Parents’ praise for action of Brighton bus firm bosses

Kieren Browning, pictured with his dad Nick Browning, mum Vickie Browning and brother Jayden Browning Kieren Browning, pictured with his dad Nick Browning, mum Vickie Browning and brother Jayden Browning

The father of a disabled boy who was refused access on a bus has praised bosses for their response.

Nine-year-old Kieran Browning has an aggressive brain tumour which means he can only get around in a wheelchair.

His parents, Nick and Vickie, of Whitley Road, Eastbourne, said they were left shocked when they were refused places on a Brighton and Hove Bus Company vehicle when they took him to watch Brighton and Hove Albion at American Express Community Stadium on Saturday.

The driver claimed there was no space but then let another ten people on at the stop outside Mithras House in Lewes Road, Brighton.

After being contacted by The Argus, the bus firm has confirmed the driver was in the wrong and has apologised to the family.

The company also sent a basket of fruit to the family’s home.

Mr Browning said: “I am really happy and proud by the way the company has dealt with this and in no way hold any grudge.

“In fact we are touched by their actions. It was the actions of one driver which was of concern and the company swiftly addressed this.

“Many thanks to The Argus for your help, it is very much appreciated.”

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Comments(9)

qm says...
11:15am Wed 30 Jan 13

I do believe the miscreants have been left speechless by this good hearted article regarding Brighton buses. Well done to all concerned . . . . am holding my breathe . . . 1 . . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . . :))

mimseycal says...
11:31am Wed 30 Jan 13

Glad to hear it. Let us hope that those relatively few drivers who do not implement the policy take note.

Vigilia says...
1:33pm Wed 30 Jan 13

What a very gracious response from Mr and Mrs Browning.

Charlie Oscar says...
1:51pm Wed 30 Jan 13

They are clearly listening to their customers and know what good customer service is all about.

What a nice story for a change.

peachesncream says...
7:12pm Wed 30 Jan 13

I'm so pleased at the bus company's response and that they have confirmed that the driver was in the wrong.

I wonder if the driver was the same one who refused to stop the 5B yesterday to pick up passengers on a normal service bus carrying lots of school children when there was plenty of standing room on board.

I do hope that the bus company will remind all its drivers that if there is space on a bus they must stop to allow passengers to board.

It will be great if this leads to consistently good treatment by the bus drivers for all disabled people, whether or not they are in wheelchairs. I must say that most of the drivers are fantastic!

In the meantime, good luck to Kieran and his family.

lillylou says...
8:40am Thu 31 Jan 13

A bowl of apples how typically tight of Roger French it ain't 1965 mate a few bottle of the expensive stuff and a treat for the child I'd say !!!

Vicky Edmunds says...
9:42am Thu 31 Jan 13

i was in the queue when this was going on and was also shocked that the driver wouldnt let them on. well done for fighting !

mimseycal says...
11:24am Thu 31 Jan 13

Maybe now that you have it in black and white that this is against the company's policy, the driver is in the wrong ...

Maybe next time you are in a bus queue and you see a disabled person struggling to get on the bus and a bus drivers who is being obstructive ... Maybe you fellow passengers should say something and not just shrug and walk past the wheelchair ...

Drivers are for the most part great. The odd one or two will not change unless we as a community force them to change.

Freeloaders says...
2:59pm Thu 31 Jan 13

Vicky Edmunds wrote:
i was in the queue when this was going on and was also shocked that the driver wouldnt let them on. well done for fighting !
How people soon change their minds.This poor man was just standing up for his family,what is wrong in that?Very pleased with the bus companys response.Sometimes people just want to here the words,"Sorry."

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