Conditions of Carriage

Passenger Safety and Travel Terms

These Conditions of Carriage set out the terms under which passengers travel on services operated by Minsterley Motors.

By boarding or travelling on our vehicles, you agree to comply with these conditions. These rules are designed to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of all passengers, staff and other road users.

 

1. Waiting for the Bus

Passengers should follow these guidelines while waiting for a bus:

• Arrive at the bus stop in good time before the scheduled departure.
• Stand well back from the kerb as the vehicle approaches.
• Ensure the driver can clearly see you if you wish to board.
• Children should be supervised and should not play near the road.
• In areas without a marked stop, passengers should signal clearly to the driver and stand in a safe location.

 

2. Boarding the Bus

For safety and efficiency:

• Allow passengers to leave the bus before boarding.
• Only board once the bus has come to a complete stop and the doors have opened.
• Use handrails when boarding.
• Have tickets, passes or payment ready where possible.
• If assistance is required, please ask the driver.
• It the bus is fitted with seat belt please use that seat and the seat belt. 

 

3. Passenger Conduct

Passengers must behave in a safe, respectful and considerate manner at all times.

Passengers must not:

• Behave in a threatening, abusive, intimidating or antisocial manner.
• Use threatening, abusive, obscene or offensive language.
• Harass, intimidate or deliberately interfere with the comfort, safety or convenience of other passengers.
• Distract the driver while the vehicle is moving.
• Smoke or vape on board the vehicle.
• Consume alcohol unless specifically authorised on a private hire service.
• Travel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that their behaviour may affect the safety or comfort of others.
• Damage, deface, mark, soil or interfere with any vehicle, equipment or company property.
• Leave litter or rubbish on the vehicle.
• Play loud music or create excessive noise.
• Use mobile phones, speakers, tablets or other devices in a manner that disturbs other passengers.

Audio Devices

Music, videos and other audio should be listened to using headphones or earphones and at a volume that does not disturb others.

Passengers whose behaviour affects safety, comfort or convenience may be refused travel or asked to leave the vehicle.

 

4. Passenger Safety While Travelling

Passengers should:

• Remain seated where possible while the vehicle is moving.
• Hold handrails when standing.
• Wear seatbelts where fitted.
• Keep aisles, gangways and exits clear.
• Store bags safely and avoid placing them on seats when the bus is busy.
• Offer priority seats to elderly passengers, disabled passengers or pregnant passengers.

Passengers standing should place bags between their feet to avoid obstruction.

 

5. Getting Off the Bus

Passengers should:

• Press the stop bell in good time before their stop.
• Remain seated until the vehicle has stopped completely.
• Use handrails when leaving the bus.

After leaving the bus, passengers should wait until the vehicle has moved away before crossing the road.

Passengers should never cross directly in front of or behind a stationary bus.

 

6. Tickets and Fares

Passengers must hold a valid ticket, pass or other proof of entitlement to travel.

Passengers must:

• Purchase the correct ticket for their journey.
• Present tickets or passes when requested.
• Retain their ticket during the journey.

Tickets are generally:

• Valid only for the journey or service purchased.
• Non-transferable unless otherwise stated.

Passengers without valid tickets may be refused travel.

 

7. Refusal of Travel

Minsterley Motors may refuse travel or require a passenger to leave the vehicle if they:

• Behave in a disorderly, threatening or unsafe manner.
• Appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Carry dangerous or prohibited items.
• Have an open container of alcohol where the driver considers it may pose a nuisance or safety risk.
• Are likely to cause discomfort, alarm, distress or risk to others.
• Fail to comply with reasonable instructions from the driver or company staff.

 

8. Luggage and Personal Belongings

Passengers may carry reasonable luggage provided it does not:

• Block gangways or exits.
• Occupy additional seats.
• Cause inconvenience to other passengers.

Passengers remain responsible for their belongings at all times.

Minsterley Motors cannot accept liability for lost or damaged property unless caused by negligence.

 

9. Animals

• Assistance dogs are welcome on all services.
• Other dogs may travel at the driver's discretion and must remain on a lead.
• Small animals must be transported in secure carriers.

Animals must not occupy passenger seats or obstruct aisles.

 

10. Accessibility and Assistance

Minsterley Motors aims to provide accessible transport services.

Where vehicles are equipped with accessibility features:

• Wheelchair users have priority use of designated spaces.
• Buggies or prams may need to be folded if a wheelchair user requires the space.
• Priority seating should be given to passengers who need it.

Drivers will provide reasonable assistance where it is safe to do so.

 

11. Children

Parents and guardians remain responsible for children travelling with them.

Children must not:

• Play on the vehicle.
• Stand on seats.
• Interfere with safety equipment.
• Block aisles or exits.
• Distract the driver.

 

12. Alcohol and Prohibited Items

Passengers must not consume alcohol on board Minsterley Motors vehicles unless authorised for a private hire service.

Passengers must not carry items that may:

• Endanger passengers or staff.
• Cause nuisance, discomfort or alarm.
• Damage the vehicle.
• Be reasonably considered dangerous by the driver or company staff.

The driver may refuse carriage of any item considered unsafe.

 

13. Respect for Staff and Other Passengers

Passengers must treat drivers, company employees and fellow passengers with courtesy and respect.

Abusive, aggressive, discriminatory, threatening or intimidating behaviour towards staff or passengers will not be tolerated and may result in refusal of travel, removal from the vehicle or referral to the police where appropriate.

 

14. CCTV

CCTV may operate on Minsterley Motors vehicles for the safety and security of passengers and staff.

Recordings may be used for:

• Crime prevention.
• Incident investigation.
• Passenger and staff safety.

Footage may be shared with relevant authorities where required by law.

 

15. Service Operation

Minsterley Motors aims to operate services according to published timetables. However, services may be affected by circumstances beyond our control, including:

• Traffic congestion.
• Road works.
• Weather conditions.
• Accidents.
• Vehicle breakdowns.

Services cannot be guaranteed to operate exactly as scheduled.

 

16. Service Disruption

Where possible, we will make reasonable efforts to minimise disruption and provide service updates.

Minsterley Motors cannot accept liability for consequential losses arising from delays or service interruptions beyond our control.

 

17. Driver Authority and Enforcement

The driver is responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle and may:

• Refuse travel.
• Request passengers to leave the vehicle.
• Limit passenger numbers.
• Enforce these Conditions of Carriage.
• Take reasonable steps to protect passengers, staff and the vehicle.

Passengers must follow all reasonable instructions given by the driver.

Minsterley Motors will seek to resolve issues through engagement and education wherever possible. However, persistent breaches of these conditions may result in passengers being refused travel,

 

18. Lost Property

Any property found on our vehicles and handed in to the company will be retained for a reasonable period where practicable.

Passengers who have lost property should contact Minsterley Motors as soon as possible with details of the item and the journey made.

 

19.Scooter Rules

Minsterley Motors allows approved mobility scooters on low-floor, ramp-equipped buses. You must meet strict size limits and hold a valid travel permit before boarding. Class 3 Mobility scooters are generally not permitted on many public bus networks due to size and weight.

Size and Scooter Rules

• Scooter Type: 3 or 4-wheeled Class 2 mobility scooters.
• Maximum Dimensions: No longer than 100 cm and no wider than 60 cm.
• Turning Circle: Must not exceed 120 cm.
• Ramp Limits: Must stay within the weight limit shown on the bus ramp.
• Priority: Wheelchair spaces have legal priority over pushchairs and scooters.
• How to Get a Permit

• Assessment Required: You must complete a scooter pass assessment through Arriva before you can travel.
• Contact Number: Call Minsterley Motors 01743 791208 to arrange an assessment.
• Permit Check: The assessment checks your scooter's dimensions, stability, and your ability to manoeuvre it safely on board.

 

20.Electric Scooters (E-Scooters) and Electric Bikes

• Standard E-Scooters/Bikes: Private electric scooters are generally not permitted on many public bus networks due to fire and safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries