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A DUBLIN city bus driver was hailed as a hero yesterday for breaking a 20 euro note for a passenger who forgot to bring the exact fare.

Mark Donovan arrived at the bus stop shortly after 3pm, but realised very quickly that he may be in trouble with the driver as he had no change. After numerous failed change inquiries with fellow commuters, Mark decided to brave-face the pilot of the 46A into town.

Purposely waiting last in the queue, the 24-year-old brother of none stepped foot onto the vehicle’s main entrance, already anxious about the scenario that lay ahead.

“I seen a young fella in a t-shirt and jeans getting on with sheeps eyes.” recalled one eyewitness, who was sitting up at the front. “When he opened his mouth, I knew I was in for a treat.”

Several sources confirm that Donovan made his way to the cockpit area of the bus, and apologised with the words ‘sorry, I have nothing smaller’, before handing the driver a crisp twenty euro not.

“I turned to look at another passenger who had her hand over her mouth in shock.” said one man. “It was a very tense moment for everyone.

“What happened next will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Witnesses claim the driver, without question, reached for what looked like an aluminum money container which was situated on the dashboard area.

“He didn’t even flinch,” reported Derek Casey, who stood up from his seat to get a better look at what was unfolding. “The driver was so nice and never gave out about the enormous sum of money paper. It was like there was no such thing as an ‘exact change rule’.

“He started popping out two euro and one euro coins from the machine. The poor lad got it all back in change, but beggars can’t be choosers.”

It is understood Mr. Donovan responded to the change with a thank you, before walking down the isle of the bus.

“Everyone was quite emotional at this stage.” said another female passenger. “One man halfway down the bus stood up and started doing this really slow clap. Then another man stood up and joined him. By the time the young fella sat down everyone was applauding the actions of the bus driver. It was a beautiful moment.”

Bus driver Thomas Egan, who was later hailed a hero by passengers, told WWN that he was overwhelmed at the response he received, and vowed to continue giving out change no matter how big the note may be.

“It’s just nice to be appreciated for absolutely every little thing I do.” he said.”Maybe now people will respect drivers more.”