A twelve-year-old schoolgirl from Merseyside has been left too frightened to take her usual bus home after a driver allegedly shouted at her and held her responsible for a crash.
Incident at Lord Derby Academy Bus Stop
The unsettling event occurred on Friday, January 9, at a bus stop outside Lord Derby Academy in Huyton. According to her mother, Kirsty Holland, 42, her daughter Lyssa Storey had finished school early and went to catch the 2.55pm number nine service to Liverpool from Seel Road.
Ms Holland explained that the bus stop was obstructed by a van and two parked cars. When the Arriva service finally arrived late at around 3.10pm, Lyssa had to step into the road to signal for it to stop. The bus then collided with the van parked in the bus stop bay.
Driver Allegedly Blames Young Passenger
In a distressing turn of events, the bus driver is said to have directed his anger at the young year eight student. "He shouted at her and said it was her fault," stated Ms Holland. "It's terrified her, she doesn't want to go to school because of him shouting at her."
The mother emphasised the inappropriate nature of the confrontation, saying, "He is an adult man and the way he blamed her for him crashing the bus is not ok. All she did was put her hand out for a bus."
Lasting Impact on Daily Commute
The incident has had a significant practical and emotional impact on Lyssa. Her mother reports that the girl is now "terrified" to board that particular route home.
"Lyssa won't get on that route home anymore and now has to go the long way, which adds a good half an hour onto her commute," said Ms Holland. "It's worrying for a parent, I want to know my 12-year-old daughter is getting home safely. He's totally intimidated her."
Operator Launches Investigation
In response to the family's complaint, a spokesperson for Arriva Merseyside confirmed they are investigating. "Arriva takes the safety and wellbeing of our customers very seriously," the spokesperson said.
"We are aware of the incident on the number 9 service on Friday, January 9 and the concerns raised by a customer’s family. The driver involved has been requested to attend a meeting and all aspects of the incident are being carefully investigated."
The outcome of this internal probe is now awaited by Lyssa's family, who seek reassurance that such an intimidating situation will not be repeated for other young passengers.
