Why Won't You Give Up Your Seat on the Bus?

[taximomfor4]

I guess I am going to get flamed here but why, if we are all equal, does a person in a wheel chair get to go to the front of the line? I can understand having the equipment and accessability so that we can all be treated the same but??? Now I can totally understand the people who have special passes because they have a terminal illness or something just as grave; that does not allow them to stand in line for lengths at a time. They deserve to be treated special because they have been through so much. We have a friend who lost his legs at 3 and is too heavy to have "legs". He is healthy (except he is overweight). Where ever he goes he shoots to the front of the line, amusement parks, historical tours, etc...

Most of the WDW rides, he would just stay in the regular lines with his wheelchair. Or do you mean the buses? With those, they have to board the wheelchairs first. For many reasons.

 

[maxiesmom]

I guess I am going to get flamed here but why, if we are all equal, does a person in a wheel chair get to go to the front of the line? I can understand having the equipment and accessability so that we can all be treated the same but??? Now I can totally understand the people who have special passes because they have a terminal illness or something just as grave; that does not allow them to stand in line for lengths at a time. They deserve to be treated special because they have been through so much. We have a friend who lost his legs at 3 and is too heavy to have "legs". He is healthy (except he is overweight). Where ever he goes he shoots to the front of the line, amusement parks, historical tours, etc...

I'm not sure of the other places, but there is no "front of the line" pass at Dsieny. If you are talking about the busses, there are very limited seats for people with wheelchairs. And unless it has changed recently, not every Disney bus can accomodate all types of wheelchairs. The wheelchairs are loaded first becaue of the way the floor moves when they are loaded. You could be injured if you were on the bus and they then loaded the wheelchairs.

 

[Carrie Ellis]

I know I have seen people in wheel chairs at WDW go straight up to the front of the line. We have even laughed about it because, truthfully, it does not bother me. But, if I was in a wheel chair, I would really want to be treated equal.

The bus thing I totally understand except when they would have been 2 or 3 busses back if they had no been moved up front. Resort like the Value resort where the lines are pretty extensive. I would want to wait in line like everyone else and then be the first loaded on that bus.

 

[4formickey]

I have not read this whole thread so I apologize if someone already posted this. I just returned from from a business trip in Chicago and noticed a sign on the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) train that said " Please Stand Up for Seniors & People with Disabilities ----- Chicago CTA - Federal Law Requires Priority Seating Be Designated for Seniors & People With Disabilities". There were also several announcements through out the ride advising passengers to give up their seats for the "elderly and people with disabilities." Although I did not ride the CRA buses, I was also told these signs are posted in the buses

I am in no way stating that people who do not give up their seats on Disney transportationare breaking the law. I have no idea if the Federal Law applies to Disney. It may only apply to federally funded transportation systems. The only point I would like to make is that I felt sad that the Federal government had to impose a law to enforce what used to be and should be a common courtesy.

working for cta, we are told that a person may have a hidden disability therefore the seats are first come frist serve. The signs must be posted per law but you are not allowed to say who is allowed to seat thier and who must move.

 

[ducklite]

I know I have seen people in wheel chairs at WDW go straight up to the front of the line. We have even laughed about it because, truthfully, it does not bother me. But, if I was in a wheel chair, I would really want to be treated equal.

The bus thing I totally understand except when they would have been 2 or 3 busses back if they had no been moved up front. Resort like the Value resort where the lines are pretty extensive. I would want to wait in line like everyone else and then be the first loaded on that bus.

Having been in a wheelchair for a couple of WDW trips, I can tell you that just because wheelchairs ar taken to the front of the line doesn't mean they get on faster. Usually they are going to a staging area where they will wait with other wheelchair guests for an accessible ride car. If there are several other wheelchair guests in line ahead of you, trust me, the wait is actually longer.

At shows they get to go to the front of the line only so they can get in and situated in the wheelchair seats before the crowd is let in. This is to guarantee they can get the seating they need, and to keep them out of the way so the hoardes don't trip over them as they race in.

Anne

 

[taximomfor4]

You beat me to it, Anne!

I was at WDW with an ECV rider earlier this year. We didn't go right to the front of the line a single solitary time.

Perhaps the wheelchairs the pp saw get taken to the front of the line were also Make a Wish trips?

Otherwise, it is probably just as Ducklite just posted.

 

[Rpsemont]

I will also admit to not reading the whole thread. But I will admit to being "unconsious" sometimes. (The is evidenced by the fact that sometimes I hear a "you're welcome" in a sarcastic tone and realize I should have said thank you.) Sometimes, I am just incredibly pre-occupied.(Who knows what I'm thinking about It seems important at the time)

That being said, I regularly give up my seat, wave people in front of me while driving and try to practice the dying art of civility.

I guess all anyone can hope, it that I'm not unconsious when I'm around then

 

[TCPluto]

I guess I am going to get flamed here but why, if we are all equal, does a person in a wheel chair get to go to the front of the line?

We aren't all equal, that's why a very small percentage of people are in wheelchairs. If they were our equal, they would WALK up and STAND in line like the rest of us.

Maybe that thought should be your first when you see someone in a wheelchair.

 

[CleveRocks]

We aren't all equal, that's why a very small percentage of people are in wheelchairs. If they were our equal, they would WALK up and STAND in line like the rest of us.

Maybe that thought should be your first when you see someone in a wheelchair.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this. If you are suggesting that people who use wheelchairs deserve to have automatic front-of-the-line access, then I respectfully but strongly disagree with you.

Sure, if the wheelchair can't readily fit through the line queue or the regular entrance, then of course that person and their party should get the equivalent of FASTPASS treatment. The individual shouldn't be barred from entering the ride/attraction, and they also should not be made to wait alone until the rest of their party waits in line and gets to the front.

BUT, if the line queue can easily handle a person using a wheelchair, then why would such a person deserve to NOT wait in line??? Of course opinions differ, but, if you asked everyone on Earth to choose between being treated with respect as an individual or being treated like a "China doll" due to a physical impairment, most people would choose the former.

I've spent the last 16 years of my life working with people who acquired a disability (that is, they weren't born with it). I met a few selfish and oafish people along the way, but almost all of the people I worked with wanted to be treated equally, they just didn't want to suffer the indignity of physical barriers stopping them from accessing the public accommodations that they used to access. For most of the people I've worked with, they felt a loss of dignity when they were treated differently without a reason other than the fact that they had a disability. Most people really dislike being patronized, and even more people despise being belittled. Go up to someone who uses a wheelchair and tell him that he is not your equal. Be prepared for an unpleasant response.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

In regards to signage... Disney buses do have signage about priority seating for those guests with disabilities.

As for guests using wheelchairs boarding first... this is largely for the convenience of the driver. It is 100x easier to secure and strap in the wheelchair when there aren't 3 dozen people getting in the way.

 

[goofy4tink]

In regards to signage... Disney buses do have signage about priority seating for those guests with disabilities.

As for guests using wheelchairs boarding first... this is largely for the convenience of the driver. It is 100x easier to secure and strap in the wheelchair when there aren't 3 dozen people getting in the way.

Not to mention those 4 or 5 people that are going to have to be asked to please give up their seats because you have to strap said wheelchair or ECV in!!! Even though there is signage at those seats stating they may have to give up the seats if the seats are needed for a wheelchair/ecv. You know, everytime I'm in a line, waiting for a bus, and they load someone in an ecv first, I just thank God and say 'there but for the grace of God go I'...as those around me are grousing about having to wait that extra 5 minutes while the person is put on board. I'm pretty sure the person in the wheelchair/ecv would love to be able to wait in line with the rest of us, rather than be in a wheelchair!!

 

[Carrie Ellis]

The ADA is a complex law and is easily misunderstood. it does NOT give preferential treatment to individuals with disabilities. Rather, it attempts to remove the barriers caused by an individual's disabilities.

TCPluto, This is your quote and the above quote is why I asked about the equal part:

We aren't all equal, that's why a very small percentage of people are in wheelchairs. If they were our equal, they would WALK up and STAND in line like the rest of us.

Maybe that thought should be your first when you see someone in a wheelchair

Like I said before, I don't lose sleep over wheelchair people getting on first but I was just asking why if they wanted to be treated equal.
Yes Yes.... I understand the bus thing.
And yes I would not give up my health to get to be able to go in front of lines.
We decided to drive most of this next trip in December. My parents stayed at the pop and stood in line for the bus for hours our last trip. My dad has a foot problem now (were your arch kind of just give out) and he was very miserable last time although he would not say anything but you could see it. I think the extreme waiting is what took some of the magic away for them. When I was a kid, though, I could remember waiting in line for a hour to ride peter pan with my dad. I don't think he wants to do that now!! Anyway, this time we will drive them to the parks and make sure that he has a cortisone shot before we leave for the trip. He would not use an ECV and he would not ask for preferential treatment. He is very prideful.

 

[waltfan1957]

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this. If you are suggesting that people who use wheelchairs deserve to have automatic front-of-the-line access, then I respectfully but strongly disagree with you.]

thats not what he said, but how many times must it be said that people in wheelchairs have to be loaded on busses first for safety reasons they are not line jumping only going where they have been told to, the wheelchair painted on the floor or the banner across the entrance should give it away, but no you still get people moaning look they are line cutting, then onboard you get the stupid remarks my wife has been told frequently your lucky you got your own seat, anyone who thinks that should try 1 day round wdw in a wheelchair let alone the rest of your life

 

[TCPluto]

Why is it some strangers responsibility.....

Now, I'm not saying that I wouldn't give up a seat, but I think people need to take responsibility if they or a loved one needs special care.

I don't think anyone is saying it's a responsibility. What I am seeing is that many think it's the right and compassionate thing to do. Yes, sitting for the 10-15 minute ride to/from a park is likely more comfortable.

But if you were to see a person in greater discomfort than you would be, it would certainly be the right and compassionate thing to offer them your seat.

Many here seem to disagree, and insist that first come first served, regardless of what might be an apparent need from someone else, be it a parent carrying an infant/child, an elderly person, or someone with a handicap (other than the obvious ones requiring a wheelchair).

It's a sad commentary when a man or teen won't get up to offer his seat to even a woman, let alone one of the other folks that might be better served in having a seat.

 

[TCPluto]

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this. If you are suggesting that people who use wheelchairs deserve to have automatic front-of-the-line access, then I respectfully but strongly disagree with you.

Sure, if the wheelchair can't readily fit through the line queue or the regular entrance, then of course that person and their party should get the equivalent of FASTPASS treatment. The individual shouldn't be barred from entering the ride/attraction, and they also should not be made to wait alone until the rest of their party waits in line and gets to the front.

BUT, if the line queue can easily handle a person using a wheelchair, then why would such a person deserve to NOT wait in line??? Of course opinions differ, but, if you asked everyone on Earth to choose between being treated with respect as an individual or being treated like a "China doll" due to a physical impairment, most people would choose the former.

I've spent the last 16 years of my life working with people who acquired a disability (that is, they weren't born with it). I met a few selfish and oafish people along the way, but almost all of the people I worked with wanted to be treated equally, they just didn't want to suffer the indignity of physical barriers stopping them from accessing the public accommodations that they used to access. For most of the people I've worked with, they felt a loss of dignity when they were treated differently without a reason other than the fact that they had a disability. Most people really dislike being patronized, and even more people despise being belittled. Go up to someone who uses a wheelchair and tell him that he is not your equal. Be prepared for an unpleasant response.

I would suggest an extra large helping of understanding and compassion in your next 16 years.

 

[ducklite]

Many here seem to disagree, and insist that first come first served, regardless of what might be an apparent need from someone else, be it a parent carrying an infant/child, an elderly person, or someone with a handicap (other than the obvious ones requiring a wheelchair).

It's a sad commentary when a man or teen won't get up to offer his seat to even a woman, let alone one of the other folks that might be better served in having a seat.

I think the people who say they wo'nt give up a seat are those who have already let one pass to be able to get a seat on teh next one. In that case I think they are well within their rights--even from a "moral" standpoint--to do so. Again, everyone else has that same option.

Anne

 

[TCPluto]

In that case I think they are well within their rights--even from a "moral" standpoint--to do so. Again, everyone else has that same option.
Anne

Let your conscience be your guide.....

I'll continue to give up my seat, everytime, even if there is but one man standing. I've yet to get to the point of exhaustion or physical ailment (and there have been a few) that would drain me to this level of compassionless functioning.

Fortunately, I see a lot of people with the same mind set (Hi Walt!!!).

The smile and sigh of relief (when it comes) in this simple kind gesture, is well worth the pain and discomfort to me.

 

[CleveRocks]

I would suggest an extra large helping of understanding and compassion in your next 16 years.

Pal, I'm just passing along what many people with disabilities have told me. They themselves told me all of what I wrote. So I guess what they want doesn't matter? There are two words that were often used by the people I work with, two words they said they rarely even thought of before they became disabled.

PRIDE.

DIGNITY.

The overwhelming majority of people with disabilities with whom I've worked over the past 16 years say that aside from their disability/disabilities itself, they mourned their own sense of PRIDE and DIGNITY because they knew that people PITIED them.

I have plenty of compassion. I wouldn't do what I do if I lacked compassion. I listened to them. I "got" it. I allow people with disabilities to retain their pride and their dignity as long as it is practical and TRULY compassionate to do so.

 

[ducklite]

Wow....

So you think someone should stay in a park until they are to the point of exhaustion then get on a bus expecting a seat because they didn't have the common sense to leave before they got to that point?

Why should that type of behaviour be rewarded?

Anne

 

[TCPluto]

So you think someone should stay in a park until they are to the point of exhaustion then get on a bus expecting a seat because they didn't have the common sense to leave before they got to that point?

Why should that type of behaviour be rewarded?

Anne

Probably only the kindess of your heart.....

Could there be another reason why they couldn't get out of the parks?

Or maybe they over estimated their own stamina/pain tolerance, so we should just say "tough luck buddy"?

Or because a man gets on before a woman, it wouldn't be the proper and courteous thing for the man to offer her his seat?

I submit it would be proper, courteous and compassionate.......