Nationwide — Luis Jimenez, a 60-year-old veteran African American MTA bus driver is being hailed as a hero for his swift and decisive actions in Manhattan. Luis, who has been driving buses for years, stepped in when he noticed a young girl in danger on the street.
It was an ordinary Tuesday in September when Luis considered calling out sick but decided to work his shift on the crosstown M116. Near 106th Street and Broadway, as he wrapped up his morning route, he saw the girl seemingly unsupervised and grew concerned.
“My wife worries because she knows I can’t just ignore situations like this. In the MTA, we say, ‘if you see something, say something,’ but for me, it’s more like ‘do something,’” he said.
He watched the girl for about a block before instructing a passenger to call 911. He then pulled over, alerted his dispatcher, and with the help of passengers, brought the child safely onto the bus. Police arrived shortly after and reunited her with her family.
Authorities later revealed that the girl’s school, located 10 blocks away, had reported her missing after she didn’t arrive to class. The girl had no history of running away, but after her pet fish died, she decided to leave in search of a replacement at a nearby pet store.
Despite the ordeal, Luis remains hopeful. “I hope she got her new fish. If not, maybe the community can come together and help her get one,” he said. Reflecting on the experience, Jimenez emphasized the importance of staying positive and making a difference, even in difficult times.
