Pets ban on rural buses a blow to elderly
Heartlands Bus Company or heartless operator. Many older people in Tamworth villages say the latter…
A round trip cost of £22 for people without their own transport in rural villages around Tamworth and Lichfield to take their pet to the vet.
That’s the taxi cost now that Heartlands Buses have stopped people using the only public transport service available if their pets are with them.
Actually it’s not just the vets. Over the last ten months I’ve met lots of older people whose only friend in their lives is a dog or other pet. In many cases it’s that relationship which helps stave off lonliness and greater vulnerability.
And just like going out with your best human friend, many enjoy a shopping trip or a day out with mans’ best friend. So it’s sad that Heartlands won’t reconsider their ban despite pleas from older residents in villages where transport is in short supply and taxis are costly.
I think it is heartless and hope they will change their minds. I’m unlikely to support renewal of tax payer funded subsidised routes with this stance, and ban, in place.
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11 comments
My mother has a dog and it is her only company. Although she lives in a different part of Staffordshire if this happened to her I’d be out demonstrating. I’m disgusted with this company and they should be boycotted!
This is ridiculous. Have they given a reason for the ban? I have a dog and he is more fastidious about personal hygiene than most humans I know!
Good grief!! I’m not a dog lover but you’re right about the heartless bit.
I’m staggered by this. How heartless, as you say. Your points are well made and I for one support your stance.
This country, or some people in it disgusts me. How cruel to do this!
I may start a petition on this. Most pets are better behaved and less trouble than people. Utterly disgusting and upsetting for older people who need that friendship.
I’m with Sally on this. Give them a week to change their minds and then start a petition. When I lost my dad my mother would have been lost without the companionship and ability to go out and about with their scotty. Matthew, if you can put us in touch and Sally agrees I’d be happy to kick something off. You seem pretty busy with all your doing so any help on this just shout.
In my view a bus operator should be able to do as they like. It’s their business after all.
@ Sally and martin – a petition is a great idea. If you can get another 4,998 people to sign it you could have it debated by the County Council!
The gentleman who suggests that a public bus operator can ‘do as they like’ appears to forget that this service is paid for by us, the tax payer. That means it isn’t quite the same as being a fully commercial operator. I think this no pets rule is silly and unfair to a lot of people,
If it’s a service contracted out by the council then they should be able to say something about it. Maybe when it comes up for tender next they could add allowing dogs on board to the specification meaning they legally can’t refuse you due to having a dog or other pet with you. I think ‘Heartless Bus’ is a more appropriate name for the company and knowing the owner he will just simply withdraw the service and instead of running the 56 day notice he’ll just stop it the next day and make some half baked excuse up like he’s done twice already! I’ve seen companies better than his have their license revoked!
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