SBS Transit bus captain pays for passenger's fare out of his own pocket when her card fails

An SBS Transit bus captain was commended for going the extra mile to help two passengers who had troubles tapping in with their bank cards on Nov. 18.

The bus captain on service 59, Yong Pui Kit, patiently explained the alternative payment options to one passenger.

And for the other passenger, he paid her fare from his own pocket.

Going the extra mile

Yong, who has been driving with SBS Transit for one year, was featured in a Facebook post by SBS Transit on Dec. 17.

The operator had received a glowing feedback letter from a passenger, named JJ, who boarded Yong's bus on Nov. 18.

JJ said that when his bank card failed to work at the entrance, Yong patiently explained that he could try other bank cards as cash payment would be more expensive.

He also told JJ the distance to his stop as well as the correct fare he should pay.

"His tone was calm, reassuring and genuinely helpful", JJ wrote.

Soon after JJ sat down, another passenger experienced the same issue with her card.

Before she could look for someone to lend her cash, Yong paid her fare with money from his own pocket, JJ wrote.

He also reassured her that such things happen to anyone.

Lauded for empathy, patience

JJ lauded Yong as "a shining example of the values we hope to see in our public transport system".

"In today's fast paced world, where people are often in a hurry, seeing someone show such empathy, patience and generosity was incredibly heartwarming," he wrote.

When asked about the incidents, Yong told SBS Transit that it was "a small thing" and he was just happy to help.

Yong has earned four recommendations in his first year driving with SBS Transit.

"Thank you for showing what service with heart looks like, and for making our journeys a delight. We're proud to have you on our team!" the operator wrote.

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Top image from SBS Transit/Facebook