A bus driver has been praised from stopping his rush-hour service to help an elderly woman cross the road.
Kevin Calvert was doing his regular journey home from Leeds to Bradford, in West Yorkshire, around 5pm earlier this month when he noticed the bus stop for a little longer than usual.
After looking out of the window, he caught a picture of the moment the driver, named by Arriva as Inspector Ian Whitehead, walked arm in arm with the elderly lady as he guided her to the other side of the road.
Touched by ‘good deed’, the 30-year-old dad shared the image on social media where it quickly went viral and racked up almost 30,000 likes and shares.
After looking out of the window, he caught a picture of the moment the driver, named by Arriva as Inspector Ian Whitehead, walked arm in arm with the elderly lady as he guided her to the other side of the road
Quality manager Mr Calvert, from Bradford, said: ‘People on the bus were so happy and they were saying things like “what a nice thing to do”.
‘I think people on the bus really liked it because everyone was saying it was really nice and commenting. When you first get on the bus you can usually tell whether the driver is going to be a nice guy or not. Just talking to him, he sounded like a nice guy.
‘He wasn’t gone for long either, perhaps just a minute or two. He got off and led her by the arm and helped her cross the road, that was it.
‘There are nice people in the world but this driver was clearly concerned for her welfare – there was just something in the air.’
Mr Calvert shared the picture on social media in an attempt to get recognition for the kind driver.
He said: ‘I shared it straight away and asked other people to share it. I’m just sharing something good – it was a good deed.
‘The old frail woman got on the bus, like she does every day. I think she gets off at the same stop every day because I always see her.
‘What’s nice is that the driver realised she was someone less fortunate and she needed help. That’s why I want this driver to get the recognition he deserves.’
Quality manager Mr Calvert, from Bradford, said: ‘People on the bus were so happy and they were saying things like “what a nice thing to do”
Jon Croxford, area managing director for Arriva Yorkshire, said: ‘Customer satisfaction is of great importance to us here at Arriva and it is fantastic to see Inspector Ian Whitehead demonstrating our values and going above and beyond to assist an elderly lady in need.
‘We are grateful to our passengers for bringing this to our attention and Ian will be recognised for his act kindness.’
People on social media were quick to comment on the act of kindness.
Tracey Hodson said: ‘Shame there aren’t more people like him the world, it would be a better place. Bless him.’
Jayne Durkin said: ‘Well done, there’s not many bus drivers that would do this.’
Mae Brain said: ‘Wouldn’t happen where I live. They even leave the disabled at the bus stop even when there’s space aboard, because they don’t want to get the ramp out.’
Laura McBeth said: ‘So there are some gentlemen left in the world.’
Sarah Bradley said: ‘Communities need more lovely kind people like this man.. A true gentleman.’
Sue Canavan said: ‘You can see he’s from the old school, manners patience and empathy. Nice to see someone cares about the elderly. We’ll all be there one day.’
Jimmy Colin Thomson said: ‘Probably get sacked now for being a good guy.’