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
