Last year November, I got the rare chance of getting 'caught' by
Transit Security. This is a true incident and there are witnesses
to it.
I was at Tampines Interchange taking pictures, well aware that TS
is around, I took one picture of the front view of 9666X front view
and side view. Then, I proceeded to walk out of the interchange
building to catch more photos outside. When I have well exit from
the building, the TS guy ran out, calling 'Boy, boy!'.
He asked me if I took photos of the interchange, I said 'Well, no,
but only photos of a bus inside the interchange.' He then said that
I have to follow him to the office and report to the stationmaster.
I followed him, well, truely aware that he cannot do anything to
me. I am a photographer, I know what is wrong and right. I have to
follow the rules in order not to be suspicious.
The stationmaster (green man) in the office asked me very polietly
to let him review the photos, which I did and also deleted the
photos. Two pictures that I took earlier of 1064S interior (on
service 969), he said I can keep them, fine with that as they are
internal shots and they are ok.
After that, he said I can leave, and the TS went out with me,
making sure I leave the interchange building without taking a
picture on the way. Later when I went through the interchange to
catch a bus to Bedok, he did not stop me, neither did he give any
remarks.
My verdict: although its not fine with the TS to take photos inside
the interchange, you can establish good relationship with them and
assure them you are not a terrorist. I cannot take photos anymore
in Tampines Interchange, but at least I can in some other
interchanges, where the TS will give me a wink and smile instead of
'boy, boy!'
