A bus driver for McGill’s Bus Group in Glasgow, Pummy Hadebe, was named the UK’s Top National Bus Driver for her actions in assisting a passenger who gave birth on her bus. Hadebe received the honor at the UK Bus Awards ceremony in late 2023, following the incident which occurred earlier in the year.
The event took place in July when Hadebe was operating a scheduled bus route in Glasgow. According to statements from McGill’s Bus Group, Hadebe noticed a passenger in distress and identified that she was in active labor. She stopped the bus, contacted emergency services, and provided assistance to the woman. The baby was born on the vehicle before paramedics arrived on the scene.
In a statement following the awards ceremony, Hadebe described her response during the incident. “I was just focused on the passenger and the situation,” she said. “My first aid training kicked in, and I knew I had to keep her calm and make sure she was as comfortable as possible. It all happened so fast.”
The UK Bus Awards judging panel cited Hadebe’s professionalism and calm handling of the unexpected medical emergency. The “Top National Bus Driver” award is a national recognition within the UK transport industry, presented annually to individuals for outstanding performance and customer service.
Alex Hornby, Managing Director for McGill’s Bus Group, commented on Hadebe’s recognition. “We are incredibly proud of Pummy,” Hornby stated in a company release. “Her actions on that day were a testament to her character and training. She went above and beyond the call of duty, and this award is a fitting acknowledgment of her exceptional conduct.”
Hadebe, who is originally from Zimbabwe, has been a driver with McGill’s since 2021. The company has publicly commended her for her service and for representing the organization at a national level. Following the arrival of paramedics, both the mother and the newborn were transported to a hospital for care.
