Minister recognises driver’s act of kindness
A driver from a Milton Keynes bus operator has been personally congratulated by the Minister for Local Transport after helping a vulnerable young woman on his bus.
Simon Lightwood, the Minister, personally wrote to Stagecoach East’s Lewis Mayo after he beat off competition from around the country to win a Stagecoach Star of the Month Award, in the category ‘Doing the right thing’.
“I am very grateful for your quick thinking in a difficult situation, which ensured that a vulnerable passenger was safe and able to access the necessary medical care,” said Mr Lightwood.
“Your commitment to your role demonstrates the vital role bus drivers play in our local communities, and I was delighted to hear that Stagecoach subsequently awarded you their Star of the Month award for ‘doing the right thing’, congratulations.”
The 20 year-old woman boarded Lewis’s bus and he allowed her to travel to keep out of the cold weather. But on arrival, Lewis realised that she had curled herself up into a ball and looked extremely pale, so he called 999 and requested an ambulance to revive her. The response was fast and the paramedics managed to secure her condition.
“We are all very proud of the thoughtful and compassionate way that Lewis approached what was a very difficult situation,” said Darren Roe, managing director, Stagecoach East.
“Along with the rest of our team and the emergency services, everyone worked so quickly and professionally to offer what help they could. I am grateful to the Minister for recognising what a crucial role buses play in our local communities.
“As with our partnership with Businesses Against Abuse, our buses are safe-spaces, and our drivers will regularly go out of their way to help the most vulnerable members of our society.”
