So, I got treated like a homeless person, TWICE in one 2 hour trip to Dallas... Good Times.
To go visit a friend in Houston, I thought I'd hop a bus- $35 one-way, $70 round trip, very affordable! The first leg of that trip got cancelled due to snow and ice, so I got a free re-booking, FOR THE FIRST HALF. It cost me another $20, to re-book the 2nd part...because 'I' chose to re-book that trip. Really? Did I?
Before I booked this trip, I watched some youtube videos, to see what I was setting myself up for. I bought my ticket from FlixBus, and when I called customer service to tell them about my travel needs, the agent filled me with hope. She said, all of their busses had a lift, places for 2-3 wheelchairs, and even an accessible bathroom. I was very impressed and excited.
I arrived at the bus station, after a $78 driver fee (cheaper than a $120 Uber!) almost an hour before my bus departed. After a few minutes in the terminal, a bus driver approached me, and asked if I was riding today? I said, "Yes." He responded with I don't think so. There isn't any lift or access to the bus here or in Austin. "Huh? I called ahead, they said everything fully accessible." You are gonna have to go talk to customer service...
There I was informed that 'I' failed to request a wheelchair ticket, when I re-booked my trip... So there was no lift, or wheelchair seat, and I would not be allowed to travel. "Can we just do it, and you guys get me on this thing?" No. You didn't click the wheelchair button...! "I didn't un-click it!"
I DID click the wheelchair button, and I called to tell them who I was and what I'd need. They or their system 'forgot' when I re-booked under the same reservation #.
The clerk said, you don't have a seat, call the customer service number. They offered to re-book for free, or a full refund... I was soured, so I took the full refund $85 and some change after taxes. At this the security guard approaches, and asked me for my ticket. "Yeah, they cancelled it, and said I didn't have seat on the bus...because I'm in a wheelchair, and there's no way to get me on or off the bus." You have to leave the terminal, then... "Ummm...I don't have a coat." I didn't expect to be outside for an hour, waiting for another driver to return (for another $78)...
If you don't have a ticket you aren't allowed in the terminal, period.
I resisted, until they told me I was not welcome, and I was 'ordered' it leave...it was cold outside!
So I meandered down the block to the McD's on Commerce. I ordered a #2 breakfast with a coffee. When my food arrives the security guard approaches me and says, you've got 30 minutes...
"And then what?" I asked. I want you gone. "Huh? Can't I just order more food?"
No. I don't want you ordering more food. I want you gone...
After I finished my meal, I went to the bathroom, unpacked my bag, and started layering. I wasn't outside for more than half an hour, and the sun was finally coming out.
**"You are not welcome here, we don't want your money. Go away."
If 'I' were a homeless person...and got treated like this, daily...I'd be ready to turn this world into a hell-scape.
Feels like the French Revolution is near.
ETA: After all this, my bank notified me they refunded $60...sooo NO FULL REFUND. How is this not Theft and Discrimination?
