Bus driver refuses to lower ramp for toddler in wheelchair, leaving him stranded on the road

Despite the tfl’s assurance of a comprehensive investigation, skeptics contend that these incidents expose a more profound issue within London’s public transportation network.

Concerns have been raised regarding the level of training provided to bus drivers in regards to disability awareness and the significance of adhering to accessibility protocols.

Some people speculate that the consistent refusals might suggest a bias or a widespread disregard for passengers with concealed disabilities.

The repeated documentation of the mother’s experiences indicates that this is not an isolated incident, but rather a recurring problem faced by numerous disabled passengers—a matter that requires immediate action beyond mere apologies and promises of investigations. 

A mother has posted a video demonstrating a bus driver’s refusal to lower the ramp for her disabled son, causing him to be left behind as the bus drives away. The anonymous mum reveals that this distressing situation occurs up to 12 times a week, with London bus drivers abandoning her son on the roadside, prompting her to document these incidents. 

One video, captured at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, displays her standing at the entrance of the 197 bus in Croydon. She pressed the button to ask the driver to lower the ramp as she was taking her two-year-old son, Charles, to a specialized play session in his wheelchair. The male driver gestured for her to move to the front of the bus, disregarding the chair as ‘just a buggy’ and instructed her to ‘bump it up’ before departing.

A second video, recorded around 12:15 p.m. on their journey back home, captures a female driver who got off the bus and tried to lift the chair inside. When the mother refused, the driver went back to the cab, but a supervisor directed her to lower the ramp, enabling the mother and Charles to board. 

The mother started recording because this occurs approximately 12 times per week since Charles was discharged from the hospital a year ago.

Charles suffers from a chronic lung condition and relies on a ventilator for at least 16 hours each day. He receives nourishment through a tube inserted into his stomach and is unable to communicate verbally or walk. On August 8, 2022, Charles was born prematurely at a weight of 2 lbs. He arrived four weeks after his twin sister’s passing. 

Charles is provided with a unique chair by NHS wheelchair services for his travels. His life-sustaining equipment, including a ventilator, oxygen tank, suction machine, and feeding pump, are kept safely under the seat, as the mother clarified.

She refrains from lifting the chair onto buses herself, concerned that the equipment might get damaged or fall, and that the feeding or waste tubes could become dislodged. 

The single mother, who quit her roles as a caregiver and administrator after Charles was born, expressed her distress and humiliation when this occurs. When I arrived at the soft play, I was crying. Buses have always been Charles’ passion, and after this, all I want is to return home—but I have to continue for him.

It’s heartbreaking to stand at the bus stop, watching the bus drive away, knowing that you’ll be late for your appointment. They are indifferent—it only requires a click. Individuals who do not require the ramp will not request its use. It is not necessary for anyone to explain or justify their disability or requirements. 

‘it’s discrimination because his chair doesn’t resemble a conventional wheelchair, and that’s unjust Certain individuals have concealed disabilities, and drivers have no entitlement to inquire about them. It’s already challenging for us to leave the house, and he needs to be back on the ventilator soon. 

‘Charles fights for every day of his life Once we leave the house, I just hope everything goes smoothly—that’s not too much to ask. All I want is to board the bus without any disagreements. By the time we’ve had the discussion, they could have just lowered the ramp—it doesn’t make any sense.’.

The mother uploaded the videos on TikTok, and they have garnered over half a million views. Other parents of children with disabilities expressed that they encounter similar difficulties on a daily basis. 

Rosie Trew, the head of bus service delivery at TfL, emphasized that wheelchair users and individuals with specific needs should have the expectation of having a ramp available on every journey. Any refusal to use the ramp without a valid reason is completely unacceptable, and we sincerely apologize for the distress it has caused. We are collaborating with the bus company to conduct a comprehensive investigation into these incidents and urge anyone who encounters similar problems to report them promptly. 

In summary, the mother’s repeated encounters shed light on a persistent and concerning problem faced by families with disabled children attempting to utilize public transportation. Despite the existence of legal rights and the provision of accessibility features such as ramps, some bus drivers continue to neglect their duty to assist passengers with disabilities, resulting in stranded and distressed individuals.

The emotional impact on both the child and his mother is significant, underscoring the pressing requirement for improved training, awareness, and accountability among public transport personnel. Transportation officials have recognized the issue and promised to look into it, but until there is a consistent display of respect and support, families like charles’ will continue to encounter unnecessary obstacles while trying to navigate their way.