Here is the letter that Tracey Proudlock wrote.

Failed to Stop

I was waiting to get the number 4 bus from outside of St Paul's on Saturday (10/09/2011) evening at 18.45. I positioned myself by the roadside in front of the tourists so the driver would be able to see me in good time and then plan to park the bus so he could put the wheelcair ramp down. As the bus approached the driver signalled that we would be pulling in and he did approach the kerb but he failed to open his doors and swiftly pulled out.

This has happened on other routes, I believe sometimes a driver does not open his doors to wheelchair passengers if there is already someone in the allocated disabled area (usually a buggy/parents).

Please remind drivers that the allocated space for wheelchair users is prioritised for them and its is reasonable to ask someone to move their pram/buggy.

Because of these problems my journey was very much delayed and I was very late getting home, I was in fact very cold and needing a WC. When things go wrong for disabled passengers the consequences are high because there are so few travel options, little underground or overground access.

Really sorry to hear about this Tracey - I hope you get a satisfactory response.

Have just Tweeted your campaign details - hope it makes a difference Tracey. Good luck and let me know how it's going. Cheers, Brian

Got into Facebook at last to Support you Tracey

Apologies - the attachment is available at http://www.fixmytransport.com/campaigns/remove-barriers-that-exclude-disabled-people/incoming_messages/665.

The guidance for bus drivers is clear: wheelchair users *always* have priority in wheelchair bays, and drivers are obliged to ask buggy users to fold their pushchairs if a wheeler needs the space.

However, Transport for All's Advicacy line (we're the organisation representing older and disabled transport users) gets HUGE numbers of complaints that this doesn't happen!

It's unacceptable that disabled people are left on the side of the road. Our On the Buses campaign is demanding that bus driver training directly involves older and disabled people.
http://www.transportforall.org.uk/news/gearing-up-for-the-bus-day-of-action

Feel free to get in touch for support and advice (we're free to join!) contactus at transportforall.org.uk

Valid point. Remember this bus drivers, that when you drive off because you are late, that we may be stranded because we can't get the tube or train. Or another bus, because it's too crowded.

Good prompt action with the time & route detail - all TfL contracted London Buses have full CCTV recording, but this does overwrite. I would expect that this is being downloaded (it overwrites every 7 or 14 days I think depending on the system) to give a clear history of the event.

Certainly I'd urge anyone denied carriage on a London Bus to secure the CCTV by giving as much detail as you can about the bus, location and time.

I'd also float the idea that those who do need greater certainty about getting on a bus of train might consider the development of clear and quick messaging using SMS text and Twitter with mobile phones. It should be possible to have a service to send a message giving the bus or train route, stop location (many bus stops now have their unique location number on the flag) and the time you are planning to board the service to a central handling address for the route/area/company and then your call is sent to notify the driver or train crew who can then confirm the space is available, or if not to advise of the alternative services available*. With modern communication systems the uncertainties for bus and coach, or 24 hours notice detail presented on rail should no longer be a requirement for all but the most remote locations. NB for rail using the MixingDeck software on East Coast you can record your requirements as a 1-off detail and make an assisted passenger reservation on-line when you book tickets - so it can be done.

* With the improved access to trains, I've noted that groups of wheelchair users are now able to travel together pressing the initial level of provision which tends to be 1-2 spaces on a typical 2-3 coach train.

So we have it with East Coast for rail now let's see if we can deliver a system with a good bus operator - I'd reckon we look at Trent Barton. Lothian, or Brighton & Hove. Delivering an example of doing it well might shame the less good into matching that service.