It’s most likely that the cameras on the bus tell the real story. Again we are in one of those positions where a company has rules and procedures that have to be followed. A driver has the right not to allow a person onto a public service vehicle if they so wish or deem it to be an issue to them or other passengers.
No doubt that the bus company will have rules about fare discount cards and free travel etc. But I am only surprised they haven’t publicly lambasted the driver in this case like they normally would in this sort of case as a PR exercise. In these sorts of events, normally they will come out with “the driver should have let this lady on the bus, and we have retrained our drivers” to make themselves look good and try and undo the damage that has been done.
Bottom line it seems from the article at least, he thought she was a previous person who did not have her card. He did not check the doors were properly closed, he did not do a left mirror check when pulling away.
It’s a sad world we live in sometimes, and yes I get old people can be problematic especially if dementia is involved, but what about compassion and care for the elderly? Most bus drivers are decent people who will wait until elderly people are seated etc and even help them on and off a bus where possible.
But again it’s often the failures of the companies that go unnoticed. Rigid rules for some things don’t work in a dynamic environment, and the threats of disciplinary action for minor issues makes these kinds of situations worse as drivers fear being taken to task and losing their jobs over trivial matters.
This was an old lady trying to get on a bus, at 6pm an odd time for an elderly lady to be catching a bus into town. Not a scenario of some freeloader trying to get a free ride.
Sorry but in my opinion any company rules would go out the window and I’d deal with it the way I feel best at the time and circumstances. Potential disciplinary action or not by the company.
But having said all that the main reason I would never be a bus driver is having to deal with people every day. I can see how hard it must be for bus drivers, but to do the job you need to enjoy meeting new people and dealing with the general public. Another reason for not allowing any Joe public to become a bus driver, it’s not a job for everyone it takes a certain kind of person, and also if these companies paid drivers their worth they would not struggle to retain drivers, and also wouldn’t need to take absolutely anyone on, who thinks that isn’t bad I can earn more money for just driving around in a bus.
Blame on all sides as usual but the driver it seem did wrong and is paying for it big style.
Sent from my CPH2173 using Tapatalk
