Passengers on bus refuse to make space for wheelchair user, only for driver to give them a taste of their own medicine

To make space for people with disabilities on public buses and trains is a matter of course for me. The idea of denying them access simply because I’m too lazy to move is unthinkable.

Unfortunately, it seems not everyone is of the same opinion. Every day, across the world, people with disabilities are discriminated against in one way or another.

After hearing about what happened to wheelchair user Francois Le Berre on a bus, I was left stunned by the sheer ignorance of the people onboard. When I learned what the bus driver did in response, however, my faith in a little thing called karma was perfectly restored …

Frenchman Francois Le Berre suffers from MS, a neurological disease that attacks the central nervous system over time. The severe pain has left him wheelchair bound, but he’s doing his best to adjust to a new life as a disabled person in the city of Paris.

One day, when Francois was getting on the bus, a situation developed which screams ‘nightmare scenario’ to anyone affected by a disability. The passengers on the bus refused to make room for him, meaning Francois couldn’t board with his wheelchair and thus wasn’t able to make his journey.

Facebook / Francois Le Berre

Bus driver’s reaction

Fortunately, the driver of the bus wasn’t of the same mindset as his passengers. Having noticed that Francois had been denied access to the bus due only to ignorant passengers, he grew furious.

“Stop. Everyone off,” is what the bus driver ordered, according to Francois’ Facebook post about the incident.

The driver then proceeded to ensure everyone got off the bus so that Francois could board. He did so to teach them a lesson about being considerate towards others less fortunate than themselves.

To drive home his point, the driver then ordered the passengers to “wait for the next bus”, as per Francois’ post. He then continued on his route.

Driver punished

Several media outlets picked up on the news shortly after Francois’ post began to circulate. The bus driver ended up in choppy waters, as he’d violated the rules regarding bus driver practises whilst on duty. Fortunately, he kept his job.

Regie Autonome des Transports Parisiens, who handle public transport in Paris, had caught wind of the story and wanted to track down the driver. In the end, however, they decided not to punish him as they felt he’d done the morally right thing. Great thinking!

Sometimes those more self-centered of us need a reminder concerning how to treat others. 

In my opinion, the world needs more people like this bus driver – brave enough to stand up for someone in need. 

Please share this article to inspire others to behave the same.