A commuter who confronted a bus captain over his driving speed has come under scrutiny after a video of the exchange went viral online, prompting the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to remind the public not to harass transport workers while they are carrying out their duties.
The incident, which was shared on TikTok on July 6, showed a man standing beside the driver’s seat and questioning why the bus was travelling at what he believed to be an unusually slow speed.
During the confrontation, the commuter accused the bus captain of driving at his “own pace” and demanded that he operate the bus at a “normal” speed instead. The exchange quickly escalated as the passenger continued to challenge the driver’s explanation.
Despite the pressure, the bus captain remained composed and attempted to explain that he was following operational procedures designed to keep bus services running according to schedule.
Bus Captain Explains He Was Following Operational Procedures
In the video, the bus captain told the commuter that he was required to follow standard operating procedures and asked him to return to his seat.
However, the man continued to argue, insisting that the bus was not being driven properly and claiming that he had boarded at around 8am and needed to get to a class on time.
The bus captain then explained that he was scheduled to arrive at the upcoming bus stop at 8.50am and was already running approximately five minutes ahead of schedule. According to him, maintaining the planned timing was part of his responsibilities as a driver.
The explanation did little to satisfy the commuter, who continued to insist that the bus was moving too slowly and accused the driver of unnecessarily delaying the journey.
At one point, the bus captain also highlighted that he was being filmed without permission. The commuter responded by claiming he was documenting what he believed was improper driving behaviour.
When told that he could have taken an earlier bus if he was concerned about being late, the commuter maintained that he had left on time and argued that the delay was not his fault.
Netizens Defend Bus Captain, Explain Scheduling System
The video sparked widespread discussion online, with many commenters siding with the bus captain.
Some users pointed out that bus captains are required to follow strict schedules set by transport authorities and operators. Others noted that maintaining timing and spacing between buses is an important part of ensuring reliable public transport services.
One commenter, who appeared to work as a bus driver, explained that drivers are expected to adhere to prescribed schedules rather than simply drive at the maximum speed allowed on the road.
The commuter, however, continued defending his position in the comments section, arguing that bus captains should drive at what he considered a normal pace rather than slowing down to maintain schedules.
LTA Says Bus Captains Must Regulate Speeds To Maintain Reliability
Responding to the incident, LTA clarified that bus captains are required to regulate their driving speeds to keep services operating according to planned schedules.
The authority explained that this practice helps prevent bus bunching, a situation where multiple buses on the same route arrive together, resulting in long waiting times for commuters.
Apart from schedule adherence, drivers must also consider passenger safety, road conditions and overall service reliability when operating their vehicles.
LTA praised the bus captain involved in the incident for remaining calm and professional despite being confronted while driving.
The authority also reminded commuters that public transport workers deserve respect and should not be distracted, intimidated or harassed while performing their duties. It further noted that harassment of public transport staff may constitute an offence under the Protection from Harassment Act, which carries penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Tower Transit Calls Commuter’s Actions A Safety Concern
Transport operator Tower Transit later confirmed that the incident involved one of its Service 984 buses and stated that an internal review found the bus captain had been following the planned operating schedule.
The company explained that buses do not always travel at the highest possible speed, even when roads appear clear, because maintaining consistent spacing between services is crucial to ensuring predictable waiting times for passengers.
Tower Transit also raised concerns about the commuter’s behaviour, noting that repeatedly confronting and filming a bus captain while the vehicle is in motion could pose a serious safety risk.
According to the operator, bus captains must remain fully focused on the road at all times, and any distraction could endanger passengers, pedestrians and other motorists.
The company additionally expressed concern that the video appeared intended to identify and publicly shame the driver. Together with LTA and the National Transport Workers’ Union, Tower Transit reiterated its opposition to harassment and doxxing of public transport workers.
It also commended the bus captain for handling the situation professionally despite the challenging circumstances.