A BRADFORD man has received an apology from First Bus after he and his wheelchair-bound son were denied access to a bus and forced to wait for the next service.

Lee Rylance, 36, had just done his shopping at Morrisons on Mayo Avenue and was waiting for the X63 bus at around 1pm on February, 23.

His son, Oliver, has several conditions including Global Development Delay and clubfoot.

Mr Rylance said: "I was waiting with my four-year-old disabled son who is in a wheelchair when the bus pulled up.

"The driver looked over his shoulder, saw that there was a pram at the front of the bus and refused to let me on.

"Normally if there is a pram, the driver will ask the owner if they mind moving it or making the space more accessible, but this driver didn't, he just didn't let us board the bus.

"I was obviously very angry about the whole situation because it's my son it happened to and we had to wait for the next bus, but I wanted to get home as quickly as possible so I could get him his lunch on time."

A spokesperson for First Bus said: "We're sorry this customer was unable to travel with us on the first bus that came to the stop where they were waiting. A message will have been relayed to the depot to inform drivers of other buses on the route that a wheelchair customer has had to wait.

"It is our clear policy that wheelchair users should be given priority use of the space provided, subject to their comfort and safety and that of other passengers.

"Drivers are trained to assess the situation when the wheelchair space is occupied by a buggy or pram and make a decision, requesting other passengers to move or make room if capacity allows this.

"We have reviewed the contact with our customer service advisor and, while this wheelchair policy was explained, a follow up call we promised was not made. We would like to apologise and will be providing feedback to the advisor with refresher training if needed.

"The depot team is making sure drivers are fully aware of the policy and their practice but we would not share the outcome of any disciplinary process that was seen as necessary." 

Upon hearing the response from First Bus, Mr Rylance said: "I'm glad they've acknowledged this, and they are going to do something about it."

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