************ on Intercape bus

I am extremely disappointed with my recent experience on Intercape Bus 867 traveling from Midrand to Durban. Despite Intercape advertising unreserved, first-come seating, this policy was not respected by the driver and onboard crew. As a senior citizen with serious medical conditions, including spinal fusion and scoliosis, I selected my seat early to manage pain during the long-distance journey. During the trip, I was pressured to sit upright to accommodate a passenger with a child seated behind me. Even after calmly explaining my medical condition, my needs were ignored. The situation escalated when the driver threatened to “discipline” me for asserting my right to remain in my seat, despite the fact that I was not breaking any rules or safety regulations. I felt harassed and bul****, and priority was unfairly given to another passenger contrary to the company’s unreserved seating policy. This incident caused unnecessary stress and physical discomfort and highlighted a serious lack of staff training, disability awareness, and professionalism. No passenger should be threatened or made to compromise their health because staff are unwilling to manage situations appropriately. Based on this experience, I would strongly urge Intercape to improve staff training, especially around customer service, disability accommodation, and policy enforcement. Sadly, this journey fell far below acceptable standards. — Imelda Carpyde