Story so far
Without warning, on 13 June 2008, Lothian Buses asked its drivers to refuse access to anyone attempting to travel with an unfoldable pram or travel system. This came from a company whose strap line is “Easy Access for All”, at a time when The Scottish Government and local councils were doing all that they could to encourage people out of cars and onto public transport.
Lothian Buses insisted their stance was necessitated by the Disability Discrimination Act, but we can find no-one who agrees with this interpretation. Other major bus companies such as FirstGroup do not apply the same rule, see Other transport operator standpoints and even ECAS, Edinburgh's disability access organisation, disputes Lothian Buses policy, see Support.
The UK Department of Transport has clarified that "It is acceptable for this space to be used by other passengers when it is not required by a wheelchair user but it should be vacated, if at all possible, when a wheelchair user requires it."
On 9th September 2008 we met with managers at Lothian Buses, and offered to work with them on an education campaign, instead of a ban, to encourage any reluctant pram-users to vacate the wheelchair space when needed. Lothian Buses rejected this offer.
On 23rd September 2008 Edinburgh City Council’s Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee agreed unanimously to a motion “to express deep concerns” over the ban, and “to further request that Lothian Buses re-visits this policy with a view to relaxing it”.
Over the course of seven weeks in Autumn 2008, our petition to the Scottish Parliament received 2051 signatures, and was considered by the Public Petitions Committee on 4th Nov. 2008 and 10th Feb. 2009
Lothian Buses finally took this on board and proposed to trial a new bus design incorporating a dedicated buggy space in addition to the existing wheelchair space on the 22 service (rebranded 'The pink tops'). The trials were a success and following research commissioned by Lothian Buses and our vigorous campaign, a strategic decision was made to increase the number of baby-friendly buses.
November 2009 - Campaign of the year
In November 2009 Babies on Buses won 'Campaign of the year', awarded by the 'Herald Society', in association with 'The Big Lottery Fund'.
Caroline Burgess, Sarah Hinks, Angela Gullone and Gillian Richards received the award on behalf of all the campaigners who had worked so hard to bring about a change to Lothian buses' heavy-handed policy, proving that the the public will support those who fight against unfairness.
February 2011 - Launch of additional vehicles
Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP
In February 2011 Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP attended the launch of more baby-friendly vehicles in the Lothian Buses fleet. NOTE- THE POSTER OF MOTHER AND BABY FEATURES A TRAVEL SYSTEM BUGGY WHICH IS ACTUALLY NOW BANNED!
“I’m delighted to be here to celebrate the addition of baby-friendly buses to route 29. As a mum with two young children, I know from personal experience how helpful it is to have as much public transport as possible accessible to prams. These buses have space for a wheelchair and a pram and as such are truly accessible to all.
I’d like to pay tribute to the mums from the “babies on buses” group who campaigned for change and to Lothian Buses for taking their concerns on board. They listened to passengers and took action – exactly what a locally responsive bus company should do.
I hope this progress will continue in the years ahead so we see this type of bus on routes across the city.”
November 2011 -
WE HAVE RELAUNCHED OUR CAMPAIGN
Lothian Buses have spent £16.5 million this year, adding 75 new vehicles to their fleet of more than 650 easy access buses.
HOWEVER These 'Buggy spaces' are not what they seem, parents and small children are yet again being turned away.
Only buggies which fold in one piece are being allowed into this space designed specifically for parents and carers travelling with small children, if you have a non-foldable pram, travel system or a buggy which folds down into more than one piece, you cannot board a bus, regardless of whether the buggy space is empty or not.
Lothian buses have issued a blanket policy for all their buses - for 'fairness'. Ask someone who has been turned away from a bus where the flexible space is free whether it is fair, and I am sure you will get a different response.