Passengers on a bus in Gospel Oak, North London, were left “stunned and bewildered” when the driver rolled out a fluorescent jacket in the aisle and began to pray – with the engine still running. People travelling on the No24 service on Monday watched in amazement as the driver took off his shoes, knelt down and began to chant.
No one got on or left the bus as it waited in Southampton Road at around 4.45pm.
Gayle Griffiths, who joined the bus a few minutes before the curious incident, said: “The driver stopped very suddenly and walked towards to the door. He laid out a fluorescent jacket on the floor and I thought that somebody must have been sick.
“But then he took off his shoes and began praying. Everyone was looking round in a mix of shock and amazement. He carried on for about five minutes then just got back up and set off again. It was truly bizarre.”
The Camden Road resident, who lodged a complaint with Transport for London (TfL), added: “The doors were closed the whole time and he was blocking the exit to the bus. If something had happened we would not have been able to get off.”
A TfL spokesman said: “A route 24 bus was delayed following a decision by the driver to stop the bus to pray. TfL apologises to passengers for any inconvenience this may of caused them. We have asked London General [bus company] to remind drivers who have a requirement to pray, to do so during their rest periods.”
He added: “TfL and the individual bus operating companies acknowledge and value the diversity of their staff. As diverse employers, TfL and the bus operators provide suitable prayer or quiet rooms at garages and other key locations for staff who wish to practise their faith.”
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