I DECIDED to take my five-year-old son and my one-year-old daughter to the zoo during the recent school holidays. We took a bus from AMK Hub.

I enquired at the bus-information desk if it was okay to take my toddler's pram onto the bus, and was told that it would be fine as long as it was folded up.

The plan was to get my children seated on the bus before I lifted the pram up onto it, but a kind stranger carried my child up for me, while I lifted the pram.

As I was looking for the best place to place it, the female bus driver took off, and I had to leave it on some seats to avoid falling.

As the bus had started moving, I was told I could pay our fare only at the next stop.

The same man came over to help me move the pram to an open area and, as I had my hands full with my kids at the next stop, he came over again to help me pay our fare.

When we arrived at the zoo, a young tourist who was also on the bus carried the pram off for me.

This trip would have been a disaster if not for the kindness of strangers, because there was no understanding or help from the driver.

The bus travelled along a lovely route, the experience was exciting for my kids, and the service was very cheap too.

Would I do it again?

If bus rides could be more family-friendly, and I know that my family's safety would be looked after, then absolutely.

But, at the moment, I'm joining those with strollers or wheelchairs who have to work out the best way to have a pleasant experience every time they venture out.

Ms Alison Siemon

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