LTA Reveals The Number of Dispute Cases On Public Transport Due To Not Masking Up Since Apr 2020

Lest you’re unaware, numerous cases of dispute between commuters and public transport workers have cropped up of late. In the last two weeks alone, there were four high-profile incidents of commuters abusing public transport workers after they were reminded of the proper mask etiquette on public transport.

Video footage of the incidents has also since circulated online.

Yet, apart from the jarring nature of the incidents, one single question beckons.

We know that there have been numerous cases of such nature, but just how many are there in total?

Well, as it turns out…

The figures are in the double digits…

And pretty close to becoming triple digits, I might add.

LTA Reveals The Number of Dispute Cases On Buses Due To Not Masking Up

There have been around 80 cases of disputes involving commuters who did not mask up properly on public transport, since April 2020.

The numerical figure is in accordance with a statement by a Land Transport Authority (LTA) spokesperson.

Although most commuters have proven cooperative when reminded to wear their masks properly, some have rebelled and even resorted to verbal and physical harassment.

Such behaviour towards the public transport workers, said the LTA spokesperson, will not be condoned.

“We do not condone such behaviour towards our public transport workers and offenders will be dealt with according to the law.”

Almost Half Of Them Fined

Apparently, around 40 of the cases were handed a fine for non-compliance.

The LTA spokesperson added that public transport workers obey safe management regulations and laws stringently to safeguard themselves and other commuters.

As such, commuters who choose to go against the measures can be denied entry on board.

According to Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, anyone who’s found not wearing a face mask outside of their living quarters could face a fine of S$300 for the first offence.

Thereafter, offenders may be liable to pay S$1,000 for each subsequent offence.

And though I may not be the most proficient mathematician in this world, I can’t help but wonder;

Considering how you’re liable to face such a hefty fine…

Is it really that hard to get your mask on?

Well…

I guess only the ‘culprits’ would know.

They’re Just Doing Their Jobs

The spokesperson for SBS Transit has been pretty busy running around these few days.

Not only does she have to remind her people to remain calm while responding to haters on their Facebook page, but she also has to defend the bus drivers involved in the high-profile disputes.

She had spoken about the various disputes on buses, including the racism-call-out incident where a man started a Facebook live stream and refused to leave the bus and another which spat at the bus captain after being reminded multiple times to wear his mask properly.

These bus drivers, she said, were just doing their jobs to make sure that rules are followed and other passengers are kept safe.

SBS Transit will not hesitate to support their bus drivers for doing the right thing.

So far, SBS Transit has lodged police reports and provided CCTV footage for the incidents.

The Transport Minister has also spoken up about the incidents and ask members of the public to appreciate our transport frontline workers who are doing their best every single day.

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