'We’re not leaving her' — Stagecoach employees praised after saving lost child on late-night journey
Two Stagecoach employees have been praised after making sure that a 10-year-old was reunited with her family after being found on a bus at night
Stagecoach South has commended the swift actions and professionalism of two of its employees after they worked together to safeguard and reunite a lost 10-year-old girl with her family late at night in the Havant area.
The incident took place at about 8pm, on the evening service of route 39, when a young passenger boarded a bus appearing distressed and asked to travel to a stop not served by the route.
The driver, Chelsea Scott, who has been with the company for six months quickly recognised that something was wrong. The child was unable to clearly explain her destination and appeared confused. Chelsea reassured her, advised her to take a seat, and continued to monitor her closely throughout the journey.
As the bus progressed, Chelsea checked in regularly and eventually established that the passenger had likely boarded the wrong service. At that point, Chelsea identified a safeguarding concern due to the child’s age and vulnerability, and contacted the depot for immediate support.
Leading driver Emma-Jane Downie, who has worked in the industry for over 20 years and has been with Stagecoach for the past 15 years, immediately took action upon being contacted. Using route information and mapping systems at the depot, Emma helped identify a safe rendezvous point where the child could be met during the journey.
Emma also arranged for another colleague, Ross Templeton, to assist in the response.
Chelsea then drove to the suitable stop in the Crookhorn area, where the handover was safely completed.
Emma and Ross met the bus and took responsibility for the child, remaining with her until she could be safely returned home to her parents later that evening.
The child, who has additional needs including a speech impairment and cerebral palsy, was reported to be safe and well following the incident.
Both members of staff highlighted that safeguarding is central to their role and training.
Chelsea, who previously worked in childcare and has a background in safeguarding awareness, said recognising when something was wrong was immediate, and that the priority was ensuring the child was not left alone or unsupported.
Emma, who began her career inspired by her father, also a bus driver, said supporting vulnerable passengers is “second nature” and part of the responsibility of being a leading driver, especially when co-ordinating support outside of normal operational hours.
Emma added that experience in reading situations and taking appropriate action is essential to ensuring passenger safety.
Marc Reddy, Managing Director of Stagecoach South, said: “This incident really demonstrates that our drivers and employees do far more than simply transport our customers from A to B, they are part of the very fabric of our communities, working every day to provide excellent journeys and look out for the wellbeing of their passengers. Chelsea and Emma acted in an exemplary manner throughout, and alongside so many of their colleagues across the depot, they make me incredibly proud. Their professionalism, quick thinking, and compassion ensured a vulnerable young person was safely supported and returned home to her family. A massive well done and thank you to both Chelsea and Emma.”