Common deceny, not fines is what we need

THIS week it was suggested that Transport Minister Shane Ross is to examine the possibility of fining people who refuse to fold up their children’s pushchairs to make room for wheelchair users on buses.

This whole debate really saddens me as at the heart of it is really a widespread lack of consideration for others, which unfortunately a common theme on public transport.

The fact that wheelchair users are finding themselves unable to access buses is a disgrace in itself, but to think that people would not make every effort to make room for a wheelchair-user seeking to board the vehicle is appalling.

However,I do not feel that the fault lies solely with parents, but rather those who are just oblivious to others at every turn.

Taking wheelchair users out of the debate for a minute - and you can guarantee that most parents with pushchairs have found it a nightmare to and get them and their child onto a Dublin Bus because the majority of people just will not move back to make room. And as for anyone helping them - it’s like roulette - maybe you will get lucky and maybe you won’t.

As for struggling with a folded up pushchair and a baby or toddler at the same time, while the bus is moving - it just would not work.

It’s even worse for wheelchair users as they try and get on to battle with the buggies and the immovable standing passengers who make them feel like a burden for simply wanting to use the same service as them.

In my opinion there should be the bare minimum of seating downstairs on city buses, reserved for the elderly and those with reduced mobility. Then this would free up room for passengers with wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The fact that our transport minister is having to look at fining people is a disgrace when all that is needed is come common sense and frankly - good manners.

We see it all the time - people pretend they don’t see an elderly or heavily pregnant person just so they can selfishly stay in their seats, and let’s not forget those passengers who feel they need to occupy a second seat just for their bag.

If people had a bit more common decency then this whole matter wouldn’t even be up for discussion.

The downstairs space on most city buses is tight enough, making it difficult to accomodate wheelchairs and pushchairs. Reduced seating downstairs would free up more space.