Bus Driver Exits to Assist Disabled Child's Mother: Host’s Post and Officials’ Reactions

Radio Aurora news host Lilit Agajanyan shared on her Facebook page: “My post is about a person, their human values, and remaining human… Yesterday, while heading to work, I needed to take bus number 3, which stopped at one of the stops on Davit Anhayt Street. I noticed that the driver got out. I thought there might be an issue with the bus doors or that the driver needed to drink water. To my surprise, the driver exited to help a mother with a disabled child get a wheelchair up into the bus. He then asked which stop they were getting off at. The driver was young. Without complaint, he assisted her, and we continued our journey. I was in shock until my stop. I use public transport a lot. I’m not a Rockefeller, rolling around in taxis or keeping my own car… not at these prices. This is the first time I've seen a driver like this. I have noted the license plate but won’t share it. Finding him isn’t difficult, especially with cameras on buses now. It’s people like this who drive our lives, who give color to our lives, and who keep others human with their humanity. Safe travels to you, city transport drivers; don’t take offense, but this case is especially about the driver of bus number 3. P.S. people, society, passengers, the transport is for everyone, including those with disabilities. When they get on the bus with a wheelchair or cane, GIVE WAY…”

It is worth mentioning that in the comments of her post, Levon Sardarjan, head of the Yerevan Municipality’s Information Department, responded by saying: “Lilit, when you called me about this topic, I was very happy. But then I got sad, you know why? Because we have started to be surprised by things that are NORMAL. That’s how any normal person should act. And it’s not a good sign that this surprises us.”

Also commenting, Taron Gevorgyan, deputy head of the Municipality Information Department, stated: “Of course, it’s great that there are such drivers, but it would be appropriate to quote the classic saying ‘That’s good, that’s normal.’ Thank you for your post.”

The former head of the Municipality Information Department, Hakob Karapetyan, also remarked: “Lilit, joining my colleagues, I want to add that this is not just humane or normal; the drivers are OBLIGED to assist in getting the wheelchair on board. It’s part of the instructions.”

Despite the aforementioned statements from officials, it is regrettable to note that such incidents occur so infrequently that they only elicit surprise and admiration among the public.