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

Straits Times

14-05-2025

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the mobile coffee bus with the Minister of State for Transport and Law Murali Pillai (3rd from left), and NTWU executive secretary Yeo Wan Ling (4th from left) at the Toa Payoh bus interchange on May 14. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
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's (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 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 (NTUC).
The exterior of the mobile coffee bus at Toa Payoh bus interchange on May 14, 2025.
ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
The retrofitted public bus, whose exterior bears 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 also has a small gallery on Singapore's public transportation history, featuring old bus tickets and driver uniforms.
Vintage bus components such signboards and uniforms decorate the interior of the mobile coffee bus at Toa Payoh bus interchange on May 14, 2025.
ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
Over the next three weeks, it will be travelling to the busiest bus and train deports, and bus interchanges in areas including Punggol, Bukit Merah and Tampines. Some of these stops will be open to the public, for them to know more about public transport staff's contributions to Singapore.
NTWU's executive secretary, Ms Yeo Wan Ling, 48, 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 right every single time when you go to school, or work, and they are also the same people that greet you warmly when you come back home.'
Ms Yeo, who is also MP of 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 together with tripartite partners like NTWU.
Among the proposals, which were accepted by the Government, made to improve bus captains' working conditions include protected meal break durations, keeping new bus routes' scheduled runtime to within two hours and improving technology to enhance bus safety.
The taskforce's report is the culmination of a months-long exercise led by Mr Murali.
Guest-of-honour Mr Murali Pillai (right), the Minister of State for Transport and Law and NTWU executive secretary Yeo Wan Ling (centre) with a member of public at the launch of a mobile coffee bus at Toa Payoh bus interchange.
ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
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 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.'
A staff hands a member of the public a cup of coffee inside the mobile coffee bus at Toa Payoh bus interchange.
ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
For Mr Lim Yew Huat, 74, a senior bus captain, the Coffee Bus initiative was a flash from the past.
'In the past, it 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.
Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.