Man in wheelchair speaks out after MTA bus driver leaves him toppled in Brooklyn street

In a distressing incident in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, William Romero, a wheelchair user, was left lying in the street after he fell out of his chair while trying to board an MTA B24 bus. The bus was unable to reach the curb due to a truck parked illegally, forcing Romero to attempt a difficult maneuver to board. When he fell, a nearby man rushed to assist him, but the bus driver continued on, leaving Romero behind. He voiced his indignation, stating, "I'm not a pigeon or a dog you just leave on the floor," and called for better treatment from transit staff. Fortunately, Romero did not sustain serious injuries, but he stressed that bus drivers must take responsibility for assisting passengers like him.

The MTA has acknowledged the incident, attributing some blame to the parked truck while also indicating that the bus operator is under review for disciplinary measures. Romero does not wish for the driver to lose their job but rather hopes for a more humane approach in the future. This incident has raised concerns about accessibility and the treatment of disabled passengers in public transportation.