Managers at the centre of a row over a lack of space for buggies and wheelchairs on a new fleet of 100-seater buses could be quizzed by councillors over the crisis.
Lothian Buses’ 42 ecofriendly Alexander Dennis Enviro400 XLB buses have caused outrage over a single space for either a buggy or wheelchair, which the company insists is big enough to accommodate both.
Campaigning parents disagree, leading to 3,700 people signing a petition protesting at the new buses’ lack of space for buggies.
Now two separate motions will be tabled at the city council’s transport and environment committee on Thursday as councillors attempt to reach a solution.
Green Cllr Melanie Main’s motion calls on transport convener, Cllr Lesley Macinnes, to invite the chief executive of Lothian Buses, Richard Hall, and any relevant senior staff to appear in front of councillors to discuss the issues.
She said: “It’s essential that the city’s buses are accessible to all, including disabled people and parents or carers of young children.
“To have a single space shared by both wheelchair users and those with baby buggies is creating conflict between users and is simply not accessible. Lothian buses should be moving forwards on accessibility, not backwards, and I’m confident they will agree to firm action to address these problems.”
A separate motion by Labour Cllr Scot Arthur is calling on Lothian Buses to answer questions on what consultation took place with passengers before the new vehicles were introduced and also calls on Mr Hall to hold an open meeting with passengers, parents, senior citizens and disability support groups.
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Cllr Arthur said: “I view my motion as a test for the board of Lothian Buses.
“I am simply asking them to listen to the views of parents and people with mobility problems, and show that they are ready to deliver the inclusive public transport system our capital needs if it is to grow sustainably.”
Cllr Macinnes last week voiced concern about “serious issues” raised with the new buses. She remains adamant that public safety is paramount.
Cllr Macinnes said: “We support moves to increase bus capacity, which facilitates easier travel by public transport, something the council is committed to encouraging.
Work to prepare Edinburgh's roads for new tram line begins this month“However, this cannot, of course, come at the cost of accessibility or public safety, and I am well aware of recent issues surrounding access for wheelchair users and people with prams, as well as problems posed for some others.
“I have already been talking to Lothian Buses about these important issues, and encouraging them to look again at how to resolve them to ensure equal access and safety for passengers and other members of the public.”
The firm said it welcomed speaking to councillors about the concerns.
What Lothian Buses say:
Alan Black, Lothian’s head of service delivery, said: “The introduction of our new buses has been met with positive views from the majority of our customers who are travelling on them as part of the 2 million customer journeys we deliver each week.
“However, we recognise the importance of all the feedback we receive and we are happy to interact with the committee on the measures we are taking to ensure safety, comfort and accessibility across our mixed and varied fleet of almost 1,000 buses.”
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