A bus driver has been suspended and is facing misconduct allegations after a 12-year-old boy was not allowed to board a bus as he was carrying a scooter.
As iomtoday reported last week, Jake Walmsley was forced to walk back to his grandmother’s house alone in the dark.
His grandmother Carol Walmsley, whose son Chris was left quadriplegic after being hit by a car on Richmond Hill in 2006, accused public transport bosses of failing in their role to provide a public service.
A spokesman for the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure said they could not comment while the matter is under investigation.
Jake had been trying to catch the bus home to Colby from the bus shelter in Bridson Street, Port Erin.
He returned half an hour later to his grandmother’s home on Maine Road very upset having been refused entry on the bus.
Carol said: ‘It was dark and cold, now 7pm – I just could not believe what he was saying. The driver had humiliated him and refused to take him because he had his scooter.’
When she called Bus Vannin she was told the racks were not big enough to take large skateboards or scooters.
Carol said: ‘I’m still shocked a driver could simply refuse to transport a child and just leave him alone in the dark. Where was his duty of care? Thankfully Jake had the sense to return to us and not walk – or scoot – home alone, in the dark.’
