Needing medical attention, she had been parked on Barry Drive Turner for about 40 minutes last Sunday with hazard lights on before Mr McGregor, driving a route 900 from Belconnen to Tuggeranong, stopped to check if he could help.

''I was not going to drive past her,'' he said this week. ''That is not in my nature.''

He said his 12 or so passengers had no objection to his offering help. One of them had also offered to help.

At first he had expected the woman could not start her car. ''I just stopped and asked how are you? When she wound down her window I realised there was more.''

The woman had been physically distressed and quite disoriented. After summing up the position, Mr McGregor had called ACTION's communications centre and requested an ambulance.

Paramedics had treated the woman for about 15 minutes to stabilise her. It seemed she had pregnancy diabetes which had caused a major fall in her blood sugar.

''I didn't leave until I realised she was right,'' Mr McGregor said.

Next Saturday, his 31st birthday, marks two years since he began driving for ACTION. Before that he drove trucks. He said the highway was a lonely place. So he preferred buses where he was in touch with people.

''I was born and bred in Canberra,'' he said. ''This is my city.''

He had learned first aid while in Garran Scouts and respect for people from his parents.

''If there is something wrong, I try to fix it.''

This woman had been there for about 40 minutes while everyone drove past her, giving her the bird and being selfish.

''I followed all the protocol and asked for help. I am not going to drive past her. That is not in my nature.''

He was clearly delighted when told one of his friends had told The Canberra Times of his action. The woman was taken to hospital and he hopes she is OK. He has no idea who she is.