Refused by the E3
I've mentioned the stupidity of the 9am limit for use of the Freedom Pass, and today i had practical experience of it. I wanted to got to M&S during the 'priority for the vulnerable' hour, and turned up at the E3 stop before 9am. The driver of the first bus refused to let me board, and when I protested, I was told, very politely, 'That's between you and TfL'. I know from experience that it now takes me 20 minutes on foot from the Town Hall stop to M&S, with 2 rests, and I arrive exhausted. So I waited, though standing also tires me (there is no seating). The next driver beckoned me in. It was still before 9am. By the time I left the shop, it was pretty busy, so if I had waited until after the arbitrary permitted time, I would have been in a much more risky environment.Like so many other decrees,issued by Government, TfL or LBH, this one hasn't been thought through. If I lived further down SCR, I would be totally dependent on bus services, and I wonder how many other vulnerable people are being affected by this pointless measure. And, by the way, Ms M and others who extol the advantages of a 3-wheeler or a lie-down-and pedal bike, I have never seen one in the 40 years I've lived in Chiswick, and would not use one in any circumstances.
Arnold Saxton ● 2291d67 Comments