Bus captain threatened and punched by passenger who tried to seize wheel, cause crash on SLE
While driving along Seletar Expressway, a bus captain was violently attacked by a passenger who tried to crash the bus into a tree, enduring a 15-minute ordeal before bringing the vehicle safely to a bus stop.
Tower Transit bus captain Tham Kok Poi, 50, faced a serious threat from the passenger, who punched him and attempted to seize the steering wheel.
However, Mr Tham refused to stop his bus in the middle of the expressway, knowing it would put everyone onboard at greater risk.
Windows were smashed and threats were made against him, yet Mr Tham remained calm and selfless, keeping his focus on driving safely and protecting his passengers.
Recounting the Jan 6 incident, the service 966 bus captain credited his experience as an auxiliary police officer for helping him stay composed.
"I underwent training that taught me to stay calm in situations like this and better respond to and counter threats," he told Stomp on Nov 18 when presented with a Goody Bag.
"At that time, I just held tight to the steering wheel and continued driving until the next bus stop, where I safely dropped off all the passengers."
Mr Tham, who has been with Tower Transit for six years, finds his job fulfilling as he safely ferries members of the community from one place to another.
"I am happiest when I head home, because it means I have carried out my job safely and can reunite with my family at the end of the day," he added.
In this year's Transport Gold Awards, Tham was among 27 recipients awarded the Outstanding Award for his bravery under immense pressure.
Mr Tham said that the award "gives us bus drivers acknowledgment that our work is noticed and that my job is meaningful, bringing value to passengers' lives".
"Safety is first. Always remain calm and just solve the problem to the best of your ability."
