MR PNG ENG HUAT, who argues that local bus operators will not need to hire bus drivers from China on the cheap if operators offer better working conditions to attract Singaporeans. An entry-level bus captain earns only $1,600 a month, works 10 to 12 hours a day, six days a week, without a fixed rest day. He must start at 4am for the morning shift, and goes home at 2am or later if he is on the night shift. The work is stressful because a momentary lapse can lead to potential loss of lives.

For all that, Mr Png calculates, the job pays a paltry $5.33 an hour ($1,600 divided by 30 days and divided again by 10 hours per work shift).