How many people allowed to accompany wheelchair/scooter on transport?

[CWTC]

My husband and I are traveling with my MIL (she’s having knee replacement later this month) and she’s using an ECV. No issue with monorails but on busses only my husband has been allowed to board with her. I have been waved to the back of the line by the bus driver more than once in the last two days since we arrived. Usually I’m able to board and get standing room but today (after waiting for 30 minutes at Poly) I almost didn’t make it on after the 35 plus other people got on.

When my FIL was alive, he used a scooter and all of us (me, MIL, husband) were allowed to board with them.

Should I just always be planning to leave 30 to 60 minutes before they do to ensure we make it for reservations and/or LL?

Thanks!!!

 

[gap2368]

You should be able to board with them

 

[SueM in MN]

The signs at the bus stop say up to 6 total (person using mobility device plus 5).
IF it’s a bus with multiple stops and lots of people, they could limit

 

[KPeterso]

Should be 5 with the ECV. And I have seen much larger groups board with ECVs too - the one time it was grandma with 3-4 kids + spouses and about 10 grandkids (it was like 19 people total ---- no wonder people hate scooters at the bus stops --- family next to me said we know you are with the other scooter and it was just the 2 of you and that does not bug us, the group of 19 does). I wonder if they think you are a different party and just trying to get on with them to avoid the line?!?!? I would just say I am part of their party and will need to board with them.

 

[CWTC]

wonder if they think you are a different party and just trying to get on with them to avoid the line?!?!? I would just say I am part of their party and will need to board with them.

Thanks everyone for the replies! This might be it but by the same token I’ve made a point of standing next to them etc. I’m fine getting on after them and standing but just don’t want to miss the bus they’re on.

Thanks!

 

[mamabunny]

Thanks everyone for the replies! This might be it but by the same token I’ve made a point of standing next to them etc. I’m fine getting on after them and standing but just don’t want to miss the bus they’re on.

Thanks!

Once your family member is safely on board, have your hubby turn to the driver every time, and very politely but firmly say "My wife is just outside, waiting to board, may I wave her on now?"

That sends a clear message to the driver that the rest of the party is waiting to be brought on.

 

[RoseGold]

They're not waving you to the back of the line, they are waving you to the normal entrance. You just board first. It's about speed.

I guess I can imagine them limiting really huge parties, but I've never seen that happen before. We regularly board with a wheelchair, two strollers and a bunch of people. They don't let you take strollers on the ramp, so you have to go around to the normal entrance. Just get in front of everyone. They can see that you're with the wheelchair, they get it.

Edit: they do let kids and strollers on the ramp if you’re the adult with the kid in the wheelchair. If you have more than one adult, they will make you split up and take the stroller to the normal entrance.

 

[KPeterso]

Once your family member is safely on board, have your hubby turn to the driver every time, and very politely but firmly say "My wife is just outside, waiting to board, may I wave her on now?"

That sends a clear message to the driver that the rest of the party is waiting to be brought on.

I like this approach. One other idea if your MIL can walk up the ramp. Have your husband or yourself park the ECV on the bus and then have the other help your MIL walk up the ramp. Makes it even more obvious the 3 of you are together and boarding together.

 

[disney-inspired]

I had a scooter in January and my entire party (total of 8 other people) was able to board with me. Knowing that we were a large group, I always opted to stay seated in my scooter to avoid taking another seat.

 

[LoveToDisney]

My husband has always been invited to board after they get my ECV buckled down. He stands politely near the ramp until the driver invites him to join me on the bus. He walks up the ramp and inside. Then the bus driver folds up the ramp and closes the door before proceeding to the front to let everyone else on.
When we travel with a group, I encourage the group to get in the main line and board with everyone else. They also know that I may have to wait for the next bus if there’s other ECVs and I will arrive when I can.