Feb 10 • 11:35 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy Il Giornale

"I forgot my subscription." And the driver makes a 15-year-old disabled boy get off the bus

A 15-year-old disabled boy in Vicenza was asked to leave a bus by the driver after he mentioned he forgot his bus pass, prompting outrage and an internal investigation by the transport company.

In Vicenza, Italy, a distressing incident occurred when a 15-year-old disabled boy was asked to exit a bus after he informed the driver that he had forgotten his bus pass at home. The boy's mother recounted the events, expressing confusion and disbelief over why her son was made to disembark, given his disability. This incident has sparked public outrage and has raised questions about the awareness and training of transport staff regarding accommodating passengers with disabilities.

The boy, who was returning home after school, attempted to communicate his situation to the bus driver in a good faith effort to comply with fare policies. However, instead of offering assistance or allowing him to stay on the bus, the driver insisted that he leave. The bus stop near the school, where the incident took place, is frequented by students, underscoring the need for sensitivity and understanding in such situations. The mother's account highlights the emotional impact this experience had on both her and her son, who felt humiliated and rejected.

In response to the incident, Azienda Vicentina Trasporti has initiated internal reviews to investigate the situation and assess the actions of the driver. This has opened a broader conversation about the treatment of disabled individuals within public transport systems, emphasizing the importance of training and policies that ensure all passengers are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances.

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