Couple say bus driver was homophobic
A BUS company has launched an investigation after a couple claimed they were subjected to homophobic treatment by a driver.
John Mullarkey and Steven Crosbie say a driver made an offensive ‘limp wrist’ gesture and flicked the V sign at them, after they got off a First Manchester to Heywood service on Monday.
The couple say the driver had first seen them holding hands before the journey, as they queued at Shudehill Station, and closed the door in their faces as they went to board.
John and Steven ran up to the next bus stop, where they were able to board the service, but say the same driver was then ‘abrupt and arrogant’ towards then.
It was shortly after, when they were getting off in Heywood, they say the driver made the offensive gestures.
First Manchester has pledged to carry out a full investigation after the couple made a formal complaint.
Steven, who works at McDonald’s, said: “He was thanking the customers in front of us, but he was just very abrupt and arrogant with us... as he drove away he was also shouting something at us, but as the windows were closed we couldn’t hear what it was.
“I was bullied for five years in school for being gay, but it’s 2017. It shouldn’t be happening.
“It’s not the first time this kind of thing has happened since I left school, but it is the first time it’s happened on public transport, that’s what shocked me the most. It was 100 per cent homophobic.”
John, who works in insurance, came out last year and says this was the first incident of homophobia he has ever experienced. He added: “For it to come from a bus driver, it didn’t feel nice.”
A First Manchester spokesman said: “We are taking this allegation very seriously and we are now conducting a full investigation.”