Go Tokyo Your Experience
On July 22, 2024, a distressing event unfolded in Hamamatsu City, Japan, when a young boy faced a severe reaction from a bus driver due to insufficient funds on his IC card. The child, attempting to return home, discovered that his “Nice Pass” card balance was too low to cover the fare.
Driver’s Harsh Demand
As the boy tried to address the situation, the driver, in his forties, confronted him aggressively. The driver touched the boy’s chin, forcefully lifting his head and demanding an apology in a commanding tone, further instructing him to inform his parents about the incident.
Overwhelmed and intimidated, the boy chose to walk home under the scorching heat of 38 degrees Celsius, a journey that took him two hours.
Company’s Response
Upon learning about the incident, the boy’s family contacted the Enshu Railway Company, which operates the bus service. The company responded by apologizing to the boy and his family and temporarily suspending the driver involved.
The driver later admitted his ignorance of the boy’s need to transfer buses and acknowledged his inappropriate handling of the situation, vowing to reflect on his actions.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked a flurry of reactions among Japanese netizens. While some criticize the driver’s approach as “inappropriate,” others recall similar experiences and suggest that the driver should have been the one to apologize first.
Some rational voices argue that the boy should have checked his card balance beforehand but agree that the driver’s response was excessively harsh.
This incident highlights the need for greater sensitivity and proper training in handling such situations, ensuring that public transport remains a safe and welcoming space for all, especially the most vulnerable passengers.