Maybe it is just me, but the idea of a 5 year old being picked up or dropped off by themselves just seems wrong.
I mean this whether it is a school bus, a taxi or any other public transportation. I don't think it matters what the weather is either.
+ about 1000 on that and it's not just you.
I seem to recall that the article mentioned his mother waiting at the correct stop. Just another reason I think the bus driver messed up big time.
LW