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Photo: Klomp Groep
- Credit:
Photo: Klomp Groep
Thursday, 11 September 2014 - 13:27
Girl with mental disabilities abandoned on school bus
Public transportation company Klomp Group is under fire today after it emerged that a mentally disabled girl was abandoned on one of their mini bus services. The driver of the bus reportedly left the bus locked, forgetting about his remaining passenger, RTV Utrecht reported.
Local residents eventually found the girl and helped her escape through busted-out windows.
The incident comes as part of a series of complaints were revealed by area parents. Concerns were raised about the quality of service, with parents saying they are often unsure if their children will be picked up in the morning, or whether they will arrive at school on time.
"They are a vulnerable group of children who benefit from rhythm and regularity, not from a poorly organised system and poorly enforced school transport,” said Utrecht Councilman Vincent Wijlhuizen. “This must preferably be resolved as quickly as possible,” the Socialist Party politician said.
Parent organisation Balans has called the situation “scandalous,” and have partly attributed blame to the municipality. "[The Council] is focusing more on finances than quality,” Balans president Daniella Krijger told RTV Utrecht.