Hamamatsu, Aug 06 (News On Japan) - A young boy who takes Hamamatsu city bus to and from elementary school was left to walk home in the scorching heat after a bus driver demanded an apology for an 80-yen fare shortage.
The incident occurred last month when the boy, a lower-grade elementary school student, was getting off the bus on his way home. Upon touching his IC card, it was discovered that he was 80 yen short. The bus driver, a man in his 40s, reportedly touched the boy’s chin to make him look up and sternly asked, “What do you do in a situation like this?” He then demanded an apology and that the boy report the incident to his parents.
Unable to pay the 80 yen fare, the boy did not board the next bus as planned and instead walked home. On that day, the temperature in Hamamatsu City reached a sweltering 37.7 degrees Celsius, making the two-hour walk even more grueling.
A parent commented, “We really need to make sure we’re checking these things properly. Perhaps giving children GPS devices or mobile phones, and knowing their expected return time to coordinate with the school, is necessary. I couldn’t understand why such a harsh measure was taken, but it clearly lacked consideration for the child and the customers.”
The problem came to light after the boy's parents reported the incident. The bus driver has since been removed from duty and is currently awaiting further action at home due to his inappropriate conduct.
Source: ANN
