David Fraser Travel Blog
Newquay Bus Station Manor Road catching the National Express Coach
I arrived at the Bus station in Newquay nice an early at 1.30 pm. I had pre-booked a seat and assistance on the coach. The coach was full up and even though I had booked a seat some passengers would not move, so the driver moved me further down the coach which then made it difficult for me to get out of my seat. I was also not given any assistance on the coach. So when we arrived in Plymouth I asked the driver if I could get on a different coach. I did this once we arrived in Plymouth and I was able to get a seat with more legroom.
Plymouth Bus Station
Glasgow
Plymouth to London Coach
I had double checked that assistance was booked for me on the journey from London to Glasgow at home before I left. But once again there was no was assistance provided. I went to the National Express office to complain about this and they explained that assistance was only provided during working hours and finished at 9.30 pm – I suggested to them that assistance should be provided around the clock 24 hours a day as otherwise disabled individuals and especially foreign disabled individuals may not be able to board and find coaches. So on paper it seems that National Express say they provide assistance to the disabled to meet the requirement of the Disability Discrimination Act, however in practice at least for me it appears they do not and only during their working hours.
I was asked if I needed any assistance. I replied that as I was familiar with my surroundings, at Glasgow, I didn’t need any as I knew from previous experience where to go.
On the plane ready for take-off – I informed the stewardesses that I can have seizures at times due to tiredness and stress. The flight was good. This was the first time I had flown with Flybe. I talked to the stewardesses about issues of disability awareness and how the toilets where not disability friendly. The stewardesses had disability awareness but nothing had been done to resolve problems with disabled facilities.The stewardesses said that some passengers have raised the issues that disabled people have experienced with Flybe in the past, however not action has been taken to improve disabled facilities.
London to Glasgow Coach
Travel Lodge at Glasgow Airport
Catching the dawn shuttle bus to Glasgow airport.
Checking in at Glasgow airport.
Arrival at Manchester Airport.
The assistance at Manchester was really fantastic because I had really good help getting off the plane and I went into the airport lounge and the check in desk for my connecting flight was right inside the entrance so I did not need to walk very far to catch my next plane. Also they were already aware of my disability, because of this they were able to put me at ease.
Arrival at Exeter Airport.
At Exeter the assistant provided for me helped me off the plane and this assistance was good. Next time I go to Glasgow I will make sure I book more in advance and meet the special assistants at Glasgow and talk about disability awareness with them and find out how they provide for individuals with special needs including how they provide for disabled tourists.