On an ordinary Tuesday afternoon, 60-year-old Luis Jimenez, an MTA bus driver of 22 years, found himself faced with an extraordinary situation. While completing his shift on the crosstown M116 route near W. 106th Street and Broadway, Jimenez noticed something off. A five-year-old girl was spotted alone, darting from the sidewalk and heading toward the busy street. Unsure of what prompted such behavior, Jimenez could not just look away; his instincts as a father kicked in immediately.
Jimenez recalled, "My instinct as a father came on, because if I see a kid in the street who needs help, I would want somebody to help one of my children or my grandkids." He said he had briefly considered calling out sick for the day, but the decision to show up for work turned out to be fortuitous. He reported the concerning scene to his dispatcher and instructed one of the passengers to call 911.
“We have a saying at MTA, ‘if you see something, say something,’ but for me, it’s more like ‘do something,’” Jimenez remarked, highlighting his proactive mindset. He watched the girl closely for about a block, concerned but hopeful she might reunite with someone. After confirming the girl was alone and needed help, he decided it was time to intervene.
Jimenez safely pulled the bus over and opened the door, inviting the frightened child onboard. His passengers quickly rallied to support him, with some even comforting the girl, who was visibly confused and distressed. After the bus had come to a stop, Jimenez remarked, "I hope she got her new fish. If not, maybe the community can come together and help her get one." Shortly thereafter, police arrived on the scene, and the girl was safely returned to her family.
Upon investigation, it was revealed the little girl had slipped away from her school, located about ten blocks away. She hadn’t missed school on purpose but had been compelled to leave by her desire to replace her deceased pet fish. Armed with nothing but her backpack, she embarked on what she thought might be the solution to her loss.
The girl's school staff had reported her missing once it became apparent she hadn’t arrived for class. Fortunately, thanks to Jimenez's swift actions, the story ended on a positive note. The girl was able to reunite with her family, safe and sound, who were undoubtedly thankful for the kind-hearted bus driver.
Luis Jimenez has since been celebrated as a hero, receiving many accolades for his quick thinking and caring demeanor. Each time the story is shared, it reminds us of the innate goodness people can hold—even within the unrest of big cities like New York. Jimenez humbly shared his thoughts post-incident, saying, “Times are hard…we have to get up with positive attitudes and make differences.”
Continuing on with his life, Jimenez is not only recognized as a dedicated bus driver but also as part of the Timeless Torches, an over-40 dance troupe associated with the New York Liberty basketball team, where he performs during halftime shows. His dual life as both caregiver and entertainer speaks to his vibrant spirit. This dance troupe also allows him to maintain his physical fitness and enthusiasm, giving him the energy necessary to excel both on the dance floor and behind the wheel of his bus.
Reflecting on the rescue, Jimenez believes strongly in community support and the idea of helping others, assuring everyone, “If she didn’t get the fish, we should help out and try to get it for her.” His actions have sparked conversations about community responsibility and the role of public servants.
It’s stories like Jimenez's—tales of everyday heroes—that can sometimes cut through the static of constant bad news, reminding us of humanity and compassion thriving amid chaos. Heroes don’t always wear capes; sometimes they just happen to be the one who stopped to help. To Jimenez, it was just another day—another shift spent watching over the riders.
