Eric, I just posted their policy in my reply to Darryl. My bike would be too large to fit in the overhead but could be coersed under the seat & I've taken it on the bus in the past (put on seat next to me). It does have a bag, which in Van Galder's email to me back in Feb 2007, they stated I would not be charged if it was in its bag. My bike should be stored under because it is the size of a large suitcase.
Badger's policy is: "Yes. Bikes are allowed below the bus as long as they are in a box. Due to the large size of the box, there is a $10.00 fee..." I feel the statement "Due to the large size" allows for a driver to use more discretion. The driver in question keeps explaining to me that "he doesn't want to lose his job for not following Van Galder's policies..." Aaron ________________________________ From: Eric Westhagen <[email protected]> To: Aaron Crandall <[email protected]>; BikiesSubmissions <[email protected]> Sent: Sun, November 1, 2009 9:23:47 PM Subject: Re: [Bikies] Folding Bikes & Bus Travel Dear Aaron, I as I assume many on this list will be happy to write on your behalf if you post the line's policy about parcels larger than seat and overhead storage like trunks and large suitcases, etc. Does your fold-up store in the overhead or seat? Does it have a case or slip cover? You mention strollers and skis. Are they stowed under or in the seat or overhead? Is your bike stowed under. Please post the Badger Bus policy and I will be happy to chime in on your behalf. EW Aaron Crandall wrote: 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 > > ________________________________ >_______________________________________________ >Bikies mailing list >[email protected] >http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org >
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