Oral Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport Chee Hong Tat to Parliamentary Question on Abusive Commuters

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Transport in light of the recent incident of an SBS bus driver being abused 

a.     what more can the Ministry do to protect our bus captains and transport service staff;

b.     how can high-risk passenger management procedures be enhanced;

c.     whether a public awareness campaign directed at passengers to encourage respect for bus drivers and to outline expected behaviours while travelling on public transport can be explored; and 

d.     whether a code of conduct for passengers can be developed.

Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     Bus captains are called ‘captains’ for a reason. They are in charge of the bus, and ensure the safety of commuters throughout their journeys. In today’s context, this includes ensuring commuters wear masks, so that public transport does not become a transmission setting.

2.     I am very concerned about the recent cases of commuters verbally or physically abusing bus captains. The actions are wrong and unacceptable. I think people all know that, and it is not a matter of writing down a code of conduct. What we need is to take a clear stand. The Government, unions, public transport operators, and I would say the great majority of Singaporeans, we stand united in taking a zero-tolerance approach towards such abusive behaviours.

3.     The large majority of commuters treat our public transport workers and other commuters with courtesy and respect. For the small number who think they can behave badly and get away with it, let me be clear – if you abuse our public transport workers, whether verbally or physically, be prepared to face the full consequences under the law. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will work with the unions and public transport operators to remind commuters of the serious consequences of abusing public transport workers, and to raise awareness on the responsibilities of commuters on public transport.

4.     Commuters too can play a part when such incidents happen. For the recent case where a bus captain was attacked by a commuter who refused to wear his mask properly, three good Samaritans helped to restrain the assailant before the Police arrived. I met two of them, Mr Clement Tan and Mr Muhammad Mu’tasim. Mr Melvin Yong was there too at this recent event and he was representing the National Transport Workers’ Union. Mr Tan was a commando during his National Service and Mr Mu’tasim served his National Service as a police officer. We applaud them for their courage to step forward and do the right thing.

5.     The best way to protect our bus captains and recognise their contributions is to have the right societal culture, one that is based on respect for our frontline workers. Let us continue to support our public transport workers, so that they can work in a safe environment and provide an essential service to keep Singapore going moving