A Shanghai woman who was robbed on a bus is suing the bus company because the driver didn't close the door in time to prevent the thief from running away, according to Tuesday's Shanghai Daily.

Xu Ruijuan said she is still looking for more witnesses to tell the court what happened that day.

Xu is seeking 6,000 yuan (US$723) in compensation, but she said the suit is more about principle than cash.

Xu was robbed on June 11 when she was riding on bus No. 709.

As the bus was pulling up to a bus stop, a young man sitting in front of Xu stood up.

As soon as the door opened, the man ripped a golden necklace off Xu's neck.

Despite Xu's cries for help, the man was able to rush out the open bus door with her jewelry.

The bus driver realized what happened, Xu said, but he only glanced back at what was happening without taking any action.

Xu's lawyer Wu Dong said the bus company has responsibility to deliver its passengers to their destination safely and on schedule.

"But the driver didn't close the door in time and even drove the bus away with Xu's bag after Xu got off to pursue the robber," Wu said.

Xu didn't catch the robber, neither did the police.

A policeman had to give her 10 yuan to take a taxi back to the bus terminal. Xu got her bag back but she didn't find the driver there.

Managers of the bus company said drivers should close the door if they know a theft is taking place on their buses.

But they argued in this case the driver didn't know what was happening.

They did say however that they are still investigating the incident.

Wu Dong said one passenger has provided a written deposition stating the driver looked back when Xu began shouting for help.

Changning District People's Court officials said they will hear the case soon.

A similar case was once heard in Baoshan District People's Court earlier this year.

The plaintiff, a deliveryman surnamed He, was beaten for 10 minutes on a bus by three pickpockets while the driver and conductor looked on without taking any action.

He was beaten because he told a fellow passenger the pickpockets had stolen his wallet.

After mediation, the bus company agreed to pay He 17,620 yuan for the silence of its employees.

(Shanghai Daily July 6, 2004)