NTWU rolls out Coffee Bus to honour public transport workers

The National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) launched its Coffee Bus initiative on 14 May 2025, a mobile cafe to express the union’s appreciation for the dedication of public transport workers.

The launch event, held at Toa Payoh Bus Interchange, was graced by Minister of State for Transport and Law Murali Pillai as part of SG60 and May Day celebrations organised by the NTUC.

The Coffee Bus, a specially retrofitted vehicle serving free coffee and snacks, symbolises NTWU’s gratitude to the thousands of workers who ensure the smooth daily operation of Singapore’s public transport system.

This roving cafe will visit various transport hubs across the island from 14 May to 2 June 2025. It will be open to both workers and members of the public to engage, rest, and reflect on the contributions of these frontline workers.

Mr Murali and NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Yeo Wan Ling also distributed NTUC May Day care packs to workers during the launch event.

“Public transport workers are the heart of our public transport system. They work tirelessly every day to ensure commuters get to their destinations safely and efficiently,” said Ms Yeo, who is also the NTWU Executive Secretary.

She added that the Coffee Bus also reaffirms NTWU and NTUC’s commitment to championing better wages, welfare, and work prospects.

From Coffee Buses to NTWU Canteen

The initiative is also a nod to Singapore’s public transport past. Coffee buses were first introduced in the 1970s, serving as rest and meal spots for bus drivers and conductors where physical canteens were unavailable.

Over time, the buses evolved into canteens and NTWU officially took over the canteen business in 1988, renaming it to "NTWU Canteen".

Today, the 50 NTWU Canteens islandwide offer affordable meals to transport workers.

The revived Coffee Bus is also an educational platform showcasing the transformation of Singapore’s transport sector. It features interactive displays and invites visitors to record video messages of thanks for transport staff — a move to build greater public appreciation for the profession.

Decades of championing workers' welfare

The Coffee Bus launch is the latest expression of NTWU’s long-standing commitment to the welfare of public transport workers.

The union has championed initiatives to improve working conditions for over four decades.

One example is its involvement in the Bus Safety Tripartite Taskforce, which saw the introduction of NTWU’s recommendations to improve bus captain’s working conditions through initiatives like protected meal breaks; limiting new bus routes to two-hour runtimes; the use of better technology to improve safety; refresher programmes and personalised coaching programmes; enhancements to the road environment.

NTUC said the recommendations were made to ensure bus captains are well-supported and equipped to continue delivering quality service to commuters.

NTWU has also been instrumental in securing progressive employment terms through numerous memoranda of understanding with transport operators, addressing career progression and job security.

For more details on the bus’s schedule and venues open to the public, visit NTWU’s Facebook or Instagram.