Seems like a reasonable response. I guess it depends on how big the kids were, etc. Back in my day, it wasn’t uncommon to let a couple kids go at it, and tire themselves out, before sending them to the office for a few swats.
I’m thinking that the bus driver might be a retiree or just unable or unwilling to break up a fight.
What if these were middle school or high school kids? They might beat HIM up. Or what if he hurt or harmed a child while breaking up the fight? He would be charged and sued.
I’m sorry, but they pay him to drive a bus. Not break up fights.
The driver probably knew both kids well, disliked them both, and saw his daily dose of irritation being knocked down a little without him having to lift a finger.