Door release - yes or no?

[MK]

Hi, a general question really that got me thinking the other day. I was travelling to Smethwick a couple of Sundays ago when we became stuck in a huge queue of traffic in the Cape Hill area. It was apparent that there'd been an RTA (road traffic accident) & the emergency services were at the scene. We were 30-40 yards short of the stop i (and a few others) wanted to get off at but the driver would not release the doors. I pointed out that with the emergency services in attendance we could be there a while. He then pointed to the button above the doors, suggesting i opened it myself. I duly did & left the bus.

Does anybody on here know what the driver's correct procedure would be regarding opening doors when caught up in the aftermath of an RTA?

Is it a case of putting the responsibility/liability onto the passenger, should anything untoward happen to them as they disembark if they choose to open the door and leave the vehicle?

Has anybody else had any similar experiences to this?

[mranon]

hi, this is a difficult situation, as general passengers do not know the rules and regs drivers have to adhere to. One being that a driver must not set down/pick up unless at a scheduled registered stop. By opening the doors, the driver is liable to risk (getting disciplined for opening the doors when not allowed to, the risk, for example passengers falling or getting struck by other objects etc. the list is endless)! by discreetly pointing at the buttons, the decision to alight ends up in the person who presses it taking their own risk, and any that follow. Common sense should prevail, and a driver be allowed to look at the situation and as long as is safe to do so make the decision.

Unfortunately in this day and age, you only have to look at someone in the wrong way, or fart and your in trouble and in the wrong. If someone hurt themselves getting off the bus in an unauthorised place, i bet they wouldnt think twice about a claim or no win no fee. The fun and joy has long gone out of this job!!