Man 'appalled' after tram passengers refuse to move for his newborn baby

05 February 2024 , 12:28

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The dad was forced to stand on the tram, holding his newborn (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

When you see someone with a baby standing up on public transport, the courteous thing to do would be to offer them your seat if you're able-bodied - but one man and his newborn were left stood up and disgruntled when nobody offered.

Duncan MacRae was travelling on a tram to the Midsumma Festival in Melbourne with his daughter Bella, and when he boarded, it was already full. He was left struggling, holding Bella in his arms as he stood up on the tram, as nobody offered him a seat - and he shared his outrage at the situation on social media.

The dad, who often posts lighthearted content, felt like he needed to highlight the issue on his TikTok, and he pinned the video to the top of his page. The dad captioned the video: "Melbourne, I am shocked! And on a day where we're literally celebrating inclusivity", followed by an angry face emoji.

He told Daily Mail Australia: "The reaction of those in the priority seats, who saw me and put their heads back into their phones, highlights the societal issues of empathy and community support. It's not just about offering a seat, it's about recognising the needs of others and acting with kindness."

Eventually, a commuter left their seat to get off, and he had to tell another passenger to "get stuffed", as they tried to nab the seat before him - despite the fact he was with child.

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In the comments section of the video, many tried to argue that they were just as deserving of a seat if they'd worked a "long day", with some saying they shouldn't have to get up because of "other people's life choices". However, one man wrote: "For all the people that think they're entitled it's respectful to give up your seat for the elderly, pregnant women or people with very young babies."

Someone fumed: "Why should I give up my seat when I've been working or on the way to work because of someone else's life choices?", and another pointed out: "Because it's a safety issue, especially if the bus brakes suddenly, it's also your life choice to be travelling on a bus at that particular time."

A TikTok user raged: "Yes you did deserve a seat because you had a child. In fact, you should have had the priority seat", and another shared their situation: "8 amputated fingers here! Very visible. Can't grip or hold onto anything on a tram/train leading to me falling. I get ignored every time and have to beg."

Danielle Kate Wroe