Real hassle on the buses

This letter is published in today's Leicester Mercury:

Real hassle on the buses

I have read the story "Bus drivers humiliated me, says disabled man" (Mercury, February 19).

I received a questionnaire this week from Vista, the blind and partially-sighted people's organisation, asking if they could try to make things better with things like buses, airports, shops and banks, where people have difficulties.

I have emphasised buses, as some of the drivers, not all, are ignorant.

Getting on and off buses when you are disabled is a problem. I am partially sighted. I walk with a stick because I have walking difficulties as well and also carry a shopping bag.

When you ask the drivers to let the bus down, they just ignore you or look at you as if you are not there.

I always emphasise the words "please" and "thank you" when I ask someone to do something for me. I always taught my children good manners cost nothing but it falls on deaf ears with some drivers.

On Narborough Road where the big car showroom is, some of the buses come from the slip road at the side of the motorway. They don't even bother to pull in at the bus stop kerb. They stop in the middle of the road and don't bother to let the bus down. I have very often had to let the bus go and wait for the one that comes round the corner of Braunstone Lane as they do stop and pull into the kerb.

Now I get a taxi if I'm going into town. It's less hassle but more money as I have a free bus pass.

Maybe some more disabled people could write in and perhaps Arriva could sort these ignorant bus drivers out; and it's not just disabled people – it's mums with prams. I've heard drivers shouting at them because the prams are in the way.

Buses are supposed to be a service for the people of Leicester not just a job for a driver. What's happened to courtesy these days? I'll answer that myself. Gone down the drain with "please" and "thank you".

Lorna K Crane, Braunstone South