Coffee on wheels: Union thanks public transport workers with mobile ‘cafe’

SINGAPORE - Over 2,000 public transport staff will be treated to free coffee and snacks at 12 different locations over the next three weeks, served from the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) Coffee Bus.

First launched in the 1970s to offer bus drivers an affordable quick bite in between their shifts, the concept was replaced with proper canteens run by NTWU following its formation in 1981.

The Coffee Bus initiative has now made its return to honour the service and contributions of public transport workers in Singapore, in conjunction with SG60 and May Day celebrations organised by the National Trades Union Congress.

The retrofitted public bus, whose exterior bears a resemblance to the classic 1970s public bus design, was unveiled on May 14 at the opening ceremony, which was attended by Mr Murali Pillai, Minister of State for Law and Transport.

The bus has a small gallery on Singapore’s public transportation history, featuring old bus tickets and driver uniforms.

Over the next three weeks, it will be travelling to the busiest bus and train depots, and bus interchanges in areas including Punggol, Bukit Merah and Tampines. Some stops will be open to the public to find out more about the public transport staff’s contributions to Singapore.

NTWU’s executive secretary Yeo Wan Ling said: “The idea that we want to inculcate is to not take our public transport workers for granted. These are the uncles and aunties that you meet every single time when you go to school or work, and they are also the same people who greet you warmly when you are going home.”

Ms Yeo, who is also an MP for Punggol GRC, said the Coffee Bus was launched to express the union’s gratitude for public transport workers’ contributions, and reaffirm its commitment to understand workers’ needs.

The Bus Safety Tripartite Taskforce released its recommendations in March, which were developed with tripartite partners like NTWU.

The proposals, which were accepted by the Government, included improving bus captains’ working conditions, protecting meal break durations, keeping new bus routes’ scheduled runtime to within two hours, and improving technology to enhance bus safety.

The task force’s report is the culmination of a months-long exercise led by Mr Murali.

In a speech at the event, Mr Murali highlighted how the shift from confrontational employer-employee relations in the 1950s and 60s to today’s cooperative tripartite system benefits all parties through initiatives like the Coffee Bus.

In the light of the current economic climate, he added: “When we face uncertainty, we must make sure we stand with (our public transport workers), stay resilient as a team and better help them. We need to have that spirit of innovation.”

For Mr Lim Yew Huat, 74, a senior bus captain, the Coffee Bus initiative was a blast from the past.

“In the past, it had provided a convenient energy boost for bus captains. Seeing the bus again brings back warm memories of the good old days when I first started as a bus captain,” said Mr Lim, who recalled moments of camaraderie with his colleagues over a cup of coffee before their shifts.

Mr Lim, who will be celebrating his 50th year with SBS Transit in July, also shared his hope for passengers to treat bus captains and public transport staff with understanding, especially when there are unexpected delays.

“A little kindness from passengers can go a long way. It makes my day when my passengers greet me with a smile,” he added.