{
  "id": 18657804,
  "title": "Hashtag launched for commuters to share appreciation for public transport workers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/hashtag-launched-for-commuters-to-share-appreciation-for-public",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-07T07:06:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/hashtag-launched-for-commuters-to-share-appreciation-for-public-transport-workers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore's East-West Line train disruptions prompted Neo Shun Keat to change careers, leading him to join SMRT in 2018. During a delay, SMRT staff were praised for their professional handling of the situation, providing commuters with alternative routes and updates despite the trains being driverless. At the Public Transport Workers’ Appreciation carnival, Neo and 19 other public transport workers received tokens of appreciation. Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all transport workers, emphasizing the growing sector and the importance of worker well-being. In June, the Land Transport Authority announced a one-time pay bump for existing bus drivers and a monthly salary increase of $450 for new bus drivers, effective January 2027. SBS Transit bus captain Nurkarmilawati Mohamed Ali, inspired by her late mother, recounted helping a man in his 60s who had trouble walking after a bus stop. A month later, the same man recognized Nurkarmilawati and expressed his gratitude. To encourage public appreciation, the official hashtag #ThankYouPTWorkers was launched for commuters to share their thanks on social media.",
  "summary": "Public transport workers were presented with tokens of appreciation at the Public Transport Workers’ Appreciation carnival at Hillion Mall on Nov 7.",
  "key_points": [
    "East-West Line disruptions led Neo Shun Keat to join SMRT in 2018.",
    "Public Transport Workers’ Appreciation carnival awarded tokens to 20 workers.",
    "Hashtag #ThankYouPTWorkers launched for public to share appreciation."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The new social media hashtag formalizes public gratitude to bolster morale and recognize the essential role transport staff play in managing commuter needs during service disruptions.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}