tossing would be just dangerous.

No clever comments, please…..

Something new? I bought mudguards for my wheelchair…

Sunday morning

Events

Something new?

I visited a Massive new development that is all Wheelchair friendly, yesterday, with perhaps a view to living there.

The day before I travelled ( I drove ) to Farnborough to get my Triride fixed. My control panel had broken so I had no idea of speed, mileage or battery charge left. I wasn’t really supposed to use it much in case I got stuck somewhere, but there was zero chance of me doing that, so I carried on the same and put up with the thing just cutting out all the time in the London traffic- drivers rarely give me a hard time, thankfully, so I get away with it, other than it being a bit reckless. But what am I supposed to do – just bloody stay in, or what? No chance.

I was actually out at 8.30 am to meet Roy and Dickon for breakfast on Friday- that was new, It meant having to go to bed early- a NEW thing in itself, but I did that last night too, so am awake at 6.33 today?? Good grief  I can’t make a habit of this, surely?

Wales lost yesterday – disappointment I must say I thought we’d win.

I went with my hot date to see The Phantom Thread the other day ( new ) – what a lot of tosh – it’ll therefore definitely win at the Oscars – they don’t give an award for The Biggest Load of Bollocks but it would definitely have won that category, so don’t bother going to watch it.

Today I’ll be shooting about in West London, meeting my new temporary Carer – a lovely girl- the challenge for the Carer is always ‘ can they keep up with me?’ which of course is not the standard Carer role. They’re used to looking after sedentary people, doing some cooking and cleaning, and making lots of tea – all way down on my list of things I need the person to do with me..

Events

Good afternoon,

 

Thank you for your response which is much appreciated. I feel compelled to report the  treatment received today.

 

While waiting at Stamford Brook Bus stop for the 237 to White City we were relieved to see the bus approaching as it was cold and raining. Unfortunately the ramp of the bus could not be deployed, though the driver attempted to do so at least 5 or 6 times. He then radio’d the control centre to ask for technical advice while apologising profusely to me and all the time my charge ( Russ ) waiting outside the shelter in the rain . When it was apparent that the ramp would not deploy he again contacted control to find when the next 237 was arriving. His driver number on this route was No.12 and he should be commended for his dedication also undergoing the wrath of an elderly lady regarding the delay.

 

To our utter dismay the next 237 arrived with a sullen and surly driver who became irritated when I asked him to move forward by 2m to avoid road furniture. He then advised me that he couldn’t take the wheelchair as he had two buggies on board ! I informed him that his was the second bus not to take us, that my charge was headed for hypothermia and that it was illegal for him to refuse us.

 

With a disgruntled and rude demeanour he moved the bus forward 1m (I had asked for 2m) and opened the doors without deploying the ramp whereupon the two ladies had to manhandle their buggies s

with babies onto the road . Both ladies were appalled by the drivers dismissive attitude and very apologetic to my charge on the behalf of London buses!!

 

We finally boarded the bus but once again not without drama and inconvenience.

 

The driver number is No 13 Bus 237 at current time.

 

I am not trying to be difficult regarding these complaints but while I have your attention feel compelled to on behalf of wheelchair users across London. Paralysed, injured and infirm people have a hard enough life as it is without adding this type of mean spirited behaviour to their considerable challenges. In the month I have been working as a carer in London I have found bus drivers as a rule to be generally irritated with us whereas the Underground staff are as a rule helpful, polite and go out of their way to make our travel a little easier. There have been a couple of kind and helpful bus drivers and I thank them but we strongly feel that the driver training requires more comprehensive modules regarding the customer care of wheelchair users.

 

Thank you once again for your attention and response which is much appreciated.

 

Kindest regards

Linda

Lordy, she actually got a reply !

Events

11502179

Date: 08/02/2018

Dear Linda

Thanks for your email on 6 February about the appalling behaviour of a route 94 bus driver when you and a gentleman in a wheelchair attempted to board at Abinger Road.

I’m very sorry the driver told you to wait for the next bus and made no attempt to ask the two buggies in the priority area to make space. I can understand this must’ve been upsetting, especially given the cold weather conditions at the time you mentioned.

We’re committed to making the bus network as accessible as possible and all bus drivers know what is expected of them in such instances. As you’re aware if a wheelchair user wishes to board, it is now a legal requirement for bus drivers to get them on the bus. It’s disappointing that on this occasion, the driver clearly fell below the standard expected of them.

I can assure you that this has been raised with London United, who operates the bus 94 on our behalf. With the information you’ve helpfully provided, they’ll try to identify the driver and a member of their management team will speak to them about this.

Thanks again for bringing this to our attention. If there is anything else we can help you with, please reply to this email. Alternatively, you can speak to us on 0343 222 1234 and we’d be happy to help.

Kind regards

Chico Uche
Customer Service Adviser
Transport for London Customer Services