Minister warns bus drivers against wheelchair discrimination

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9: Transport Minister Derrick Burgess said bus drivers who do not allow wheelchair passengers access are contravening the Human Rights Act.

The Minister added those who deny access to those with baby carriages are also showing unlawful discrimination.

The Minister made the remarks today in the House of Assembly. They come after the well-publicized case of New Jersey resident Jeanette Carey.

Ms Carey had climbed aboard a bus and had her wheelchair folded up but the bus driver refused to go any further until she left the bus.

Other passengers chimed in with negative comments, telling her to get off the bus.

Mr Burgess said: “The Department of Public Transportation has identified the necessity of serving passengers who need wheelchair assistance and solidified this position on 18 May, 2011 when a memo was disseminated to all bus operators, supervisors and managers.

“The memo clearly gives a step by step process, including script, for handling passengers with wheelchairs.”

Mr Burgess said all bus drivers should have been well-versed in the policy.

“It was clearly communicated that all operators must allow passengers with collapsible wheelchairs access on the bus. 

“It was also explained that bus operators must accept passengers with collapsible baby carriages. Some of the newer models are too bulky for the storage areas in the buses and are, therefore, too large to handle.

“Baby carriages that fold down umbrella-style are generally small enough and readily accepted.”

Mr Burgess said the DOT is crafting a policy document that supports the Wheelchair Access memo. It will also include the parameters for allowing baby carriages. 

He said the policy will again be made known to bus drivers, “and will be included in the Bus Operators’ Handbook”.

“Signage will be erected at the central bus terminal, the Dockyard ground transportation area and in bus shelters across the island.

“This will foster clarity for passengers, existing staff members and will go a long way to ensuring that new operators know and adhere to the policy.”

He added: “The Department is aware that not allowing access for wheelchair and baby carriage users would be in contravention of the Human Rights Act, Part II Unlawful Discrimination.”