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Bus driver refused to let me use ramp

Ailsa Cranna
16/10/2003

A MULTIPLE Sclerosis sufferer from Swinton is celebrating after winning an apology from a bus company she says gave her a rough ride.

Kate Aston-Martin launched her battle against First bus chiefs after suffering what she describes as a "humiliating" ordeal. Now the company have apologised and offered to pay for her wheelchair to be repaired after it was damaged when the driver refused to let her use a specially adapted ramp.

Kate, aged 38, of Mimosa Drive, suffers from severe MS and epilepsy. On September 23, she and carer John Gresty were travelling back from Manchester. She says when the bus pulled up John asked the driver if she would pull forward so we could get the wheelchair on but she refused saying there was no room.

Said Kate: "John pointed to the wheelchair space which was empty and she drew towards the curb and let us on. It was humiliating; I felt as if everyone was looking at me."

Then, when they got to their stop at Bolton Road, Pendlebury, Kate said the driver refused to let John use the bus ramp - in accordance with union rules. Eventually, Kate says John and two passengers managed to get her chair off the bus, but not before it had become jammed in the doorway. In freeing herself, Kate was injured and one of the wheels snapped off.

Derek Draper, First's operations director for bus services in West Manchester said: "We were very concerned to hear of Ms Aston-Martin's experiences whilst travelling on one of our buses and immediately launched a full investigation. A written apology was sent to Ms Aston-Martin on September 25, whilst these enquiries were still being completed.

"On Friday October 10 two of our services managers visited her at home, to discuss the results of our operational investigations and subsequently they have also agreed to meet repair costs for minor damage to her wheelchair. Once again, I'd like to apologise for any distress caused by this unfortunate incident."

They have also promised that John that will be given permission to use the ramp in future.