LTA: Bus drivers must regulate speed to prevent bunching after viral passenger complaint on Singapore service
Singapore's Land Transport Authority has defended a Tower Transit bus driver filmed during a passenger's complaint about travelling too slowly, saying bus captains must regulate speed to maintain service reliability, prevent bus bunching and prioritise passenger safety.
- LTA said bus drivers regulate speed to ensure safety, reliable schedules and prevent bus bunching.
- Tower Transit confirmed the driver followed procedures and praised the driver's professionalism.
- Both organisations urged commuters to avoid harassing transport staff and use official feedback channels.
SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has defended a Tower Transit Singapore bus driver after a viral video showed a passenger confronting the driver over the vehicle's speed, stressing that bus captains are required to regulate their speed to ensure regular arrivals and prevent bus bunching.
The authority said bus drivers must balance several operational considerations, including passenger safety, traffic conditions and service reliability, rather than simply travelling at the maximum permitted speed.
"This helps prevent bus bunching and ensures more regular and reliable bus arrivals for all commuters on the route," LTA said in a Facebook post on 15 July 2026.
The incident gained attention after a TikTok video posted on 6 July 2026 showed a passenger questioning a Tower Transit bus driver on Service 984 about what he described as slow driving.
The passenger accused the driver of "driving at your own pace".
Responding to the complaint, the bus driver said: "I am following my SOP (standard operating procedure)."
The passenger continued to challenge the driver's actions, saying, "This is not the proper way of driving. You are doing the wrong thing. I have to attend a class at a specific time."
The driver also asked the passenger to return to his seat during the exchange.
Online reactions largely support the driver
Comments on the TikTok account largely sided with the bus captain, with many saying passenger safety and adherence to operating procedures should take precedence over one commuter's urgency.
Several commenters criticised the passenger for distracting the driver, with one writing, "Take a seat... you are actually putting all the passengers at risk."
Others said, "The bus captain is correct, drive safe," while suggesting that commuters in a hurry should either leave earlier or take a taxi.
Tower Transit confirms procedures were followed
In a separate Facebook post on 15 July 2026, Tower Transit Singapore said it had reviewed the trip details and confirmed that its bus captain had operated Service 984 according to the planned schedule.
The operator explained that buses may sometimes travel below the posted speed limit, even when roads appear clear, because drivers are required to maintain even spacing between services.
It said this approach helps keep commuter waiting times as consistent and predictable as possible.
Tower Transit also commended the driver for remaining "calm, professional and focused on driving safely" throughout the incident.
"Our bus captains deserve to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation or online abuse," the company said.
The operator added that it firmly opposes the harassment and doxxing of public transport workers.
Authorities urge respectful behaviour
LTA urged commuters to avoid behaviour that could distract, harass or intimidate public transport staff while they are on duty.
Tower Transit similarly encouraged passengers to submit feedback through its official channels rather than confronting drivers during service.
"Let's work together to keep public transport safe and respectful for everyone," the operator said.
