Woman fumes after kids don't offer up bus seat for elderly passenger

26 July 2023 , 18:55

706     0

Her elderly friend was left standing up on the packed bus (Stock Photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Many of us who regularly use public transport will be aware of a certain etiquette whereby passengers are expected to give up their seats for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with disabilities who may be struggling to stand.

Not everybody will adhere to this code of good manners, however, as one woman was recently shocked to discover while out and about with an elderly friend.

According to this displeased woman, her friend is in her late seventies, and although she wouldn't be considered "frail", she does walk rather slowly these days and doesn't have great balance.

When the pair ventured on a packed bus during a trip to the seaside, she imagined some young person would step up and give her pal a seat, and couldn't believe it when no offers came.

Taking to Mumsnet, the ticked-off bus user fumed: "We were going to the seaside and as it's the first day of the school holidays there were lots of families with young children on the bus.

Exact date to book your holiday so you swerve £25 charge to get to the airport

"Many of the seats were occupied by children from toddlers to early teens and absolutely none of them offered her their seat and their parents neither told them to nor offered their own seats.

"Do most people now really think a child should have a seat of their own when there's someone who needs it more? If so, why?"

She went on to clarify: "I realise there will be some children with disabilities/ conditions that mean they do need a seat of their own but most preschool children can sit on their parent's lap and most children over five can stand for a bus journey can't they?"

Her post has since sparked a bit of a debate. While many could completely see her point, others felt the onus was really on the adults on the bus, not the kids.

One person commented: "Adults should be offering their seats. From a safety point of view, an able-bodied adult is more able to safely maintain their balance on a moving vehicle than a child is. An adult can reach the support straps/poles for one thing."

Another remarked: "I'd hold my toddler on my lap and get my preteen to stand but I wouldn't give up a seat and stand with a toddler on my hip or hanging on my leg as that wouldn't be safe for them. Fine for older kids over the age of seven or adults to stand but little ones usually need the seat."

A third person argued: "I don't see the need to distinguish between children and adults here. Anyone able-bodied should offer their seat to someone more in need. Children will model the behaviour they see. The fact the adults didn't bother is a testament to that."

Julia Banim