Passengers travelling with prams, strollers or buggies are welcome on any Martin’s service. In some circumstances, it is possible for children travelling in prams to remain in the pram on board the bus, and in others the prams must be folded and stowed securely, with the child seated with their carer. The situation will vary depending on the model of bus in service.Children in single or twin prams, strollers and buggies are allowed on board wheelchair accessible buses through the wheelchair accessible doorway. Prams must be able to fit through the doorway and down the aisle to the priority wheelchair space. If the pram cannot fit, it must be folded. Our wheelchair accessible buses are built according to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002, and if the pram is less than 800mm wide, it will fit down the aisle.A parent or carer who folds the child’s pram will be carried on any of our buses. Bus Operators have the discretion to provide assistance but (other than lowering the bus) are not required to help passengers to enter or leave buses.
On a low-floor bus with wheelchair access and priority spaces, a child may stay in a pram or stroller while travelling, provided the pram or stroller is placed in the wheelchair priority area of the bus and the area is not required by a person in a wheelchair. For optimum safety, it is recommended that the stroller or pram is positioned facing the rear of the bus braced against the back of the seat or partition in front of the wheelchair space and the brakes (if any) applied. The parent of carer must also remain with the child in the pram. In this situation, the decision to leave the child in the pram is a matter for the parent or carer.
On low-floor buses without wheelchair spaces, a child may stay in the pram or stroller while entering the bus with the parent or carer, but the child must be removed and the pram or stroller stowed clear of the aisle or doorways before the bus moves from the bus stop.
On other buses without a low floor, a child may not stay in the pram or stroller while entering or travelling on the bus. The pram or stroller should be folded and stowed clear of the aisle or doorways and the child carried by the parent or carer.
Children in prams or strollers will only be carried on wheelchair accessible buses when placed in the designated wheelchair spaces. All such buses display the wheelchair sign on the front of the bus and on the wheelchair access entry door. On other buses without wheelchair spaces, prams and strollers must be folded and placed under the seat, and the child safely carried on a seat or on the carer’s lap.
Prams and strollers must not be placed in the aisle or in any other location that interferes with the entry or exit of passengers.
Bus Drivers will lower the bus for the entry or exit of occupied prams or strollers and will only extend the accessible ramp upon request of the parent/carer and where it is safe to do so.
Prams or strollers placed in designated accessible spaces must have the brake applied and be placed facing the rear of the bus. They must be in firm contact with the panel or bar behind them.
Prams and strollers must not have shopping bags, luggage or any similar item hanging from the handles; this can make them fall over. Items of this kind must be removed and either stowed in the luggage rack or held by a passenger.
If a designated accessible space occupied by a pram or stroller is required for a person in a wheelchair or other person with limited mobility, such as a senior, the wheelchair user/person with limited mobility has priority. The pram or stroller must be folded and its occupant safely carried on a seat or on the carer’s lap. The child and parent/carer is not expected to leave the bus under these circumstances.
If a passenger wishes to place a pram or stroller in the designated wheelchair space, and other passengers are already seated in the folding seats in that space, the passenger can ask them to move, but if they do not want to, the passenger must fold the pram or stroller and carry the occupant safely.
The Bus Operator’s principal task is to ensure that all passengers are taken safely and comfortably to their destinations and that the bus is at all times secure. That requires the Bus Driver to apply these rules, and also to take into account the needs of people who have limited mobility (whether or not they are using a mobility aid), who are frail or have some disability, and those who are using prams and strollers. The Bus Operator can therefore expect (and may ask) that passengers comply with these rules if they are travelling with a mobility aid, pram or stroller.
Bus Drivers may also ask that passengers not place prams or strollers (or other items) in such a way as to obstruct the aisle or to interfere with the entry or exit of passengers.
Because these rules are for the safety and comfort of all passengers, the Bus Driver may ask a passenger who is not prepared to abide by the rules to leave the bus (or may not allow such a passenger to enter the bus). If a passenger who is not complying with these rules refuses such a request, the Bus Operator may decide, in the interests of safety, not to proceed with the journey, and/or to seek assistance via the bus’ two-way radio.
For safety and security of the bus, Bus Drivers are not obliged to leave the driving seat to assist a passenger to enter or leave the bus, however may do so at their own discretion when assured the bus is secure.
Martin’s are committed to providing safe, comfortable and reliable transport for passengers, but being a passenger also carries some obligations.
All buses have maximum loading levels (the greatest number of passengers which can be safely carried), and this applies to intending passengers travelling with prams. Bus Operators with a fully loaded bus will not pick up a passenger just because he or she is travelling with a pram.
It is in the interests of safety and comfort that these procedures be followed. Passengers who do not follow these rules may be asked to leave the bus.
