GARRETT TOLD: YOU CAN’T GET ON THE 133
Rathnew man refused entry calls for answers from Bus Éireann
A RATHNEW MAN says his independence has been reduced as he was refused entry onto a public bus and told that it cannot take wheelchair users. Garrett Jameson (37) is seeking answers from Bus Éireann as to why he cannot use the 133 bus, which carries a disabled access sticker.
A RATHNEW wheelchair user has spoken of his anger and frustration over being refused access onto the Bus Éireann 133 bus.
Garrett Jameson (37) says that in recent years he has been forced to stop taking public transport as he was informed that the buses were unable to accept wheelchair users.
‘It was no problem up to around five years ago as I can walk and for a short distance while somebody helps me with my wheelchair. I used to be able to get the 133 but in recent years the drivers have all changed and I was told that they were not trained yet. I was also told that some bus stops weren’t equipped to cater for wheelchair users, but the 133 has a disabled route sticker on it so I should be able to travel on it,’ said Mr Jameson.
Mr Jameson says he feels discrimated against and that his independence has been reduced as a result of the gradual changes.
‘I now have to reply on my sister or my personal assistant for lifts. I go to Bray every week for appointments and I would prefer to be able to travel on the bus instead of asking people to drive me.’
Mr Jameson was informed by the service provider that a review of the 133 route is currently underway and is expected to be completed in the coming months.
It will also be the case that wheelchair users will have to give 24 hours notice if they intend to travel so that seats can be removed to make space for their wheelchairs.
According to Mr Jameson, this is not good enough.
‘I was told that everything would take a few months but this has been going on for years. If the bus is equipped for wheelchair passengers then how can it be a problem and how come it was never an issue in the past, but it is now,’ Mr Jameson said.
A spokesperson for Bus Éireann said that at present Route 133 cannot facilitate wheelchair users ‘ because there is not adequate bus stop infrastructure to safely operate the wheelchair lift.’
‘The bus stop infrastructure is a matter for the local authority who are working with the National Transport Authority and Bus Éireann to make more stops wheelchair Accessible in the future. In Q4 of this year, we will be launching the Route 133 as an accessible route at limited stops, once we carry out risk assessment and suitability at certain stops on the route. This will in turn provide an accessible service for Dublin city and Dublin Airport.’
‘Before this is introduced we do advise advance booking of 24 hours in advance is a requirement for routes that are wheelchair accessible, as per our policy and procedures. This booking is required to ensure seats are removed from a coach to facilitate the wheelchair and that only one wheelchair is booked on a particular service, i.e. only one wheelchair can be accommodated on a coach or bus.’