Hello, I'm writing 'cuz I'm pissed at Van Galder because of their policy on bicycles & my frustration of that policy being enforced on my Dahon folding bike. Here's a message I got back in Feb 2007 from Van Galder:
"Aaron Crandall has the permission of Steve Van Galder to travel with Van Galder Bus Company with no additional charges for his bike. The bike must be folded and in the case for the additional charges to be waived." The driver today questioned this & called the office, who in turn told me that this was a "1 time deal" arrangement & not continuous. Um, it doesn't sound very "1 time" to me & I've been traveling for years w/little or no problem from the drivers until the driver today, who was the cause of me contacting Van Galder back in 2007 in the 1st place...argh! Now, I understand the need to have policies on bikes, both airline & buses, but folding bikes & ground transport I don't see a need for such a surcharge, especially since baby strollers, golf clubs, skis, etc., don't have the same charge & my folding bike is smaller or the same size as some of those things! After arguing a bit w/both the driver & the lady on the phone, I asked the driver to pull over because I was emotionally upset at this whole thing & would refuse to pay the $5 if asked, which would have caused him to kick me off anyhow. I purchased this bike purposefully to get from the Janesville terminal to my mother's house in Janesville only & now may have to pay the $5 for the ticket plus the $5 surcharge each way, thus $20 each trip instead of the current $10. For this rate, For the increase cost, I almost might as well get a car again & give up on this whole notion of living carfree. I sent a very long message to Van Galder & asked them to consider revising their policy to add "Due to the large size, bicycles...," which is what Badger Bus states & allows the drivers not to charge me for my bike. I guess I'd urge you to consider sending a message to Van Galder at [email protected] on their discriminatory policy regarding bikes. Otherwise, I guess I'm simply sending this to vent on this matter because I'm still basically pissed & frustrated. Thank you for letting me vent & sorry for my long rant. Aaron
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