Row over access to new bus station
Disabled couple in spat over access points for taxis in and out of Union Square complex
A row has erupted over confusing and “unsatisfactory” direct disabled access arrangements at Aberdeen’s new bus station.
Aberdeen North Labour MP Frank Doran has protested after a disabled couple faced problems at the station in the Union Square complex.
He raised objections with bus station operator Stagecoach on behalf of Ian Geddes, 68, and his wife Maureen, 67, of Barkmill Road, Aberdeen.
Mrs Geddes suffers from arthritis, while Mr Geddes has problems breathing and can only walk short distances.
Mrs Geddes said that when a taxi arrived to pick the couple up in the station after they had returned from a trip to Glasgow two months ago, shortly before the centre opened, the driver was “sworn at” by an official who refused to give his name.
She said she had been told by taxi drivers they were reluctant to enter the bus station for fear of losing their licences. She added: “Stagecoach did write with a number you ring for help, but you can't get an answer. We can't walk from College Street car park. It is far too far, especially with luggage.”
The confusion has arisen over the locations of disabled pick-up points.
Mr Doran said that arrangements communicated to him by Stagecoach, which required elderly or disabled passengers to phone in advance to arrange transport from inside the station, were unsatisfactory.
Stagecoach, however, said that since the development was completed in October, this arrangement had now ended, and disabled passengers are required to disembark from taxis in a layby in front of Jurys Inn or College Street car park, where there is a lift. The bus company was contradicted by a spokesman for Union Square developer Hammerson, who said there were no arrangement involving Jurys Inn and referred instead to drop-off and pick-up points including a layby in what he described as “Civic Square" and Union Square car park.
The spokesman added that the bus station plans were produced in agreement with Stagecoach and the council and comply with disability access regulations.
Stagecoach operations director George Devine said: “As there is constant movement of buses entering and reversing to depart the bus station, along with lorries entering or departing the service yard, there is a serious health and safety issue.”
He added it was “never part of the plan to allow taxis or a disabled drop-off within the bus station complex".
He said he had met disability groups, councillors, city officers and taxi operators and no other solution could be found.
Social care and wellbeing convener Councillor Jim Kiddie said: “It is totally unacceptable if elderly and disabled people lack adequate access, particularly by taxi, to the bus station.”
He said the council is inviting all the parties involved to a meeting in the new year to work out a better solution.
Mr Doran said: “This is a modern bus station which does not have direct access for disabled people, many of whom will be travelling with luggage. I find it extraordinary.”
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