Newbiggin family left stranded at bus station

Posted by The Journal on Apr 26, 09 10:07 AM in News

A mum was left stranded with her twin babies and wheelchair-bound mother after a bus driver refused to let them on.

Christine Smith, 26, of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, was left fuming when she was not allowed to board an Arriva no 35 bus at Ashington bus station.

Christine Smith, 26, of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, with her twins, L-R Leah and Charlie, 9 months, daughter Lani-Sky Smith age 4, and mother Linda Chaplin

Christine Smith, 26, of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, with her twins, Leah (left) and Charlie, 9 months, daughter Lani-Sky Smith age 4, and mother Linda Chaplin

The double-sided bus was big enough for the tandem buggy of her twin eight-month-old girls Charlie and Leah and her wheelchair-bound mum Linda Chaplin, 47, who suffers mini-strokes.

But the driver wrongly insisted they could not all board as he was concerned about the space they would take-up.

And so they were left for 50 minutes before the family could board another bus.

Ms Smith says she went into the bus depot to make a complaint but received little sympathy there.

It was not until she contacted higher management that she received an apology and vouchers.

Since Ms Smith's problem a notice has been placed in Ashington bus station reminding drivers of their responsibilities to passengers with pushchairs and wheelchairs.

She said: "I was absolutely fuming. He was really awful and arrogant. The other passengers on the bus were saying I could board it but he was just horrible.

"I said I had been doing it since my babies were born but he just said he wasn't letting me on and I would have to take it up with his manager.

"I went in to the depot and they all turned around and said my buggy was a monstrosity and the driver had to comply with his licence.

"I feel angry and annoyed about this as I can't help having to travel with a double buggy."

John Fozzard, marketing manager at Arriva, said: "We have spoken to the driver and have written to Ms Smith and passed on our regrets that she experienced this incident.

"We apologise for any distress and inconvenience caused and have offered her travel vouchers.

"The driver has been interviewed and was under the impression that he could only carry one buggy or wheelchair.

"We have made him aware that this is not the case and it should help in the future."

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