For example, maybe you’re a little unsteady on your feet so need time to get to your seat before the driver pulls away from the stop or you lip read so need the driver to face you when they speak. Whatever the help you need, these little cards will either already have an appropriate message for you to use, or you can fill in one of the blank ones with your own request for help.
Please note that the driver has no power to compel passengers to move in this way and is reliant upon the goodwill of the passengers concerned. Unfortunately, if a fellow passenger refuses to move, the wheelchair user will need to wait for the next bus. If the bus is full or there is already a wheelchair user on board unfortunately we will not be able to carry another wheelchair user.
If passengers do not respond to such a request, without good reason, and the bus is not full, the driver will advise passengers that they are required to move from the wheelchair space. The driver will consider other action such as not setting off from the stop until the situation is resolved.
First has signed up to the RNIB Charter to assist passengers with vision impairment. This means that if you are waiting at a bus stop the driver will stop, unless you have clearly signalled that you do not want the bus to stop, and advise which route the vehicle is operating. Even if the bus is full, the driver will stop and advise that this is the case, giving an indication of how long you will have to wait for the next service.
When your buggy friendly bus arrives, you should lean the buggy onto its rear wheels, move the buggy forward and lower the front wheels onto the bus. You can ask the driver to lower the step if you need to. Do not try to board when the step is lowering, as you could trap your buggys wheels between the step and the kerb.
Are dogs allowed on the PATH train?
Dogs are allowed on the PATH train as long as they are “properly confined for shipment,” meaning in a crate or container. Service animals are the exception.
Are dogs allowed on the AirTrain?
The AirTrain to JFK allows “small domestic animals in secure carriers” to travel on board. However, we’ve witnessed larger dogs using the AirTrain without a problem. Proceed at your own risk – fingers crossed!
First Bus Eclipse TOTO (Tap on Tap off)
We continually strive to be a one-stop-shop for all your doggy questions, our next one is a question from Susan, 36, from Lincolnshire who asks “Can you take a dog on buses? I can’t drive and I want to visit some dog parks a bit further out from where I live, a taxi won’t take me but will my local bus provider?”
This is a great question which won’t just affect Susan so we thought we’d do the research and find you the answer so that you and your pooch can have great days out knowing which bus routes and operators are dog friendly.
Dogs (adults and puppies) are allowed on all buses except National Express in the United Kingdom. They’re even allowed on TfL. Although, dogs and their owners are subjected to some restrictions on bus at the company and the driver’s behest.
It’s noteworthy that National Express does allow assistance dogs trained by the Member Organization of Assistance Dogs (UK) only if the dog carries the relevant identity card.