TikToker questions need for bus fare inspectors, says it's a 'useless job'
Are bus fare inspectors really needed? One TikToker doesn't think so.
After a recent encounter on board, TikToker @Cavanhwx took to social media to call the job "useless", questioning whether fare inspectors serve any real purpose in Singapore's public transport system.
'Is it really that deep?'
In his video captioned "no hate to them cuz they're just doing a job but is it really necessary?", Cavan said his quiet bus ride home was interrupted when an inspector approached him up to check his card.
"The government really spending so much money to hire people for this kind of useless job," said Cavan, adding, "just to see if you tapped in or not".
He argued that even if one or two people fail to tap in, it wouldn't make much difference.
"Just ask the bus driver to keep an eye out and remind people to tap in when they board," he said.
"What happens if you find somebody who never tap in?" he asked. "You're gonna make them sit all the way back to where they boarded and then tap again meh?"
Under Public Transport Council (PTC) rules, fare evasion on public transport carries a $50 penalty.
PTC says "Public Transport Officials are personnel authorised to carry out enforcement against fare evasion. They may inspect a passenger's ticket to ensure proper fare payment and impose a penalty fee for fare evasion".
Posted on Nov 1, the clip has drawn more than 27,000 views and 1,100 likes.
'Fare evasion is a real thing': Netizen
Many netizens were quick to defend the bus fare inspectors, pointing out that their job is to ensure passengers pay their fares.
"It's actually more common than you think. Even during off-peak hours, I've seen aunties and uncles act blur and 'forget' to tap in," one user wrote.
"I'm sure if SBS totally removes staff who do checks, a lot of people will try to escape paying bus fares. So (I) think they are necessary," another pointed out.
When Cavan suggested that drivers take over the role, the user replied: "If during peak, abit tough for them to make sure everyone taps and pays, because everybody will be squeezing and rushing in."
Another added: "Even if the bus driver catches someone not tapping, he's gonna have to cause a delay in people getting on the bus, which is going to be terrible... Now imagine if every bus is like that."
Some also noted that fare inspectors check not only for unpaid fares but also for passengers using the wrong cards, such as when an adult uses a student concession card.
"I think it creates jobs and lets bus drivers focus on driving safely," a comment read.
Still, a few sided with Cavan.
"If bus conductor only has one job scope, that's indeed inefficient," said a user. "Perhaps they may have other job scopes too."
Another joked: "No problem, find problem."
