I have developed a new tactic for successfully hailing a bus from a wheelchair. I state this as it has been known in the past that wheelchair users have been disregarded, or 'waved-away' by lazy bus drivers.
After waiting at a bus stop, we should...
Hail the bus, ring the bell on the outside door. Put pressure on driver to play by rules advertised.
By hailing the bus, we get the driver's attention. We shouldn't have to, but then it is wise for us to alert the passengers aboard that a wheelchair is awaiting to board the bus. By pressing the external bell (next to the outside door), we are not only alerting the driver aurally, but indirectly, we are also telling the passengers. Internal signs clearly state wheelchair priorities. Passengers can read, accept and understand the rules. However, the all-powerful driver is in control and can choose to break the rules. He now knows that the whole bus is aware of the wheelchair outside, and expects the driver to play by the rules.
Power to the people! The bus driver will now usually behave properly, play by the rules, and let the wheelchair on!
:)
After waiting at a bus stop, we should...
Hail the bus, ring the bell on the outside door. Put pressure on driver to play by rules advertised.
By hailing the bus, we get the driver's attention. We shouldn't have to, but then it is wise for us to alert the passengers aboard that a wheelchair is awaiting to board the bus. By pressing the external bell (next to the outside door), we are not only alerting the driver aurally, but indirectly, we are also telling the passengers. Internal signs clearly state wheelchair priorities. Passengers can read, accept and understand the rules. However, the all-powerful driver is in control and can choose to break the rules. He now knows that the whole bus is aware of the wheelchair outside, and expects the driver to play by the rules.
Power to the people! The bus driver will now usually behave properly, play by the rules, and let the wheelchair on!
:)
