Training for Staff to Recognise Disruptive Behaviour on Public Buses Associated with Autism, Dementia or Other Conditions

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question

Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim asked the Minister for Transport under the new rules against disruptive behaviour on public buses

a.          what training will staff receive to recognise behaviour associated with autism, dementia or other conditions; and

b.          what safeguards will apply before vulnerable commuters are required to alight, particularly if they are unaccompanied or unable to explain their condition.

Reply by Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow

1.          Since 2016, as part of the mandatory Enhanced Vocational Licence Training Programme, all new bus captains undergo inclusivity training to support them in handling vulnerable commuters. The bus operators also conduct their own training programmes, developed in consultation with the various Social Service Agencies, to train their staff to look out for and assist vulnerable commuters, including those with invisible conditions.

2.          Bus captains and enforcement staff will exercise discretion before requiring a commuter to alight or issuing an administrative Notification of Offence, taking into account the circumstances of each case and commuter. Where necessary, they may also seek assistance from the Bus Operations Control Centre to ensure the commuter receives the appropriate support.

3.          Our broader goal is to foster a gracious commuting culture where commuters look out for one another and exercise social responsibility without the need for enforcement action. The new enforcement powers will be used as a last resort for egregious cases.