A man was caught on dashcam footage standing in front of a public bus along Beach Road after apparently attempting to retrieve a mobile phone he had left behind.
The incident involved SBS Transit bus service 56 and reportedly took place on the afternoon of Oct 14. Footage recorded by a nearby vehicle was subsequently shared on the Complaint Singapore Instagram page.
According to SBS Transit, the man ran across the bus lane in an attempt to board the bus while it was stopped at a red traffic light. The incident eventually required police assistance, delaying the bus’s journey by about 15 minutes.
Man Tried To Board Bus At Traffic Light
An SBS Transit spokesperson said the bus was travelling along Beach Road when the man approached it. The bus had stopped at a red light in the fourth lane of a five-lane carriageway.
The man reportedly attempted to board the bus at that location. However, as it was not a designated boarding point, the bus captain did not open the doors.
Instead, the captain advised the man to board at the bus stop further ahead, where passengers could safely get on the bus.
The situation took a turn when the man allegedly refused to move away from the front of the vehicle, even after the traffic light turned green.
Police Called As Bus Remained Stationary
With the man continuing to obstruct its path, the bus captain contacted the police for assistance.
Officers subsequently attended to the incident, allowing the situation to be resolved. The bus resumed its journey approximately 15 minutes later, according to SBS Transit.
The obstruction took place on a busy public road, where a stationary bus could potentially affect other motorists and road users.
Man Reportedly Trying To Retrieve Forgotten Phone
It was understood that the man had run towards the bus because he had left his mobile phone behind.
While the circumstances explain why he was attempting to catch up with the vehicle, the incident highlights the potential consequences of trying to board a bus outside a designated stop.
Bus captains are expected to follow established boarding procedures to protect passengers and other road users. Attempting to board a moving or stationary bus in an unsafe location can also create risks for the person involved.
For commuters who realise they have left belongings behind, contacting the bus operator to report the missing item is a safer alternative to chasing the vehicle or obstructing traffic.
The incident serves as a reminder that retrieving a forgotten item should not come at the expense of road safety or the journeys of other commuters.