Commuter confronts bus driver for not stopping, video sparks online debate
A commuter who confronted a bus driver for allegedly failing to stop for him has stirred mixed reactions online, after a video of the altercation was posted on Instagram account @thesgdaily.
The video, filmed by the man, shows him directing the camera at the driver as they exchange words. He accuses the driver of ignoring him and driving off, despite his attempts to get it to stop.
"I was running towards you for such a long time and I waved at you for super long," the man said, claiming he had been right in front of the vehicle.
The driver, who remained seated, asked calmly which bus stop the incident had occurred at.
He added that he saw there was nobody at the bus stop.
When the commuter insisted the bus should have stopped, the driver raised his voice and said: "You listen first! If there is nobody at the bus stop, I won't stop, I will just go. Why are you scolding me now?"
He also asked if the commuter wanted him to call the police.
As the exchange escalated, the driver noticed he was being recorded. He appeared to swipe at the phone, pointing and asking: "Why you take photo?"
Netizens debate commuter's actions
The video quickly sparked a heated debate online, with many netizens defending the driver.
One comment read: "The commuter is rude to the driver. So entitled. Come on man… he could have missed seeing you. He's driving and it was at night."
Another user said: "Power la bus captain uncle… That's the way."
Some pointed out the realities of public transport. "Everyone misses their ride. Every bus driver might have overlooked someone before," one said. "If he managed to get on the bus and record the altercation, be grateful he didn't miss his ride."
Others criticised the commuter for holding up the journey. "The entire bus now must wait for him, that one not selfish?" said one.
Still, there were calls for understanding. "Everyone is tired at the end of the day. Take a breather. We are all human."
According to the FAQ pages of SBS Transit and Go-Ahead Singapore, bus captains are expected to stop for approaching commuters if they are still within the bay. But once the bus has moved off, their focus shifts to oncoming traffic, so they may not notice latecomers.
It is unclear whether the commuter had reached the stop in time or had been approaching from a distance.
The New Paper has reached out to Tower Transit for comment.
