News
SBS Bus Transit captain returns backpack with S$14,000 cash to Bishan Interchange for owner to pick up
The owner of the backpack had reported it missing.
February 05, 2025, 12:20 PM
It is not a finders keepers world after all.
A SBS Bus Transit captain was handed a backpack containing S$14,000 that was found on his bus and delivered the item back to the interchange where it was claimed by its rightful owner.
"I can only imagine how worried the passenger must have been, so I'm happy I could return it,” the 42-year-old bus captain Chen Long said, according to a SBS Transit Facebook post on the incident.
"It's about doing the right thing."
Passenger found the backpack
Chen drives the service 58 bus that plies the route between Bishan Interchange and Pasir Ris Interchange.
One evening, a passenger found the backpack left behind on the bus that had pulled into the interchange and handed it to the bus captain.
Chen immediately contacted the operations control centre to report the discovery of the item.
Backpack owner reported item missing
It turned out that the owner had already reported the missing backpack about 25 minutes before Chen informed the centre.
After his shift ended, Chen personally delivered the backpack to Bishan Interchange.
Found S$14,000 inside
It was there that the interchange staff discovered over S$14,000 in cash inside.
They quickly contacted the owner, who had been anxiously waiting for an update, according to SBS Transit's post.
About 30 minutes later, the backpack's owner arrived to reclaim her belongings, visibly relieved.
She had wanted to use the money to open a bank account.
According to the post, she said:
“I was overjoyed to see everything intact! Deeply grateful to the staff who helped recover my belongings, and I wish the Bus Captain all the best in his work!”
SBS Transit praised the bus captain's actions, saying:
"Chen Long’s dedication to doing what's right truly embodies our CARES culture in action, showcasing integrity, accountability, and outstanding service. Thank you, Chen Long, and a job well done!
Top photos via SBS Transit & Unsplash
