A recent post from a Singaporean visiting Vancouver noted a simple habit where passengers often say “thank you” when getting off the bus. It happens quickly and casually, but it appears regularly across trips.
Over time, it blends into the everyday flow of commuting. Nothing formal, just a small habit that can make the ride feel a bit more human. Some people even start picking it up naturally after a while.
The practice was compared with Singapore, where the same behavior exists but is less consistent across routes and situations.
Public Transport Etiquette in Singapore
In Singapore, thanking bus captains does happen, but it’s not a fixed habit. It appears more often on neighborhood routes or when drivers make an effort to wait or assist.
During peak hours, interaction is usually minimal. Acknowledgment is usually brief, such as a nod or a quick glance, as people hustle to get on and off.
An example given was of passengers getting on a bus in the morning rush without saying thank you and then the bus captain responding sarcastically with, “Thank you.” The moment was pointed out as a reflection of expectations not always matching in crowded conditions.
When the Habit Looks Different Across Places
Some people who experienced this habit abroad said they tried continuing it in Singapore, but it did not always feel returned in the same way, so they eventually stopped.
Others still keep it as a personal habit regardless of response. For them, it is just a simple form of courtesy. It may be a smile or a wave rather than words.
Generally, bus manners vary from place to place. It changes slightly from city to city, depending on the bus’s fullness at rush hour and the small habits people pick up from riding the same buses over and over.
See the post here:
thanking bus drivers in singapore
byu/Ok_Formal_3157 inaskSingapore
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