23 October 2006 – One of the most common complaints made to the SBS Transit customer hotline is that Bus Captains drive off from the bus stop -- without picking up passengers.

But it’s not always that the Bus Captain is at fault. Investigations, including eyewitness accounts, have shown that commuters are sometimes to blame as well – they don’t flag the bus early enough and wait till the bus is moving off before waving frantically.

In a move to prevent such incidents from recurring, SBS Transit today launched a “Flag the Bus Early” public education campaign.

Through the campaign, commuters will be reminded to remain on the constant lookout for the bus instead of listening to their mp3 players, reading the newspapers or SMS-ing their friends. Commuters should also not run after buses pulling out of bus bays because of safety reasons. Also, contrary to popular belief, Bus Captains are not always able to see commuters running after their buses as they are focussed on pulling out of the bus bay. During such instances, they are looking at the side mirrors and not at the bus stop – something which many commuters mistakenly assume they are doing.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign today, Minister for Transport, Mr Raymond Lim, said: "SBS Transit's 'Flag the Bus Early’ Campaign brings home the point that through a simple stretching out of one’s hand ahead of time to flag down an oncoming bus, commuters can help the Bus Captains stop the bus in a timely manner and the commuters on board to enjoy a smoother ride."

As part of the campaign, giant hands made of acrylic are being installed on 100 selected bus stops around the island. Life-sized standees, featuring a boy and a girl with one arm outstretched, will also be put up at all its 16 bus interchanges. Each standee will carry brochures depicting safe bus stop practices for commuters’ easy reference.

On SBS Transit’s part, Executive Director, Mr Ong Boon Leong, said: “We hope commuters will try their best to flag the buses early. On our Bus Captains’ part, we will continue to train them and remind them to stop for passengers who indicate their intention to board the bus. If any of our passengers come across Bus Captains who fail to do so, please let us know so we can counsel them accordingly.”

To commemorate the launch, Minister Lim, invited guests and staff of SBS Transit, also handed out hand-shaped fans with the “flag the bus early” message to commuters waiting at the bus stop just outside the ComfortDelGro office at Braddell Road.