PRC Bus Driver clueless in emergency

[makapaaa]

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Coffeeshop Chit Chat - PRC Bus Driver clueless in emergency</TD><TD id=msgunetc noWrap align=right>

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Bus driver clueless on how to react in an emergency

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http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_485046.html
I WAS on board an SMRT bus last Friday evening when the bus driver suddenly hit the brakes. Many passengers who were standing were thrown off their feet.
One elderly passenger hit his chest on the ez-link card machine, but the bus driver continued driving as though nothing had happened. When the bus stopped outside Ten Mile Junction, the elderly passenger's wife had to inform the bus driver what had happened. The passenger was experiencing breathing problems and had started trembling.
After it was pointed out that he was in need of medical attention, the bus driver made a phone call (presumably to the headquarters) and asked (in Mandarin) what he should do. This happened twice. It did not occur to him to call for an ambulance.
I have the following questions for SMRT and the relevant authorities:
It was bad enough that the bus driver spoke no English at all, but why was he clueless about the standard operating procedures for such an emergency? Shouldn't he have taken responsibility for the passengers' safety instead of wasting precious time calling to ask what he should do?
Does SMRT require that all bus drivers be trained not only on driving and travel routes but also how to handle emergencies?
Is knowledge of English necessary for employment as a bus driver? If not, wouldn't that put other passengers at a disadvantage if they do not speak the bus driver's language?
Throughout the episode, the driver appeared lost and puzzled. This alarms me greatly as all the passengers' lives are at the mercy of the driver.
Rebecca Lim (Ms)


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[Ramseth]

If he didn't jam brake, the complainant might not be alive now to complain.

I know the experience of the brake-jerk is very uncomfortable and even dangerous for passengers. But drivers don't do it for fun or spike or because they're unskilful or unqualified in driving. It's because of the new bus brakes.

Those who drive motor vehicles or ride bicycles will know, the new brakes. They'll jam very hard on slight tap, but the whole vehicle will crash if you don't brake in certain situation.

Older buses cruise along and brake smoothly. However, too smooth also cannot, means will overshoot braking judgment and crash. Time for servicing.

As for the language problem, I notice the complainant's name is Rebecca Lim. I still can't understand why Singapore Chinese must speak English to PRC Chinese or any other Chinese.

 

[Highfalutin]

If he didn't jam brake, the complainant might not be alive now to complain.

I know the experience of the brake-jerk is very uncomfortable and even dangerous for passengers. But drivers don't do it for fun or spike or because they're unskilful or unqualified in driving. It's because of the new bus brakes.

Those who drive motor vehicles or ride bicycles will know, the new brakes. They'll jam very hard on slight tap, but the whole vehicle will crash if you don't brake in certain situation.

Older buses cruise along and brake smoothly. However, too smooth also cannot, means will overshoot braking judgment and crash. Time for servicing.

As for the language problem, I notice the complainant's name is Rebecca Lim. I still can't understand why Singapore Chinese must speak English to PRC Chinese or any other Chinese.

I beg to differ. In all machines needing brake pads or in older types, brake linnings, the brakes are suppose to achieve broken-in optimal performance standard within a certain usage period, of less than 30 kilometers if proper procedures are followed.

I used to believe that the jerking of the buses when braking were caused by the jerks driving them. But I found out later it was not true.

We had covered this issue before in other threads. There's something wrong with these new buses. I had talked to many bus drivers and all agree the brake systems are "funny". But if a "mistake" had been made with the purchase of these buses which I believe cost $500,000 a vehicle, we'll just have to "move" on until the statutory life of these buses expires.

 

[Glaringly]

I beg your pardon. The complaint is all about inadequate training and not about brakes, no brake or whatever brakes to diffuse the situation.

 

[Watchman]

I beg your pardon. The complaint is all about inadequate training and not about brakes, no brake or whatever brakes to diffuse the situation.