A BUS driver is alleged to have shouted and sworn at passengers, including a schoolgirl travelling alone, after getting off the vehicle for a cigarette break. The mother of the 14-year old girl was particularly upset because her daughter had only just bee

A BUS driver is alleged to have shouted and sworn at passengers, including a schoolgirl travelling alone, after getting off the vehicle for a cigarette break.

The mother of the 14-year old girl was particularly upset because her daughter had only just been allowed to start using buses on her own.

She said: "It was a bit of independence for her but she's not sure now she wants to use the buses as it was quite frightening to have a man shouting and swearing."

The old girl boarded the S2 bus - run by Uno buses - from St Albans city centre to City Hospital in Normandy Road on March 20.

When she got on the bus she paid her fare to the driver and sat down. The driver then got off to smoke a cigarette and one of the other passengers asked him long it would be before the journey would recommence.

The driver allegedly shouted and swore at the passengers using four-letter words and saying that if the passengers were going to waste his time, he would waste theirs.

Unacceptable

The girl's mother said: "This behaviour is totally unacceptable. Also, despite numerous e-mails and phone calls, I have failed to get a satisfactory answer from the bus company as to what action they will be taking to prevent a recurrence of this unsavoury incident."

Michael Finn, general manager of Uno Buses, said: "The driver will have been interviewed and his future conduct closely monitored. We regret any distress caused to the passengers involved.