A Stagecoach East bus driver has received a personal letter of commendation from Minister for Local Transport Simon Lightwood after his actions helped ensure the safety of a vulnerable passenger on his service.
Lewis Mayo was named Stagecoach Star of the Month in the ‘doing the right thing’ category for aiding a 20-year-old women who appeared unwell after boarding his bus.
The incident occurred when Lewis permitted the young women to remain on board and escape the cold weather. Upon arrival at the route’s final stop, the passenger was unresponsive and had turned pale. Lewis immediately called 999 and awaited the arrival of paramedics, who stabilised the passenger’s condition at the scene.
Praising his actions, the Minister writes: “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. 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 its Star of the Month award for ‘doing the right thing’ – congratulations.”
Stagecoach East has been proactive in making its services safer and more inclusive through Buses and Businesses Against Abuse (BAA), a regional partnership with Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the Cambridge and Peterborough Rape Crisis Centre. The initiative covers several counties across the East of England and aims to address violence against women and girls by designating buses as official safe spaces, supported by specialist training for all drivers.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, adds: “We are all very proud of the thoughtful and compassionate way that Lewis approached what was a very difficult situation. 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 people who run local buses, we are very much part of the local communities we serve – because they are our communities. As with our partnership with BAA, our buses are safe-spaces, and our drivers will regularly go out of their way to help the most vulnerable members of our society.”
