Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Penalties for Bus Captains using the Emergency Brakes

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     whether LTA is aware of any company policy among the public bus operators which penalises the bus captain for using the emergency brakes;

b.     how many bus captains have been penalised by their employers for using the emergency brakes in the past year; and

c.     what is the rationale for such a penalty. 

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     None of our public bus operators penalises bus captains for using emergency brakes. Bus captains are trained on defensive driving, which includes exercising caution and discretion when applying emergency brakes to avoid accidents and ensure commuter safety.  

2.     Bus captains who are assessed to brake hard frequently and indiscriminately may be sent for refresher training.