A Go-Ahead Singapore bus captain was allegedly assaulted while operating a public bus earlier this month, resulting in a trip disruption and a visit to hospital.
The incident happened at around 5.20pm on 16 August, while the captain was operating Service 2, which runs between Changi Village Terminal and Kampong Bahru Terminal.
Go-Ahead Singapore said a police report has since been lodged with its support, and that it is cooperating fully with authorities as investigations continue.
Bus captain treated at Changi General Hospital
Details about what allegedly happened before the assault have not been disclosed. The operator also did not specify where along the Service 2 route the incident took place.
Following the alleged assault, the bus journey was disrupted. The affected bus captain sought medical attention and was treated for his injuries at Changi General Hospital (CGH).
The National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) said one of its representatives accompanied the bus captain to CGH after the incident.
Fortunately, the injuries were not serious. The bus captain has since recovered sufficiently to return to work.
Go-Ahead Singapore said it would continue providing its full support to the employee while the matter remains under investigation.
Second alleged assault involving Go-Ahead Service 2 in three months
The latest case has drawn attention because it is reportedly the second incident involving a Go-Ahead bus captain within roughly three months.
In an earlier incident on 23 May, another Service 2 bus captain was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault after a commuter became angry about missing a bus stop.
A police report was also made in that case.
NTWU Executive Secretary Yeo Wan Ling said she was deeply concerned by the latest alleged assault, particularly because of the repeated nature of incidents involving the same bus service.
She said public transport workers should be able to carry out their duties without facing abuse, intimidation or violence.
Ms Yeo, who is also a Member of Parliament for Punggol GRC, said police had attended the scene of the latest incident. She added that the affected bus captain would receive the necessary support, including legal assistance if required.
Union calls for greater protection of transport workers
Go-Ahead Singapore has stressed that disagreements between commuters and transport staff should never escalate into violence.
The operator said its bus captains and other frontline employees work every day to help commuters reach their destinations safely, and should be treated with respect while performing their duties.
NTWU similarly said it stands firmly behind transport workers and will continue supporting the affected employee.
Ms Yeo has previously raised concerns about incidents involving public transport workers, including verbal abuse and online harassment. She said frontline workers play an important role in keeping Singapore’s public transport network running and should have a safe working environment.
The latest case remains under police investigation. As details surrounding the alleged assault have not been fully released, the circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear.
Members of the public are reminded that frustration during a public transport journey should be handled appropriately, without threatening or physically confronting workers.