Woman Who Put Feet on Bus Pole, Accused of Hitting Driver, Insists on Trial Over Conditional Warning

A 52-year-old woman at the centre of a viral public transport incident involving putting her feet on a bus pole and allegedly hitting a driver has refused a conditional warning — demanding to go on trial instead.

Tan Wee Teng, whose behaviour on buses drew widespread attention last year, was hauled to court on Monday (7 Jul) for five separate charges including public nuisance, harassment, and criminal force.

Viral Bus Incident Leads to Charges Including Hitting with Walking Aid

According to CNA, Tan was accused of placing her feet on poles during two separate SBS bus rides — one along Jurong Town Hall Road and another in Boon Lay — which caused significant disruption to passengers and forced them to disembark. The incidents occurred in August and October 2023.

In a more serious accusation, Tan allegedly used a walking aid to strike a male bus captain’s leg during a ride in January 2024. For that and three other offences, she had earlier been issued a 12-month conditional warning.

However, a fresh charge was brought against her in August 2024 — this time for hitting a female bus driver’s arm on Bus 99. CCTV footage of the incident, played in court, showed Tan making contact with the driver, though she claimed it was a light tap made in retaliation.

“Set Up By the Driver,” Claims Woman in Heated Court Hearing

Tan, who was unrepresented in court, grew emotional as she insisted the bus driver had intentionally struck her first. She accused the prosecution of unfairly extending a new 36-month conditional warning, calling it “very excessive” and repeatedly declared her innocence.

“I would rather go to trial,” she told District Judge Lorraine Ho, citing cases where accused persons were later acquitted after complainants admitted to falsehoods.

Despite her objections, the judge approved the prosecution’s request for all five charges to be given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal — a legal move that allows authorities to revive charges if she reoffends within the next three years.

Conditional Warning Issued, But Tan Still Wants Her Day in Court

The judge stressed that if Tan remained crime-free, she would not face further action. However, Tan insisted she was wrongly accused and urged for a proper prosecution so she could “expose the lies” she alleged were made by the driver.

While the court concluded the matter, Tan left with one parting remark: “I want to be prosecuted by AGC. I want to know what evidence they have!”

As Singapore continues to monitor public behaviour on buses and trains, the case serves as a reminder of the growing importance of CCTV surveillance, respectful conduct on public transport, and the potential legal consequences of assault and harassment against bus staff.