Passenger calls for Stagecoach to provide easy access buses

A bus passenger from Aberdeen has called for transport giant Stagecoach to introduce more easy access buses for travellers with mobility problems. 40-year-old Amelia Thorn is a regular bus user and has criticised the service between Braemar and Aberdeen claiming it is inadequate for elderly and disabled passengers.

Ms Thorn first complained to the company after injuring herself on one of the coaches. As she explains, “After I had paid for my ticket and before I had sat down the driver pulled away from the stop so suddenly that I banged my head on the storage shelf above the seats, resulting in four days of headaches.”

The bus services which are a concern for Ms Thorn include the Donside 215 and 220, services between Alford and Granite City, and also the “Discover Royal Deeside” coaches.

As well as easy access buses, Ms Thorn is also calling for a change in the way disabled passengers are treated. She is critical of the current policy which advises all disabled passengers must notify the bus company 24 hours prior to their journey. The 40-year-old also believes that there should be more stop buttons onboard buses.

Stagecoach have issued a response to Ms Thorn’s complaints stating: “The vehicles operating on our Deeside routes are DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) wheelchair accessible coaches. This is the most suitable type of vehicle for these routes due to the distance travelled to ensure maximum comfort for our passengers on their journey. Whilst we do advise passengers requiring the wheelchair space to book before travelling, this is not essential and only ensures that the space is not already in use to avoid disappointment.”