On Tuesday, May 24, I was waiting at the bus stop going into Borehamwood in Elstree Way near the junction with Manor Way. I had waited for more than half an hour before I saw the bus come round the corner. I put out my hand in the approved fashion, the bus driver saw me, slowed down and then deliberately drove past — the problem was he had seen my dog.

Rather then wait for goodness knows how much longer and with the ever-present possibility of further denial of entry, my very old dog, who suffers from rheumatism, and I had to walk instead.

There were very few people on the bus, only two in total in the downstairs section. This is not the first time that this has happened with the 292 bus. Of all the various buses I have had to catch it has only ever been on the 292 that I have had any problems of this nature.

Why did this driver refuse to take me on the bus when before other drivers have allowed me on with my dog even though their buses have been far more crowded?

Any bus is surely a public vehicle and part of a public service. It should not be left to the drivers’ personal prejudice or laziness, which are the only reasons I can think of behind his abysmal action. If there was a problem which would have given him a just cause to refuse me and my dog entry, then surely he should have stopped and told me?

I am a frequent user of the Arriva service. I am classed as disabled due to epilepsy and these refusals to take me and my dog have caused me great inconvenience, aggravation and humiliation. I am also listed as a vulnerable person and although my dog is not necessary, I like to have him with me. The attitude of these drivers is causing me a lot of unnecessary stress and worry.

CR Angus
Tempsford Avenue, Borehamwood