Embarking on a seemingly routine bus journey from JB Sentral to Singapore Expo turned into a nightmare for Candy Tan and her 10-year-old daughter. This harrowing experience unfolded on Tuesday (Dec 12) when an irresponsible bus driver subjected Tan to verbal abuse and physical harm.
Shouted at her
Upon the bus’s arrival, Tan faced the first hurdle as the driver refused to allow her to stow her belongings in the luggage compartment. The situation escalated as the driver shouted at Tan and her daughter when they presented their e-tickets, setting the tone for a distressing journey.
Left with no alternative, Tan had to carry her luggage onboard, navigating her way to the back seat amidst the unwarranted hostility. The lack of cooperation from the driver began to raise concerns about the overall safety of the journey.
Closed doors on the woman
Stopping at Woodlands Checkpoint for customs clearance, Tan and her daughter patiently waited for other passengers to disembark. However, as Tan attempted to step off the bus, the driver abruptly closed the doors, trapping her arm and causing her to fall onto the pavement.
Rather than offering assistance, the driver callously drove off, leaving Tan injured and her daughter traumatized. Tan’s pleas for help were met with indifference as the driver allegedly shouted at her to get off the bus, displaying a shocking lack of empathy.
Kind samaritans
Passers-by and security personnel, witnessing the distressing scene, rushed to Tan’s aid, helping her to her feet. The driver’s refusal to provide any assistance highlighted a stark contrast to the compassion exhibited by strangers in the community.
Unable to elicit a response from Transtar, Tan resorted to contacting the police, emphasizing the severity of the situation. The bus company’s apparent negligence in addressing the incident raises concerns about passenger safety and accountability.
Tan vividly recalls the emotional toll as she witnessed her daughter’s distress and helplessness. The driver’s actions not only jeopardized their physical well-being but also inflicted lasting emotional scars on the young passenger.
What the woman said on Facebook
Beware of Transtar Travel
Despite their declared opening timings that they open till 10pm at their HQ. No one ever picks up their call.
During boarding:
Shouted at my young girl whom showed him our e-booking ticket for 2.
I was just behind my girl awaiting to ask the driver, if he could open the luggage compartment boot. Was totally taken aback that he shouted at me too when i tried to explain on the e-ticket via busonline. So end up he did not open the luggage compartment, i need to move the 26″ luggage all the way back through the aisle.
During alighting at Singapore Customs arrival hall drop off; as we had that luggage to shift down; we allow others to alight first before us. We were the last to be using the back door. I was trying to move my luggage down, before i could even take my last two steps down, HE CLOSED THE AUTODOOR.
My upper arm was squeezed and i dropped off the luggage and tried to make my step down; AND HE ACTUALLY DROVE and I rolled off the bus (no joke – Coach bus has huge tyres. My young girl 10 year old was so shocked (still in the bus) – the door opened again – she faster hop off in anxious that I am on the ground and where this driver trying to take her. In shocked, she ran to the front door and wailed loudly for the driver to help. I was in pain and saw that my girl was wailing and asking please help my mother – why you drove off when she and I havent come down. My heart broke that my girl has to deal with an unhelpful and irresponsible adult and I am helpless and almost crawling – as i am scared this driver may use force on her.
On the ground struggling to get up, the driver shouted, “you all get out already – why i cannot move!!! Not my problem” WE WERE SHOCKED, IN PAIN.
One senior lady and a man came to try pick me up from the ground, but a while later my leg was too painful to walk. THAT DRIVER MOVED OFF, without even rendering assistance to someone (me! Your transtar passenger) – he has injured (whether intentionally or accidentally).
I called Transtar HQ (supposedly to be open till 10pm) no one picked up – once i arrived in hospital; I called too.
Mr AETOS 1 came over and asked if I needed an ambulance, I thought i could walk and not to trouble anyone – but end up i decided to ring up 999 (as i was in a panic – supposed to call 995 – when Transtar didnt pick up)
This booking was supposed to end until the destination of Expo drop off point.
I seek the kind assistance of the public to circulate the ill deeds of Transtar driver (this indian driver) – and how such tourism services can kill our tourism and graciousness. letting many to think negatively of Singapore.
———-
NOT HIS FIRST TIME
If my memory is correct, it could be this driver too
It is not his first, the other time on 23 Oct – he did so to another 2 Malaysian female pair moving off when their heads were still underneath the luggage compartment to pick up luggage; <<then my daughter and I was shouting and tapping the bus to ask driver to stop.>>
After we chop our passport, one of the pair came down to put her luggage – her friend was still stuck – he threaten to leave them both stranded at the post Singapore custom and throw down their luggage. (their destination was for Changi Airport). So along with this young lady, we asked the driver and plead him to wait a while more because it was peak period. Peak period supposed to be able to wait up to 20 mins right? It was only about 10 minutes.
If Transtar has the Singaporean spirit, i am sure a little graciousness should be shown to our tourist coming to Singapore – right????
Source: Facebook