Norwich son in electric wheelchair denied entry to First Bus

Patrick Fowler-Leader, who lives in Tuckswood, called the bus driver’s behaviour “disgusting” following the incident.

He explained that he had taken his son, Logan, to a doctor's appointment at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on Wednesday, June 11. 

Logan with his dad Patrick (Image: Kerry-Ann Fowler-Leader) READ MORE: Calls for more police patrols to help tackle anti-social behaviour on troubled estate

When their bus arrived to pick them up from the hospital, the 51-year-old father asked the driver to lower the wheelchair ramp so his son could get on. 

However, the First Bus driver refused him entry, claiming it was company policy that no electric wheelchairs were allowed on. 

Patrick, flabbergasted by this response, argued with the driver, saying it was a legal requirement to allow him to board.

Logan in his electric wheelchair (Image: Kerry-Ann Fowler-Leader) READ MORE: Convenience store opens in city with license to sell alcohol

Patrick said: "He started getting irate, saying manual wheelchairs were fine but not electric ones. We had never had this issue before."

The driver then called his bosses to clarify and was told the company does allow electric wheelchair users on as passengers. 

Patrick said: "So he lowered the ramp and I argued with him a bit once we were on because you can't treat people like that.

"But then he said to me 'if you don't shut up, I will kick you off my bus'.

"It was disgusting. That behaviour is just not acceptable," he added.

First Bus has said 'electric wheelchairs that meet its safety standards are welcome' (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest) READ MORE: Speed limit confusion on busy road as signs covered with bin bags

James McCluskey, commercial director of First Bus East of England, said the driver was looking for "guidance rather than refusing travel". 

He said: "We're sorry to hear about the experience and understand how upsetting it must have been.

"Electric wheelchairs that meet our safety standards are welcome on all First Bus services.

"With recent discussions around e-scooters and e-bikes, we recognise some confusion has arisen over what is permitted.

"In this instance the driver was unsure, sought clarification from a supervisor and the family were able to continue their journey.

"While the situation could have been handled more sensitively, it's clear the driver was seeking guidance rather than refusing travel.

"We are following up with additional training and reminding all drivers of our accessibility policy to ensure it is consistently applied."