A little girl who was scared of going on buses is now a fully fledged passenger after big-hearted staff at a Dumbarton depot stepped in.
Senior staff at First Glasgow’s town base were delighted to assist West Dunbartonshire Council with their request to help them assist three-year-old Rachel.
The youngster is partially blind and had severe confidence issues using public transport but the brave trooper conquered her fear thanks to her determination and everyone who stepped in to help.
She would get very upset and stressed when a bus would approach and would refuse to board.
Her parents’ main concern was that she was about to start nursery after the summer holidays and would miss out on daytrips with her friends.
Initially, when the First Glasgow team met Rachel, she still had the same fear, and simply refused to board the bus even with the engine switched off.
Her mum was ready to admit defeat at that point and even apologised to the team, stating that she would just have to try and persevere until she could get over her fear.
But the team worked their magic with Robert Boyle of the Dumbarton depot operations team saying they would not give up and would take it in small steps to try and build up her confidence.
After weeks of perseverance, Rachel is now a fully-fledged bus passenger.
She is not only able to board public transport without fear, but the team were even able to take her on her own exclusive trip around the local area, which she absolutely loved.
Mr Boyle heaped praise on the little girl.
He said: “It has been a privilege to have been asked to take on this role and I found Rachel to be so inspirational.
“It has really made my day being able to help this young lady.
“Unfortunately she will never be able to have a driving licence due to her condition and public transport will play a big part in her life.
“I would like to thank Paul Lowe and Paul Harrison for their help and our marketing department for supplying Rachel with a First Bus goody bag .
“She absolutely loves her hi-vis.
“Rachel is now a true journey maker!”
