Kashul Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Hi ALl I am planning on taking my 84 year old mother in law into town in her wheelchair. She is very nervous in the chair and I want her to enjoy this trip. So....My question is, how easy is it for wheelchairs to go on and off the buses, does anyone know ? Thanks x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kashul Posted September 26, 2006 Author Share Posted September 26, 2006 PS, she hasnt been into town for 5 years ! Her carer doesnt take her out and shes with me for a month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plain Talker Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 it all depends on the route. not all buses/ routes are wh'ch friendly. the accessible buses are great. they have a ramp, which lets out, and bridges the gap between the pavement and the bus, you just wheel up the ramp, and park in the wheelchair bay (providing some mum with a 4x4 pram isn't already parked there ) there is a bus that accommodates wheelchairs that you can book direct, - the "mobility bus"- but you don't get too long in town if you use that service. (it also serves meadowhall, and crystal peaks i believe) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kashul Posted September 26, 2006 Author Share Posted September 26, 2006 Hi Plain, I will be going on a 13 or 14...Do you know if these are ok ? Also can you or anyone tell me if I turn the chair round and take her on backwards or if I wheel her on front ways. Sorry to sound dim but I dont want to stress her out xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devine22 Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Hi Plain, I will be going on a 13 or 14...Do you know if these are ok ? Also can you or anyone tell me if I turn the chair round and take her on backwards or if I wheel her on front ways. Sorry to sound dim but I dont want to stress her out xx Hi Kashul, I used to work in a residential home, basically there is no right or wrong way to do it, just do whatever you are more comfortable with, all you need to do is explain to her what you are doing! I found it easier to take the people on front ways as you are leaning them into the chair instead of out of the chair. Also, as you get on/off the bus most drivers will help you!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
volvoB10M Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 As a rule the 13/14 are low floor buses so you should be ok,you can check witht he depot to see if a paticular timed bus is a low floor bus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHAIRBOY Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Take her on forwards up the ramp and reverse her into the space so that she is travelling backwards and put the brakes on. You can reverse her off down the ramp backwards. That is the usual protocol although it isn't the way I do it but I have a sports chair and good upper body strength and if they pull in to the kerb, I don't need the ramp. I have been made to reverse my chair but it makes me feel sick and I prefer to travel forwards and hold on to the rails. Routes 13/14 are part of the 'Overland' routes which have low floors and ramps. Once you've done it, she'll want to be out again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plain Talker Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 hope she has a great time on her trip out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kashul Posted September 26, 2006 Author Share Posted September 26, 2006 Bless you all, all I ahve to do now is convince her its ok, shes changed her mind now !!! Ill pretend im taking her for a walk haha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
volvoB10M Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 it all depends on the route. not all buses/ routes are wh'ch friendly. the accessible buses are great. (providing some mum with a 4x4 pram isn't already parked there ) If this is the case Pushchair users would be asked to fold the chair as wheelchairs users take priorty,if they refuse then they should be asked to catch the following bus. As a driver I would like to see more wheelchair user using the services as for some it is a lifeline,I would also like to see buses with maybe 2 Wheelchair bays instead of one but I supose the internal politics of operators wont allow this. In the meantime please use the services and enjoy your day out:thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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