Singapore Man Sentenced for Assaulting Bus Driver with EZ-Link Card

In a notable case highlighting public transport safety, Wilson Loh, a 53-year-old resident of Singapore, was sentenced to five weeks in jail and fined S$1,500 (approximately US$1,168) following an incident where he assaulted a bus driver using his EZ-Link card. The altercation occurred on March 18, 2025, after Loh, who had consumed eight bottles of beer, missed his stop while traveling on bus 195.

According to court documents, Loh had boarded the bus intending to alight shortly after. However, as the bus reached his intended stop, the driver, Yin Xusheng, opened the door for passengers to disembark. Loh, upon realizing he had not exited, confronted the driver, accusing him of not allowing him to alight. Despite Yin explaining that the exit had been opened, Loh reacted aggressively by tapping the driver's face with his EZ-Link card. This action was categorized by the court as an act of criminal force intended to cause annoyance without provocation.

The incident escalated as Loh continued to disrupt the service, shouting and causing distress to other passengers on board. A 75-year-old passenger attempted to intervene but was met with hostility, as Loh pushed his hand, which caused the elderly man to drop his phone, although it was not damaged. Police were called to the scene, and Loh was arrested later that evening.

Loh’s criminal history, which includes multiple convictions dating back to 1989 for various offenses, was taken into consideration during sentencing. In previous cases, he had faced penalties for disorderly behavior and violence. The prosecution expressed concerns over his continued pattern of disruptive conduct, particularly in public spaces.

During the mitigation phase of the trial, Loh expressed feelings of agitation, particularly when being filmed after receiving his fifth COVID-19 vaccine. District Judge Eddy Tham highlighted Loh's alcohol consumption as a significant factor in the incident, stating, 'You need to bear the consequences of your actions.' The judge emphasized the importance of personal accountability, stating that the fault lay in Loh's inability to control his drinking.

In response, Loh acknowledged the issue and mentioned that he had attended anger management sessions. Judge Tham advised Loh to either control his drinking or cease altogether to prevent similar incidents in the future. This case comes amid heightened efforts by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to improve public transport safety, with over 160 notifications of offenses issued since new anti-nuisance signs were introduced.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding passenger behavior on public transport and the potential risks posed to drivers and other passengers. As the LTA continues to address such issues, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining decorum in shared public spaces.