National Express Coach Abandons Disabled Passenger at M1 Service Station
- Written by Roberto Castiglioni
45-year-old arthritis sufferer Selina Stacey was left behind after the coach she was traveling on left an M1 service station without her. The National Express coach made an unscheduled stop at a service station on M1 after being stuck in a traffic jam for over three hours.
Passengers, among them Selina Stacey, got off the bus to make use of the rest area. Mrs Stacey had a bitter surprise as she made her way back to the coach. She got off the service station just in time to see the coach drive off.
The unlucky disabled traveller, whose luggage remained the coach, was rescued by an ambulance.
According to the Sunday Mirror, National Express apologised to Mrs Stacey. The company suspended the driver.
I think Mrs Stacey should consider the option of hiring a solicitor. According to the Equality Act 2010, providers of transportation services "cannot refuse to serve you or provide a lower standard of service because of your disability. You must also not be treated unfavourably because of something connected with your disability, unless the treatment can be objectively justified".
While it is quite obvious why Mrs Stacey was last to return to the coach, it is also clear that there is no justification whatsoever for the coach driver to abandon her at the service station.
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Sunday Mirror (opens a new window)