Passengers get off SMRT bus on PIE, next bus suffers punctured tyre, 3rd bus to the rescue

Passengers on an SMRT bus encountered a problem along the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) and were directed to an SMRT relief bus, only for the vehicle to also sustain a punctured tyre.

The incident occurred on Jun. 10 at about 11:45am.

In a TikTok, the user panned the camera across the upper deck of bus service 972.

The bus appeared to have stalled along the PIE.

Passengers were seen alighting the bus to board a relief bus.

The passengers then alighted the relief bus to board another bus.

“What are the odds? What a bus ride…” The post’s caption read.

In response to Mothership’s queries, Deputy Managing Director of SMRT Buses, Vincent Gay, said the initial bus was travelling along the PIE when the Bus Captain heard an unusual sound from the vehicle’s undercarriage.

As a precaution, the Bus Captain pulled over at the road shoulder and made arrangements to transfer passengers to the next service 972 bus.

When the next bus arrived at the pick-up point, the Bus Captain discovered a rear tyre puncture.

All the passengers were subsequently transferred safely on the next 972 bus by 12pm.

As the incident occurred along the PIE, the Bus Captains followed standard safety protocols, ensuring that passengers remained safely onboard while waiting for the next bus to arrive.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding of all affected passengers.” Gay said.