If you've been to the MRT stations in the past couple of weeks, you've probably spotted a few people in grey T-shirts walking around the station.

These people, if you didn't know, are Transport Ambassadors (TAs).

They help to ensure that commuters are wearing masks and abide by safe distancing measures on the station platform and concourse.

Friendly neighbourhood TA

One of these TAs includes 64-year-old SK Ong.

Despite having half his face covered by two masks (he layers his reusable mask with a surgical mask for extra protection, he says), we could tell that he was displaying a friendly smile because of the crinkle on his eyes.

Ong's friendliness extended to us — he was keen to help us carry some of our equipment and even taught us how to relax our shoulders and neck when he saw a colleague of mine rubbing his own shoulders.

Part-time taxi driver

Ong, who was previously in the sales industry, got out of retirement to get himself a Taxi Driver's Vocational License (TDVL) so that he could stay active.

The part-time taxi driver with SMRT was barely a year into his new career when the Covid-19 outbreak started, which affected his job.

Since then, he applied for the role of a TA for the greater good and so he can continue to keep himself occupied.

"I have been doing this since April 15, so it has been around two weeks. I just want to be able to play my part and contribute to the society."

Shift work

If you're wondering how the shifts are as a TA, he shared that the morning shift starts from 7am to 3pm while the evening shift is from 3pm to 10pm.

During each shift, there is a meal break and two tea breaks.

In a week, he would have two morning shifts, two evening shifts followed by two days off.

He said that most people have been cooperative with the circuit breaker measures, except for a handful.

When he does encounter someone who doesn't observe safe distancing or not wearing a mask properly, here's what he would do:

"I will try to persuade and encourage them (to practice safe distancing and wear a mask). It is for their well-being, so we seek their understanding and cooperation."

'Let's pull through together'

Ong says that he enjoys being a TA because of the job satisfaction he gets from being able to interact with the other SMRT staff and the appreciation from the commuters.

An incident with one thoughtful commuter, however, remains to be his most memorable moment as a TA.

It was when a commuter thought he was a Singapore Airlines (SIA) steward.

For context, SIA stewards and stewardesses have also been deployed to work with SMRT staff as TAs.

But it wasn't being mistaken as a steward that flattered him, but rather, a note that the commuter.

"On my first day, a commuter gave me a slip of paper with some words of encouragement. He wrote (along the lines of) 'Let's pull through this together, you will take the sky again later'."

Safety first

Although his experience as a taxi driver has been relatively short, he said that being a TA and a taxi driver is essentially similar.

"Safety is paramount as both a taxi driver and a TA. As a taxi driver, we have to make sure our passengers are safe. At this point in time, I'm also ensuring the commuter's safety so that they are in their best health."

While he enjoys his role as a TA so far, he said that he wouldn't have done it without his family's support.

He told us that he had discussed with his family before making the decision to apply for the role and they weren't worried for his wellbeing as he is well-prepared for the job.

"My spirit, soul and body are prepared for this job. When I talk to commuters, I distance myself and I practise good hygiene by washing my hands often. I have to take care of myself before taking care of others."

Top image from Angela Lim & James Spencer.