Poleglass retiree on mobility scooter banned from using Glider service

A WEST Belfast pensioner says he feels discriminated against after being told he can no longer board the Glider service on his mobility scooter.

Johnny McKee (76) from Poleglass, who was a regular user of the service, said he will not attempt to access the Glider again after being told on several occasions that his mobility scooter – a Spring Eight model – was not suitable to be on board.

Johnny bought the scooter this year after his previous motorized scooter exploded in December, setting his house on fire, and neighbors came to the rescue to help him get to safety.

Speaking to Andersonstown News, Johnny explained: “The mobility scooter is a result of five mini-strokes I’ve suffered. I was a very active person before and have worked all my life.

“The scooter is a lifeline for me. It helps me get out of the house to meet people and go places. The battery life is only 20 miles, so I relied on the Glider to get to places like Falls Park or Bog Meadows. I’ve been a regular Glider user, especially living in Poleglass.

“I have been denied entry on board the Glider several times recently. It seems to be whatever inspector is there. What happens is the driver lowers the ramp for anyone with strollers or mobility scooters to get on.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with my scooter. It’s a pretty standard one. I’ve seen similar ones on Glider myself.”

Johnny says he has a simple message for Translink: “Why me?”

“After an incident last week when I was told I couldn’t get in, I won’t be trying again,” he added. “I feel very embarrassed and also restricted. I don’t know why I’m being singled out.

“Is Translink going to ban strollers next? Why am I being victimised for being disabled?”

A Translink spokesperson said: “We are committed to providing attractive, safe and affordable services for everyone.

“We welcome wheelchair and mobility scooter users on board our services and have developed a scheme together with Disability Action to help passengers find out whether their scooters are suitable for use on our gliders, buses and trains.

“The stickers are issued to vehicles that have been assessed, which lets our staff know that they are safe to use on our public transport services. Not all mobility scooters are safe to use on board and assessment by Disability Action is required.

“We would like to ask this passenger to contact our Call Centre on 02890 666630 so that we can assist.

“Full details of Translink’s accessibility policy can be found on our website: https://www.translink.co.uk/usingtranslink/accessibility.”