Latest news with #XploreDundee
The Courier
3 days ago
- General
- The Courier
EXCLUSIVE: Xplore Dundee faces public inquiry over disabled access on buses
Bus operator Xplore Dundee is facing a public inquiry over disabled access on its vehicles. The bus operator will be questioned by the traffic commissioner at a hearing after wheelchair user Paula Cahill, from Dundee, twice claimed she faced issues accessing the Fly service to and from Edinburgh Airport. The 46-year-old volunteer uses an electric wheelchair due to her muscular dystrophy. She alleges that in June 2024, she was left 'covered in glass' after the vehicle's door window shattered on a bus stop while a driver struggled to operate the wheelchair lift at the airport. In a previous incident in August 2023, she says it appeared another driver also did not know how to work the lift on the Fly service. She claims this left her 'suspended' above the ground for around 40 minutes and onlookers eventually had to lift her – and her 72kg chair – from the platform. It is understood Xplore Dundee disputes aspects of Paula's claims. Paula told The Courier: 'When I board the Fly service, I book in advance and let them know as they have to remove seats for my chair. 'On this occasion (in August 2023), when I boarded the bus with my friend, the driver let me on safely. 'There is an access lift and the driver would pull the ramp out, and then the lift goes about 4ft in the air. 'There were no issues and we got to Edinburgh Airport. 'Then the driver joked, 'What time is your flight because I don't know how to work this?' 'I was suspended in the air for about 35 to 40 minutes and by this time, a big crowd was watching what was going on.' Paula says it eventually took three people to reach up and carry her off the platform. She said: 'It wasn't necessarily the driver's fault, I asked him if he would go back to Xplore and ask for more training. 'I went on holiday and called Xplore while I was there to make them aware as I had a return booking. 'The lady in the office said the driver shouldn't be able to drive the bus (without knowing how to work the lift). 'I managed to get home and everything was fine on the return journey.' Paula claims that 10 months later, while returning from a holiday at around 2am in June 2024, a driver again struggled to use the lift, despite her having pre-booked. She says that while the driver battled with the mechanism, the upper access door opened and hit a bus stop – leaving a window smashed. Paula said: 'By this time, other passengers were getting really annoyed and some were getting off the bus and asking if they could help. 'They helped the driver get the ramp up. 'I was covered in glass but I had no other way to get home, I was also sat right next to the smashed bus window. 'My concern was if there was a gust of wind the window could have smashed in my face.' Paula says she felt her concerns were 'dismissed' by Xplore Dundee and wants more training for drivers. After initially going to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, the matter was reported to the Acting Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, Richard Turfitt. A public inquiry relating to Xplore's compliance with public service vehicles accessibility regulations (PSVAR) has now been scheduled for June 17 in Edinburgh. A spokesperson for Xplore Dundee said: 'We are aware of the matter and have been engaging with the relevant authorities regarding the allegations. 'As this issue is currently under consideration by the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.' The traffic commissioner can call a public inquiry for a number of reasons, including if operators have not met licence conditions or if their conduct has come into question. During the hearing, all parties present their cases in detail, including the DVSA. The commissioner can choose to issue penalties such as disqualifying an individual or company from having a licence. The decision will either be given at the time of the inquiry or in writing within 28 days. A DVSA spokesperson said: 'All passengers are entitled to be treated with courtesy and dignity by passenger transport providers. 'This includes drivers providing disabled passengers with reasonable assistance, including helping them on and off the bus by means of a ramp if they use a wheelchair. 'DVSA investigates reports of behaviour to the contrary and will take appropriate enforcement action where required.'
The Courier
19-05-2025
- The Courier
3 boys charged after Xplore Dundee bus vandalised
Three boys, two aged 12 and one aged 13, have been charged after an electric bus was vandalised. Police were called to Craigie Drive between 6.30pm and 7pm on Saturday May 10 after the Xplore Dundee bus was damaged. Large stones were thrown at the windows of the upper deck of the number 5A Xplore, causing two of them to break. After the incident, inspector Jamie Allen said: 'A number of passengers were onboard at the time of this incident, although no one was injured. 'I want to make it clear that this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and we will take action against those who choose not to act responsibly on public transport.' Xplore Dundee thanked police for their 'prompt' dealing of the vandalism. A report regarding the incident will be submitted to the relevant authorities.
The Courier
12-05-2025
- The Courier
Vandals smash windows on Xplore Dundee bus while passengers on board
A bus in Dundee had its windows smashed by large stones with passengers on board. Police are appealing for information after an electric Xplore bus was vandalised on Craigie Drive between 6.30pm and 7pm on Saturday. Large stones were thrown at the windows of the upper deck of the number 5A Xplore, causing two of them to break. Inspector Jamie Allen, of Police Scotland, said: 'A number of passengers were onboard at the time of this incident, although no one was injured. 'Our inquiries into this incident are ongoing, and we are appealing to anyone who was on the bus or in the area at the time, who witnessed what happened, to get in touch.' 'I want to make it clear that this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and we will take action against those who choose not to act responsibly on public transport.' Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland quoting incident number 2975 of May 10. Xplore Dundee has been contacted for comment.
The Courier
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Courier
Dundee road shut after crash involving pedestrian
A busy Dundee road has been closed after a crash between a car and a pedestrian. Old Glamis Road is shut between the Kingsway roundabout and Park Road. The incident happened at around 1.05pm on Wednesday. One passer-by says there are 'quite a few police cars' at the scene close to the junction with Donwie Park Road. Police Scotland says the incident has happened between the Kingsway and Gillburn Road, however, The Courier has confirmed the incident has actually happened between the Kingsway and Park Road, on the south side of the dual carriageway. Xplore Dundee is also diverting buses away from this stretch of the road. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use an alternative route. Our reporters are working to bring you the latest updates on this developing story. Please check back later for more and follow The Courier on Facebook and online for breaking news.
The Courier
21-04-2025
- The Courier
All you need to know as Dundee open-top bus tours return for 2025
Dundee's open-top bus tours are back for 2025 after three successful years. Discover Dundee was launched by operator Xplore Dundee in 2022 with the aim of connecting visitors with some of the city's best-known landmarks. The buses are returning this year with a later starting date, having launched in time for Easter in previous years. Here is all you need to know about the Dundee open-top bus tours. Services start on May 21 and will run until September 28 2025. The buses run hourly each day from Wednesday to Sunday. The first bus leaves Discovery Point at 10am and the last bus is at 5pm from the same stop. One full loop lasts about 50 minutes, but passengers can hop on and hop off along the way. Stops include Discovery Point, Nethergate, Hawkhill, Albert Square, Dundee Law, The Howff, the Caird Hall, City Quay and V&A Dundee. Some runs include a trip over the Tay Road Bridge, depending on the weather. Most of the stops provide a link-up with other Xplore Dundee services. Ticket prices are yet to be confirmed for 2025, and The Courier has contacted Xplore Dundee for an update. Last year, tickets cost £12 for adults, £9 for concessions (NEC card-holders or students) and £6 for children aged 5-15, with a family ticket costing £26. The Courier previously revealed the reasons why Xplore Dundee does not run the open-top buses to Broughty Ferry. The firm said there were 'many cost and logistical challenges' with extending the route, including having to either reduce the number of journeys running each day, or having to buy more vehicles.
