Bus company’s ‘one dog’ policy outlined after OAP complains STAGECOACH:

Former conductor argues for improved customer discretion

A bus company has told Tayside passengers that only one dog can have its day.

Stagecoach gave details of its solo pooch policy in response to a complaint from an Angus pensioner.

William Green, 79, from Arbroath, who carries a stick because he is unsteady on his feet, got on the 27 bus to Forfar at Seaton Road with his Jackadoodle, Pippa.

There was already another dog sitting at the feet of a woman on the bottom deck when he paid his fare.

The driver allowed Mr Green and Pippa to board but only if they went upstairs.

Mr Green said there were empty seats on the bottom deck and believes “common sense should have prevailed”.

“I was boarding the bus with my tiny dog and the female driver told me that I would have to go upstairs as there was a dog already on.

“If this had been a single deck bus I wouldn’t have been allowed on at all. Surely Stagecoach drivers are capable of a little discretion when it comes to pensioners? I shudder to think what would have happened if I had fallen on the bus stairs.”

Mr Green said the bus was almost empty when he got on board and Pippa usually sits on his lap.

Mr Green, who used to be a bus conductor, said: “I remember there was a rule when I worked in Aberdeen that all dogs had to go upstairs when they got on the bus.

“One day an owner told me there was no way she’d get her dog up the stairs so I told her, ‘Just you stand here on the platform with me’.

“I applied discretion in my day and I remember once that I even allowed a motorbike to come on my bus. Times have changed but there must be a degree of common sense.

“If I had not been able to go on the bus I would have been forced to wait an hour for the next one.

“That’s a long time and the bus company is there to provide a service.”

The Stagecoach animal policy states that the driver may “reasonably decide where on the bus the animal is best carried”.

Where appropriate, dogs must be muzzled or put on a lead in accordance with the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Guide dogs, hearing or assistance dogs accompanying registered disabled persons are carried free of charge at any time.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach East Scotland said: “Our aim is, and always will be, for our customers to travel as comfortably and easily as possible.

“Our policy states only one dog is allowed on our vehicles at one time.

“In this instance our driver assessed the situation and allowed another small dog to be carried on board with the condition that the passenger sit at a different area of the bus.

“This policy is in place for the comfort and safety of our passengers.”

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If this had been a single deck bus I wouldn’t have been allowed on... surely drivers are capable of a little discretion when it comes to pensioners? WILLIAM GREEN, 79

Picture: Paul Reid.