Drivers rude to elderly and vulnerable

By Alex Delaney

VULNERABLE people in Islington have experienced verbal abuse from bus drivers for Dial-a-Ride, who specialise in services for the elderly and disabled, according to Age Concern.

Kate Tansley of Age Concern said: “Those dealing with the elderly need to be patient and understanding. It is really disappointing that some of the drivers have been rude to them. Problems like this simply compound the bad experience of the elderly in society.”

Marion Thom, from the Association of Greater London Older Women (AGLOW), said that many of their members had experienced similar problems with the drivers.

“It is disgraceful that some of the most vulnerable people in the community should be treated this way," she said. "I encourage my members to make a fuss when they have a driver with a bad attitude, but some of the older ladies really aren’t capable of calling the council or the companies to complain, so I occasionally do it for them.”

Dial-a-ride is a private-hire bus service run by Transport for London (TfL). Tom Moult, Press officer for TfL, said: “We look into all complaints, but the survey we conducted in August of this year showed a 95% satisfaction rate in driver courtesy and helpfulness.”