Mother's anger with bus company after daughter, 4, faints on journey (From Gazette Series)

Thornbury mother's anger with bus company after daughter, 4, faints on journey

8:30am Friday 10th February 2012 in Thornbury news By Marion Sauvebois

Selina Davies with her daughter Eve, four

A MOTHER-of-two in Thornbury has spoken of her anger at the ‘careless’ bus driver who slammed the brakes so abruptly her toddler was knocked to the ground and fainted on a journey home from Cribbs Causeway.

Selina Davies, 39, her mother and four-year-old daughter Eve caught the 309 bus outside the Mall on Friday, February 8 just before it was about to set off.

They rushed to some empty seats as the First bus pulled away and Eve was just climbing onto hers when the driver stopped sharply, throwing the little girl onto the floor.

Mrs Davies told the Gazette: "It was so frightening. She was on all fours on the seat and the driver braked really hard after building up speed. She banged her head on the floor and hurt her chin.

"She screamed when she fell but the bus carried on. She cried for a while and then turned very quiet and said she felt sick.

"She was very pale and closed her eyes. Her head flopped forward and she fainted."

As soon as they reached Thornbury, they got off the bus and headed to the doctor’s, but not before confronting the driver.

However, according to Mrs Davies, he did not apologise and just stared blankly at her as she carried Eve off in her arms.

The four-year-old was treated for her head injury but still missed school the following Monday as she still felt sick.

"She would not open her eyes and was barely talking," Mrs Davies added. "It could have been a lot more serious. My mother phoned the bus company to tell them what had happened. I sent them a letter as well. We just want an apology for what happened."

A First Group spokesman said: "This complaint is being dealt with by our customer service team. They will respond to the Davies family within 10 working days in line with company policy.

"Each complaint logged with First is investigated fully, with the driver spoken to if necessary and the appropriate action taken as a result."

He added that the general rule of thumb is that drivers can pull away gently, as soon as customers have reached the first available seats.

"Our drivers have to strike a fine balance between allowing sufficient time for everyone who wishes to sit down to find a seat, and keeping on time.

"Bus operators like ourselves can be fined if buses are more than one minute early or five minutes late."