It has come to my attention that many drivers and even some transit riders are assuming that I am a rude passenger. But that’s not the case.
I am medically limited to sit in a certain spot in buses, otherwise I get dizzy, especially when I am on a bus route that includes a lot of turns.
As a result, I feel the need to board the bus first so that I can choose what seat is best for me. Some of the bus drivers are causing a huge scene over this simple medical manner and they assume that I am just exaggerating.
Basically, I have been continuously dealing with this problem with some of the transit drivers — even riders — and it needs to stop.
It’s gotten to the point where there’s now three transit drivers that I can’t stand and have a hard time with.
I have just received a doctor’s note that says “requires courtesy seating for medical reasons on Greater Sudbury Transit.”
I am hoping that this medical note will resolve everything to do with this entire problem. If this medical note doesn’t resolve our differences, then I’ll be sure to take it up with the Ontario Human Rights Authority Act.
I can’t just go about my way sitting anywhere in the bus, let alone own a car and maintain it. I am permanently limited to transit service for the rest of my life.
Having an acquired brain injury and dealing with absent seizures the odd time is an invisible disability.
Brain injury awareness is much needed, including among all municipal employees, especially the bus drivers, as brain injury survivors have the right to live their lives peacefully.
So the next time you see me around waiting for a bus, please be courteous to my needs and let me board the bus first.
Charles Tossell
Greater Sudbury