In the hope of inspiring other disabled people to become more independent I am sharing my experience of travelling on the bus on my electric wheelchair.
I survived a massive stroke just over 12 years ago and now feel that I need to start getting some independence back.
I have been into town a few times with the help of Driving miss Daisy, Barnstaple, which has given me the confidence to try the bus
.
I sent off for my bus pass, allowing me to use the bus for free, which actually arrived on the very day that I had arranged to try the bus with my sister.
I arrived at the bus stop prepared to wait for a bus that didn’t already have a wheelchair user on board, luckily the first one to arrive ( they are frequent approximately every 10 minutes) had space for me, there was a children’s buggy in the designated disabled space so the driver asked for it to be folded and put elsewhere.
I entered the bus over a ramp that the driver put out then drove into my area, unfortunately I was facing the wrong way so had to come out, turn around and reverse so that I was looking towards the back of the bus. The other passengers were looking at me so to make light of the situation I told them, “I expect at least a round of applause when I have sorted this!” Once I was parked correctly and turned the chair off locking the brake,everyone did clap so I gave the best bow that I could from my sitting position.
Getting off the vehicle was much easier as I just drove forwards and turned sharply to the exit ramp.
On my journey back I was more confident because I knew which way I needed to be facing, however there was a passenger with 2 large dogs in my way, she moved them a little and said not to worry about hitting them as they would move away from me, as an animal lover I was worried about running over a paw. Eventually I got into the space.
It did feel strange to be travelling backwards on the bus and I couldn’t quite work out where my stop to get off was, so my sister told me when to press the button informing the driver that I wanted the next stop.
I am going to use the bus again soon with a friend in tow; just to give me a bit more confidence, then I am determined that I will succeed a become a regular disabled bus traveller. I have already made arrangements to meet up with a few friends for coffee when I feel ready.
I hope reading this will give others the inspiration to use the bus as a disabled traveller. please share any experiences.
As always questions/ comments are welcome and please share on social media if you think others would benefit from reading this.
Until next time.
Karen
x.
So pleased it works for you and a friend sounds an excellent idea. #globalblogging
I took the bus often when I was in a large city, but moved to a smaller town where my electric wheelchair can get me to the stores. Thanks for this invention it makes life much easier, without being able to walk.
A big move for you Karen … and it shows it can be done! Here’s to more outings! #DreamTeam
The family are so very proud of you Karen. I honestly thought it would be too difficult for you and I am so pleased you have proved me wrong . You will master it so quickly and it will open up a new world for you. Well done , a lovely blog .
Thanks Mum once I put my mind to something I see it through! x
So glad that you took such a brave step to get out and about. #TriumphantTales
Love your sense of humour and glad you got your round of applause. I used to use public transport often with our daughter and always felt we had more patience from fellow passengers when she was in her wheel chair rather than walking on #globalblogging
So very nice. Glad that you did it. Great job. #Triumphanttales
Its great that you’re confident enough to use public transport (in also extremely jelaous at you having busses every hour). I’ve read stories od people being inconsiderate to wheelchair users, but never came across this when I was supporting wheelchair users on the bus. I hope you continue to grow in confidence with them xx
#abitofeverything
Thank you Tracey our buses run approximately every 10 minutes, I think maybe because this is a tourist hotspot x
Fabulous Karen, such a big step that will hopefully make a huge difference to your life. Great to read the post, I had never wondered about the practicalities of having to turn around to face backward, that seems unnecessarily complicated for wheelchair users… #abitofeverythig
Thanks, I think the reason I was instructed to face the back of the bus is for safety, incase the driver needs to brake sharply x
That’s wonderful that you are getting more confidence in riding the bus. I think it is lucky that buses here accomodate for parents and disabled. I’ve been to other countries where this is not available. #StayClassyMama
You did well and glad you’ll go for it again #littlebitofeverything
That is great that you are gaining more confidence in riding the bus. I’m glad to read that people are accommodating in order for you to move freely in and out of the bus. All the best #dreamteam
Good for you for going for it. I hope that soon you will have the confidence to go it alone. Thanks so much for sharing with #TriumphantTales, please do come back next week.
It is great that you are sharing your experience as I am sure many others will be inspired by you! It is wonderful you are facing your own fears and getting out and about, I am so happy for you and know your confidence will continue to grow! Thanks for being part of #AbloggingGoodTime
I hope this post makes bus companies ensure they are being considerate with their services. Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
Thanks Laura, I must admit that both of the drivers were really helpful x
Good for you! I live in Brighton & Hove and we use buses a lot – glad you had a positive experience #ablogginggoodtime
Glad you had a positive experience. Hope it allows you more freedom in the future, and as you say, give the confidence for other wheelchair users who might be a bit nervous to give it a try.
#adventurecalling
Buses can be difficult to navigate if you’re not used to them, I recently travelled by bus on my own with a 4 yr old and a 2yr old and a baby in a double buggy. It was stressful, I had to ask another passenger for help (literally she was left holding the baby) as I collapsed the buggy down. So good to hear you’ve conquered it though, you’ll be able to get to so many more places independently now! Great stuff #adventurecalling
Love that you got a round of applause from everyone and I’m sure your blog is a great inspiration to people getting used to wheelchair travel #adventurecalling
Thanks, that is my intention x
It’s great that you are slowly building up your confidence and getting more independence. I always enjoy reading blogs where people have a different perspective as it makes me more aware of others. I’m sure that you and your blog are a great inspiration to others in a similar position. i look forward to reading about your adventures as you get out and about. Thanks for sharing and the next #AdventureCalling will be open tomorrow morning.
Thanks, that’s my intention, I actually have something to add to that post, as yesterday morning I went out on the bus on my own for the first time and met up with a friend in town for coffee and cake, I feel proud and have more confidence to try again next week x
Congratulations on getting out there (literally)! In the last five years, my mother has had two massive strokes and they have left her with limited mobility and communication. You just made me smile thinking that maybe one day I will be able to get her out and about. I hope every time gets easier for you and every time you don’t have to wait too long on the bus.
Thanks, I have been on the bus alone since writing this post and coped well, hoping to again next week x
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My 14 yo became a wheelchair user last year and the thought of her using a bus sends me into a panic. I know I’ll be having arguments with inconsiderate people. Thanks for your post I’m glad you had a good experience but until they start treating disabled people with the same consideration as other minority groups then I don’t think my daughter will ever take the bus again.
DI wrote this post hoping to inspire others to take the plunge, honestly, having the courage to use the bus is the best thing I have done, looking forward to when it is safe to use it once more to meet up with friends in town for a coffee and cake