Wrong to pay bus drivers so poorly

I AM surprised that bus drivers are among the lowest-paid workers in Singapore ("Who wants to be a bus driver?"; Dec 10), because the safety of millions of commuters regularly rests in their hands.

In fact, a bus driver is responsible for a far greater number of lives than an airplane pilot in the course of duty, yet a pilot is paid multiple times more.

I support Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew's call to improve the employment terms and conditions of bus drivers.

Public transport plays a major role in the lives of the public for work and play; its efficiency has a direct impact on people's quality of life.

It is time bus drivers receive the recognition - financial and social - they deserve.

Tan Chin Siong