Bus Driver's Relentless Kindness Caught on Video

Milwaukee County Transit System bus driver Natalie Barnes is honored
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 21, 2018 2:01 PM CST

It wasn't one act of kindness caught on surveillance video in Milwaukee, but kindness after kindness, throughout the course of a shift. And it's now being recognized. ABC News reports that on Oct. 13, Milwaukee County Transit System bus driver Natalie Barnes picked up an elderly man named Richard, who rode the remainder of the route with her. At the end of the line, she's seen on video talking to him, as he explains he's been homeless for the past week after his house was condemned. He declined her offer of dinner, but accepted her offer that he continue to ride the route with her in order to stay warm on the cold night.

The kindness hardly ends there: The two are at one point filmed with bags of what seem to be food. She's later recorded calling a friend while on break and arranging placement for Richard in a temporary shelter. She asks if she can get him items from the store the next day. "I want to help you," she simply says when he says he doesn't know how to thank her. As they part ways, she tells him to "let me know what happens—even tonight." The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Barnes was honored Wednesday with an MCTS Excellence award, her third commendation for outstanding service in the two years she has been with the transit agency; she's been known to bring extra sandwiches on her shifts to give to those in need. As for Richard, he's secured permanent housing. (Read more uplifting stories here.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X