What is the ruling on a female student riding with the bus driver?

The questioner : Shaykh (may Allah preserve you), this questioner is with us on the line. She mentions that she is a student, and when the bus arrives at the beginning, she is the first to get on, and he takes the second one after five minutes. Is this considered seclusion (khalwah)?

The Shaykh : It is not permissible for her to do that. She and her neighbor should follow so that they all ride together.

The questioner : Okay, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : Likewise, at the end, it is not permissible for one woman to be last with the driver alone. The driver should bring his wife or a woman from his mahram (relatives one may not marry) with him so that he does not fall into this problem.

The presenter : May Allah reward you. Thank you, sister questioner.