Roosevelt Island Mom With Sick Child Denied Entry On Red Bus With Open Baby Stroller - Is Driver's Discretion Working?
Image of Unfolded Stroller On Red Bus During Rush Hour Last Month
An update to this post on new Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) policy allowing open baby strollers on the Red Bus at the discretion of bus drivers.
During last Wednesday's January 2012 meeting of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council, RIRA President Matt Katz reported that a mother returning home from a hospital emergency room visit for her sick child on a very cold day was denied entry on the Red Bus with an open stroller by the Red Bus Driver even though, according to the mother, there was ample room on the bus for an open stroller. The mother went to RIOC to complain about this incident.
During the discussion it was pointed out that open baby strollers are not permitted on NY City buses.
Here's the discussion.
You Tube Video of RIRA Open Baby Stroller On Red Bus Discussion
I asked RIOC for a comment on this incident last Thursday and was told they are looking into it.
It was also reported during the discussion that people in wheelchairs are not allowed to get on or off the Red Bus at the Tram Station Stop but must use the subway Red Bus Stop and then make their way to the Tram. According to RIRA Planning Committee Chair Frank Farance, the reason for this is that there is currently no curb at the Tram Red Bus Stop but that will soon be fixed and then wheelchair users will be able to use the Tram Bus Stop.
3 comments :
I am confused. This is exactly what "discretion of bus drivers" mean. For whatever reason he or she judged the situation and said "no". Perfect example why this whole thing is nonsense. Have certain times when it is prohibited. Instead of saying "it is allowed at any time unless the driver says otherwise" make it "it is allowed during certain times but not during other times unless the bus driver says otherwise (and he/she only has that option during the 'no open stroller' time of the day)". Problem solved.
I agree with YetAnotherRier below. Once again RIOC can't plan or make decisions. Just as disturbing is Frank Farance's comment that the disabled cannot exit the Red Bus at the Tram because there is no curb. RIRA expects people in wheelchairs to get off at the subway and "make their way to the Tram". This is completely unconscionable. I guess the thought of a University and all that money rolling in has clouded the judgment of those in charge. Are you deliberately trying to make travelling on Roosevelt Island even more difficult for the disabled than it already is? I'm checking into whether this rule violates the equal access laws for the disabled in this state and city. Of course with proper planning all of the bus stops would have curbs. What a disgrace!!!!!!!!!!!! Those in charge don't seem to consider the disabled as residents of the Island.
My explanation on the necessity of a curb was reporting what Cy Opperman (RIOC's red bus manager) told Mr. Katz, Mr. Hamburger, and me at a recent RIOC-RIRA meeting on red bus service. I, too, am unhappy that RIOC has not completed the necessary construction work -- this request has been outstanding for a year now and the construction work seems to be minor. This construction work work always seems to be "soon", I hope RIOC finishes it real soon.
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