First Glasgow’s bus conditions handle prams differently from most operators: they say up to two small prams or ordinary unfolded pushchairs can use the wheelchair space when no wheelchair or scooter user needs it, and they say empty pushchairs must be folded. They also include a clause on loss or damage that parents rarely notice until something goes wrong. This guide summarises the Greater Glasgow edition of the operator’s conditions of travel dated April 2024 and the operator’s help page on pushchairs, both read in September 2026. The rules are those of a single operator in the Glasgow area of Scotland, and other First Bus companies publish their own editions. This is general information.
How much space there is (Scotland)
Section 5.11 of the conditions says that when the wheelchair space is not occupied by a wheelchair or mobility scooter user, it can on most vehicles accommodate up to two small prams or normal-sized unfolded pushchairs. Some vehicles also have extra pushchair capacity in a dedicated buggy area. The conditions add that the driver will know where a pushchair or pram can be safely accommodated and that passengers should follow the driver’s instructions.
The conditions describe a second flexible space on some vehicles, designed for wheelchairs, pushchairs or scooters, available first come, first served, and not a designated wheelchair space unless it is specifically signed as one. The designated wheelchair space is sized for a wheelchair no longer than 1200mm and no wider than 700mm, which the conditions describe as the standard reference wheelchair set out in the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000. Anyone with a double or tandem pushchair should compare its length and width to those dimensions, since the conditions stress that the driver decides where it can safely go.
Empty pushchairs must be folded (Scotland)
Section 5.12 states that empty pushchairs, and pushchairs carrying animals or luggage, must be folded and accommodated in appropriate luggage areas where it is safe to do so and with consideration for other customers. A pushchair being used to carry shopping is therefore not treated the same as one carrying a child.
When a wheelchair user boards (Scotland)
Section 5.7 says wheelchair users have priority over everyone else for the designated wheelchair space. If a wheelchair user wants to board and there is space elsewhere on the vehicle, customers will be required by the driver to vacate the space where reasonable, including repositioning small prams or mobility scooters where possible and folding buggies and storing them in the luggage space where available. The same section adds that no one already travelling will be asked to get off the bus to accommodate a wheelchair user. That differs from Lothian Buses, whose parents may be offered the choice to leave with a ticket for onward travel, as covered in the site’s guide to prams on Lothian Buses.
The operator’s help page takes a softer tone, asking customers with a pushchair or buggy to consider the travel needs of vulnerable passengers and those in a wheelchair or with restricted mobility. It says this may mean leaving extra time or waiting to complete the journey.
The responsibility clause (Scotland)
Section 5.5 says it is the customer’s responsibility to make sure a wheelchair, mobility scooter, pram or pushchair is safely positioned within the designated area, that notices in that area are followed, and that the item does not obstruct any exit or gangway. Section 5.12 also states that the operator will not accept liability for loss of or damage to pushchairs and prams. The conditions treat wheelchairs and mobility equipment differently: section 5.6 says that if a wheelchair, other mobility equipment or an assistive device is damaged or lost through the operator’s negligence during the journey, compensation up to the cost of repair or replacement will be provided under the Rights of Passengers in Bus and Coach Transport (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018. Prams are not listed there.
Whether a particular exclusion of liability could be relied on in a dispute is a legal question the conditions do not answer, so a parent whose pram was damaged on a bus may wish to seek advice from a consumer advice service.
Practical points for parents
- Board with the pram positioned according to the notices in the space, and follow the driver’s instructions.
- Fold a pram that is empty or carrying shopping.
- Be ready to fold or reposition the pram if a wheelchair user or scooter user boards.
Frequently asked questions
Can two prams go in the wheelchair space? The conditions say the space can take up to two small prams or normal-sized unfolded pushchairs on most vehicles when no wheelchair or scooter user needs it.
Will I be asked to leave the bus for a wheelchair user? Section 5.7 says no one already travelling will be asked to get off, though prams may have to be repositioned or folded.
Is the operator liable for a damaged pram? Section 5.12 says it does not accept liability for loss of or damage to pushchairs and prams.
The bottom line
On First Glasgow buses, unfolded prams can use the wheelchair space when no wheelchair or scooter user needs it, empty pushchairs must be folded, and the operator’s conditions disclaim liability for damage to prams. Parents should expect to reposition or fold when a wheelchair user boards.