SBS Transit bus driver loses way, calls for help

FireIce SG

SINGAPORE - At least 15 commuters were left stranded on an SBS Transit bus after the driver stopped near a junction to make a phone call for directions.

Bus passenger Kelvin Lim on Nov 22 posted a Facebook video of the incident showing passengers advising the driver, while he called for help on his mobile phone.

The driver, who was speaking in Mandarin, appeared unsure if he should go straight or turn left at the junction. Some passengers could be heard telling him which way to go, while others complained that he should just let them alight.

The video has been shared over 3,000 times.

Mr Lim posted a second video of the incident on Thursday, in which he said the driver eventually insisted on going the wrong way, leading to many passengers having to walk back to the correct bus stop.

When asked about the incident, senior vice-president of corporate communications for SBS Transit Tammy Tan said, "We are investigating the incident and will take appropriate action against the driver."

see video here

iveco SG

bus involved was 8859, from BRBP. Most likely serving Route 145.

TIB429E SG

One question...if the commuters are all regular passengers..shouldn't they know the route also? Like at least roughly? LOL

FireIce SG

some of the passengers did tell him but he chose to go the wrong way

did u read the article up there?

SBS n SMRT SG

i can't see why pressing the ddu to call occ is so hard ...sigh

lemon1974 SG

so the BC driving sv155?

jurongresident SG

I think is because he don't know English and cannot remember the roads, that's why get lost.

Bus drivers and Taxi drivers need to know the roads very well, especially Taxi drivers.

It would be good if they are able to read and speak the English language.

As such, it is better to hire locals, especially homegrown talents who are born and bred here in Singapore, like me. :)

However, the bus driver's salary sux. Less than 2k a month, some more working hours so long. :( Give me 4k a month la, then maybe I will consider.

FireIce SG

no link

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TIB429E SG

some of the passengers did tell him but he chose to go the wrong way

did u read the article up there?

Hmm...Im sure he would choose to listen if they would convince him better bah(if they haven't)..but it's not heard clearly if the way is the right one..

Ever encounter a similar situation whereby a new BC is unsure to turn right/left..but an aunty simply managed to assisted him by telling him that she's a regular commuter..

Thus, I assume they simply dk the routes..even if it's claimed by the Stomper but doesn't show (clearly) in the video..

carbikebus SG

SOP,BC lost their way or unsure pls keep to the left as possible and on the hazard lights till further instruction by BOCC..He should know all this basic and why must he call his friend instead?Dont say i racist nor biased ah..

jurongresident SG

no link

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Do not know English > Cannot read road signs > do not know the roads.

Not local = Not grow up in Singapore > Not familar with Singapore > do not know the roads.

If know English but do not know the roads, can learn.

But if do not know English, have to teach English first before learn the roads. Harder.

That's why I say it is better to have locals who are born and bred here, like me. :) Locals are very well versed in English and to some extent, they know the roads very well.

Know the roads very well > less prone to getting lost.

but the salary of bus driver is not high. With such a salary, how to buy house, marry, have children, start family?

TIB 585L SG

Who the hell wanna work 6 days per week as a SL. Last time they work 5 days a week and there were many locals then and dont talk about salary, i earning 650 (formerly 480) per month as an NSF but i have 5k in my savings now and i came from a poor family btw. Thus, financial planning is important and dont choose ur jobs seriously coz u will never secure one if u keep being picky. I willing to do all kinds of jobs even if i earn low though.

FireIce SG

every makes mistakes at work

but the issue here is, he did not follow protocol (if there is any)

believe the BCs have undergone training (perhaps not adequate or not up to standard?)

and the other thing to think about may be....foreigners are hired bcos not many locals are taking up the job

carbikebus SG

There is still local who willing to work 6 days provided the benefit and salary is great tandem with the sacrifice they do..One problem here bosses like to compared local and foreigner salaries and thats one problem they created.Dont even talk about the discrimination.Well its up to you to believe or not and im not in the position to elaborate further.

sgbuses SG

every makes mistakes at work

but the issue here is, he did not follow protocol (if there is any)

believe the BCs have undergone training (perhaps not adequate or not up to standard?)

and the other thing to think about may be....foreigners are hired bcos not many locals are taking up the job

I think the driver followed protocol. That's where the problem is.

This incident is remarkably similar to something which happened four years ago:

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/sbs-bus-driver-takes-passengers-on-2-hour-ride.html

wsy1234 SG

if sbst could provide a pre program service route on GPS screen with chinese intruction or english maybe the driver will not get lost just follow the guide on the screen.

SBST should have a senior bus captian use to drive on this route to follow this new driver for at least a few weeks or until the driver know the route well, before let the driver go on his own that will be better.

AJQZC SG

if sbst could provide a pre program service route on GPS screen with chinese intruction or english maybe the driver will not get lost just follow the guide on the screen.

If having GPS solves the problem, then just utilize driverless buses next time lol ...

Employing a senior bus captain will have manpower issues on other buses, especially if SBST is training a lot of new BCs. Unless they get the retirees on there, then maybe.

wsy1234 SG

that the problem extra man power. humm if two old bus companies still have man power problem mindset than they will not have a chance getting renew bus operation contract. i think two new bus company from oversea coming in, post a challenge for sbst and smrt and even local frim that tragetting the bus operator contracts. it will not be a supriase to see ang mo bus drivers from those british bus companies driving local bus service

sgbuses SG

if sbst could provide a pre program service route on GPS screen with chinese intruction or english maybe the driver will not get lost just follow the guide on the screen.

The new ITS ordered by LTA includes a mapping feature.

lemon1974 SG

This bus driver dun think he is new. But think he was pull last min to do sv155 instead of his normal service.