AN orderly queue is a good thing (HAS, Sept 28). It works on the principle of first come, first served.

However, when it comes to public transport, legislation for the disabled and elderly has led to easier access entrances, even raised pavements and the creation of clear spaces for wheelchair users.

Disabled people, and they are increasingly our service heroes, no longer need to rely entirely on our often grudging largesse – they actually have rights.

Of course we are free to sit wherever we choose but a little thoughtfulness wouldn’t go amiss. It needn’t be confrontational.

Do you remember when the entrance was at the rear of the vehicle, and the front of the bus was in effect the back of the bus and the “guard” would cajole, “move right down the bus please”. By moving down the bus you speeded up the boarding process. It was common sense.

Today, which is it: “First come, first served”, or “Me first”?

Gerard Wild, Richmond.

A COUPLE of Saturdays ago, I boarded a bus for Stockton at the Springfield stop in Darlington.

My 16-year-old granddaughter was with me. I paid return fare for her, mine was free (which I believe some drivers resent). I found every seat was taken. I stood holding the pole by the front seat, hoping someone would alight at the next two stops. There were no pushchairs in the compartment and a notice said: “Standing room for 17 passengers”.

The driver shouted: “You can’t stand there, you’ll have to go upstairs”.

As I am almost 88 years old, I was a bit shocked and wondered how I would manage it. However, with my granddaughter behind me, I started to climb the stairs.

At the third stair, the bus moved on. I struggled to the top getting bruises on both arms and almost collapsed onto a seat.

My granddaughter kept asking: “Are you alright, Nanna?”.

Passengers on the top deck must have thought I was stupid.

I was. I should have asked for the fare to be returned and got off the bus. The driver might have had some forms to fill in then.

I might say he looked about retiring age, I don’t wish him the same treatment he gave me, but please “do as you would be done by”.

V Jackson, Darlington.