Dear Boris Johnson: Call for London Mayor to meet disabled bus-users in Richmond

Since we highlighted the story of 21-year-old wheelchair-user Clare Watson, who is too scared to go out alone because of her experience of using buses, we have been contacted by others who face a similar battle.

Miss Watson, of Portman Avenue, East Sheen, faces daily excuses from bus drivers who refuse to put the wheelchair ramp down, tell her there is no room on the bus for her or simply drive past leaving her on the street.

She faces humiliation and embarrassment just for wanting to do what most of us do – get on a bus.

This situation has gone on far too long and the Richmond and Twickenham Times believes enough is enough – Boris we want you to visit our borough and hear what Miss Watson, and others, have to say.

Our call is backed by London Assembly members, Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith, councillors and disability charity Richmond Aid.

A spokesman from the charity said: “Richmond Aid support Clare’s right to expect an accessible public transport system that enables her and other disabled to fully participate in society.

“Clare, like thousands of other disabled people, has to cope with barriers that non-disabled people never experience. The Mayor of London has said he would ensure no bus leaves a depot with a ramp that doesn’t work, and Clare’s experiences shows that this has not happened.”

Caroline Pidgeon, London Assembly transport committee vice-chairwoman, added her support.

She said: “I hope Boris Johnson, who is chairman of Transport for London (TfL), comes and hears at first hand about the appalling treatment facing Clare Watson and many other disabled people.”

“The Mayor must now take a lead on this issue and ensure that bus services across London really are accessible for everyone.”

East Sheen councillor Nicola Urquhart met Miss Watson on Friday and backed our call to the Mayor.

She said: “I think it would be a wonderful thing to do – we all want our young people with disabilities to lead as full a life as possible. We need to raise the profile a bit and see if we can iron this out. To have this on four bus routes is appalling.”

Mr Goldsmith said: “For a young girl to have to worry about whether or not she can go out by bus is wrong, and I hope we can do something about it.”

Miss Watson spoke out last week about the nightmare she faces every time she tries to use public transport.

She said: “I’m too scared to go out on my own now. It makes me sad it makes me angry. All buses should be made accessible for people in wheelchairs but they’re not if drivers are not going to put ramps down or let us use it – every time we want to get on a bus we should be able to.”

In one week the former Waldegrave School pupil reported the behaviour of bus drivers five times to TfL and has written to the Mayor’s office twice asking him to contact her so she can explain the problems she faces.

A date for a meeting has yet to be arranged – but we urge Mr Johnson to set one soon.

Since our story other wheelchair-users have come forward to speak of their experiences.

Cecilia Paxton, 49, of Stretton Road, Ham, said her husband often has to lift her on board as they are told ramps are not working. However, even though she is often left behind at stops she is too scared to report bus drivers as she fears things will get worse.

She said: “It seems to be a small amount of drivers who are very unhelpful, but then there are a few that will go out of their way to help.

“Some do still go past when they see you anyway. When it just goes past you, you feel as if you’re not worth anything.”

Have you been affected by the issues raised? Contact Christine Fleming on 020 8744 4274 or email cfleming@london.newsquest.co.uk.

Christine Fleming spends the afternoon on the buses with 21-year-old Clare

Going to the shops or visiting friends is something most of us take for granted – we can drive there, take the Tube or train or even just hop on a bus.

Unfortunately, for some people life is not so easy.

After spending a day with 21-year-old wheelchair user Clare Watson I realised just how difficult getting around can really be.

Clare cannot use trains or the Tube, as not all stations have disabled access, and she cannot drive a car as she has epilepsy – so that leaves buses.

When I spent the afternoon on the buses with her we got off to a smooth start – all the ones we hailed stopped and lowered their ramps, letting Clare on without any problems.

Everything was going very well and Clare said if all bus journeys were this easy she would no longer fear leaving the house alone.

Then things took a turn for the worse, and I found myself shocked at the hostile reception we received when we boarded a number 33 bus.

As the bus approached the kerb the driver clearly recognised Clare and her mother and appeared to be laughing at them and pointing.

The ramp was not immediately lowered, and when it was the doors didn’t open and the ramp sprung back in.

The driver switched off the engine before turning to the Watsons shrugging her shoulders as if to say “oh well”.

When the driver restarted the engine and let the Watsons on Clare’s mother questioned her behaviour and said she would report her, but the driver merely shouted “You are crazy. All the bus drivers know you”.

A spokesman for London United said: “CCTV will be recovered from the vehicle concerned and the driver will be interviewed.

“Depending on the outcome of the interview the whole incident could be subject of a full inquiry.

“Any action resulting from an inquiry will be in line with our company procedures.”

To be able to use a public bus with ease and comfort – and to be treated with respect – should be a right, not a privilege.

Truth be told I realised that if I had to face what Clare does on a daily basis I would be scared to leave the house too.