Mum fell down bus stairs, driver didn’t stop

A Harrowing Bus Experience in London: How Should It Be Addressed?

Navigating public transportation in a bustling city like London can be challenging, especially for newcomers. Recently, an unsettling incident occurred involving my mother, an active woman in her late 60s, which has prompted us to seek guidance and share our story.

While descending the steps inside a double-decker bus, my mother experienced a frightening fall from the top step to the floor of the stairwell. My wife was accompanying her, and although she was understandably shaken, she immediately attempted to comfort and assist my mother. Several concerned passengers urged the driver to halt the bus, yet it took a few minutes and some forceful persuasion before he finally came to a stop. Only then did the driver inquire about her need for medical assistance, though he exhibited little sensitivity in his response, suggesting caution in wet conditions rather than offering genuine concern.

While we are aware that London’s busy streets can make sudden stops challenging, the reaction—or rather, the lack of immediate action—from the bus driver left us, and other passengers, distressed. Given the situation, the question arises: Should such incidents be formally reported? Is this a common occurrence that simply demands more caution on my mother’s part?

Fortunately, despite her painful bruising and sore back, my mother managed to walk from the bus stop to our home, and she is now recuperating with the help of hot and cold packs. We are incredibly grateful for the compassionate passengers who advocated on her behalf during the ordeal.

Update: Steps Taken for Resolution

Upon receiving thoughtful advice from others, including a suggestion from a Reddit user, we decided to proceed with filing a report regarding the incident. It’s important to note that our intent isn’t to criticize bus drivers broadly but to highlight a specific concern about this driver’s actions—or lack thereof—in what could have been a critical situation.

For context, my mother is not only very active, indulging in light sports and daily activities with her grandchildren, but she was also taking appropriate precautions by wearing sensible footwear and using the handrail. Despite this incident, she readily acknowledges the challenges drivers face and agrees that this is not inherently anyone’s fault, though she did consider the driver’s abrupt maneuvering unusual.

During the event, the driver did pause briefly while my mother lay unable to stand, yet he resumed driving without ensuring her safety. This conduct, especially after being addressed by fellow passengers, raises questions on whether the driver might benefit from further training to better