Bus drivers who go beyond call of duty to help others – from saving lives to putting out fires
To mark Kindness Day SG, which falls on May 17 in 2024, The Straits Times speaks to individuals who go out of their way to help people and spread kindness.
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Bus driver Quin Chin, 35, performed CPR on a passenger and put out a taxi fire.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
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SINGAPORE - Ms Quin Chin was driving her usual bus service 974 in Pioneer Road North in January 2023 when she heard a scream coming from the back of the double-decker’s lower level.
Recalling her cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training by SBS Transit, the 35-year-old sprang into action. She got two other passengers to help lay an unconscious man down on the floor of the bus and performed CPR on him for about 15 minutes straight.
Bus drivers shoulder the critical responsibility of getting people where they want to go, and there are some like Ms Chin who go the extra mile to help those around them. They have been spotted carrying groceries for elderly passengers, giving chocolates to schoolchildren and even administering life-saving first aid.
Ms Chin told The Straits Times that she stopped doing the CPR only when the ambulance arrived.
“It was a bit tiring, but I did not stop. I was worried about my passenger,” said Ms Chin, who was later praised online for her actions. “When it happened, I knew what I had to do and all I could think of was to help him the best I could.”
Ms Quin Chin, who has been working at SBS Transit for almost 10 years, has four children between the ages of three months and 18 years.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
It was not the only time that Ms Chin went beyond the call of duty.
In April 2022, she was driving around midnight when she saw a taxi in front of her catch fire. She stopped her bus and rushed over with a fire extinguisher to help put out the blaze.
Thanks to her fast reaction and help, the fire was put out quickly and no one was injured. There were no passengers in the taxi.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when passengers had to wear masks on public transport, Ms Chin kept a stash beside her for people who did not have a mask with them.
She even gives out chocolates to the little ones as they board the bus because they remind her of her own children.
Ms Chin, who has been working at SBS Transit for almost 10 years, has four children, aged between three months and 18 years.
“I believe in helping others whenever I can. I treat my passengers like family, and I always do my best to take care of my passengers,” said Ms Chin, who is Malaysian.
Extending a helping hand also comes naturally to SMRT bus driver Lee Teck Guan, 40. In December 2023, he was driving bus service 911 in Woodlands when he saw an old man who had fallen on the grass and was struggling to get up.
Extending a helping hand also comes naturally to bus driver Lee Teck Guan, 40.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
Mr Lee stopped his bus and dashed over to help him get up. He also offered to contact the pedestrian’s family but the elderly man declined.
“He reminded me of my late grandmother who lived alone. If my grandmother were in his shoes, I would wish that someone would help her,” said the bus captain of 14 years.
“Helping someone always makes me feel happy, and I feel like I have done something meaningful. If I can help, I will help.”
