Forget the Uncle Title – Meet the Gen Z Bus Captain Steering His Own Course

Meet 24‑Year‑Old Syaz Mohd Salim, Singapore’s Youngest Bus Captain

Picture yourself boarding a bus in the North of Singapore. You expect a warm, seasoned elder with a friendly grin—traditionally the archetype of a bus driver. Instead, you get Syaz Mohd Salim, a sharp‑angled, 24‑year‑old captain whose energy is as fresh as the morning chill.

From Boot Camp to the Big Wheel

Graduated straight out of National Service and jumped straight into Tower Transit Singapore.
Dubbed “adik” (younger brother) by colleagues for his youthful vibe.
One of the youngest captains on the roster—proving that age isn’t a barrier to mastering the roads.

Why Buses? It’s More Than a Job

Syaz grew up with a fascination for small, toy buses that sat neatly on his shelf. That hobby turned into a passion when he realized that public transport isn’t just about getting from point A to B; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem.

He says, “I’ve always loved the rhythm of the road and the people who share it. Driving a bus lets me blend that love into a career I can actually pursue.”

Bringing the Bus Experience to Life

Passengers often pause to double‑take and “tap” their cards as he passes.
He’s known for his approachable demeanor—always willing to chat or amuse a curious child.
Even with a fleet of older drivers around, Syaz’s youthful perspective keeps the crew’s morale high.

Day‑in‑the‑Life of a Young Captain

A typical day for Syaz starts before sunrise, a quick coffee, and a thorough review of the route. On the road, he watches the traffic dot dance and listens to the hum of commuters. By midday, he’s already earned a few laughs and a few satisfied nods from his passengers. Even on the busiest routes he remains calm—after all, he’s seen through the throes of National Service, and that’s worth a lot of drivers.

His story isn’t just about a job; it’s a reminder that the next generation is ready to ride the bus into the future.

How long have you been driving buses and what inspired you to pursue a career as a bus captain?

From Childhood Wheels to Captain’s Caulking

When I was a kid, the bus wasn’t just a vehicle—it was a playground for my imagination. I’d sit in the middle of the back seat, squinting at that big grandfather‑clocked engine, and think: “Someday, I’ll be the one steering the whole thing.”
That dream turned real after three solid years behind the wheel of our local double‑decker.

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1⃣ The Engine’s Song

The rumble is music – every start-up feels like a bass drop in a major track.

The turbines hiss – it’s like the bus is breathing, and I’m the only one who can tune it.

The roar at the curb – the moment every driver’s gun‑shot adrenaline hits its peak.

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2⃣ The High‑Flyer Button on the Upper Deck

Race to the top – once, I sprinted up the stairs with the current of passing cars whistling behind me.

Front‑row royalty – the seat gives you a bird’s‑eye view; you can see who’s making a face‑palm or dodging a puddle.

The “first person” perspective – if only the driver could see through my eyes…

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3⃣ Life On the Bus Hub

Kids in the back: “Hey? Can I be the captain?” – they’re the “kids who can do anything” crew

Adults in the front: Heads nod over coffee, but theirs are the people who keep the ride smooth

Post‑ride gratitude: “Thank you, Captain; you’re a real lifesaver” – the voice that made me feel it wasn’t just about steering

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*Pro Tips for Aspiring Captains:**

1. Keep the engine humming*: a well‑tuned bus makes for a happier crowd.

2. Master the climb* – always keep your shoulders and your sense of adventure on track on the upper deck.

3. Smile through the rules*: every rule’s a beat in a well‑synchronized musical ride.

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*Final Thought**

It’s not just about pushing a wheel; it’s about turning every commuter into a tiny explorer of streets and memories. So here’s to the endless route of adventures— one seat, one engine, one beat at a time.

How does it feel to be a younger person in this line of work? And how have bus companies made the job more attractive for younger people?

Riding Into the Unknown

Pretty much as soon as I clocked the 21‑year‑old badge, I was on the go again—just after wrapping up national service. New trainees don’t always get the pep talk first, but I had a good chuckle when my fellow bus drivers nicknamed me the “little bud” and the “young mate.” It took me a moment to realize that the pow‑wow of the seasoned crew was more about listening than bragging.

Leaning In, Learning Fast

I’ve traded the polite nod for a quick head‑turn: I’m the one who can memorize a new route by the time the coffee has gone cold. Honestly, the gap between bags left on the bus and the subtle tech hints from my senior mates has been wide open for me to climb.

Passengers: “Who’s the Youngster?”

They pause twice, because “Wow, who’s the kid in the office?”
Conversation starters: “What age are you? Are you from Malaysia or Singapore?”
A few bless me as “Uncle”—thanks for the ride or directions, but I swear I’m still a teenager.
At first, it buzzes like a radio, but after a few laughs, I grow used to it.

Pay Matters, But so Does the Heat

Everyone’s case is a ‘different need.’ For me, the paycheck kind of looks like the honest deal that fits the job’s demands and the nightly long drama of the road. It’s not a dream, but it’s a decent fit for the late‑night grind and highway hustle.

What are some of the other misconceptions you get about your job?

Bus Driver Life 101

Ever heard the myth that a bus driver’s job is just point‑to‑point cruising? Think again.

Safety First, Speed Second

We’re not just pilots; we’re guardians of the road. Every drive must be safe, and passengers must feel secure. That’s the baseline. Then comes the art of speed‑splitting—adjusting on the fly to keep the schedule tight.

How the Clock Runs 3‑D‑B

Running Time – The clock ticks, and we’re under pressure to finish on time.
Crowd Levels – Too many in the bus? That’s a challenge. Too few? Still stressful.
Dynamic Road Situations – Traffic lights, sudden detours, pedestrians—anything can change the rhythm.
Headway Between Buses – If the next bus is in line, our timing has to be spot on.

Green Lights vs. Red Lights

One missed green can stretch the whole line. It’s like a tiny domino effect; the next stop will feel the ripple. That’s why the control centre nudges us—sometimes an extra reminder that we’re all in this together.

When We Hit “Left‑over” Mode

If the bus pulls ahead and you’re left in the gas tank, please don’t be too hard on us. We’re doing our best to juggle the chaos. A good chuckle can keep the mood light.

Remember, every stop counts—and sometimes, the only thing we can do is keep rolling.

Tell us about a typical day at work. Do you ply just one bus route or multiple ones?

My 6‑Day, Rotating Shift Life

Ever wondered what it’s like to hop behind the wheel on a constantly changing schedule? I’m a bus driver who’s on the road for six days a week, and every single day brings a brand‑new adventure.

10+ Routes & Endless Scenery

I’m driving ten different routes – and that number keeps climbing as I learn more.
Each route gives me a fresh slice of the city’s landscape, so the scenery never gets stale.

The Shift Rollercoaster

A single shift can be anywhere from 7 to 11 hours. Long enough to learn a new language, short enough to keep hunger at bay!
Some days I’m overlapping duties, meaning I could be driving two services back‑to‑back.
Bus schedules vary wildly; a morning shift might kick off at 4:30 AM while an afternoon shift could wrap up at 2 AM. Sleep? I’ll stick with coffee.

Trips Depend on Distance

The shorter the route, the more trips I can fit into a shift. It’s like a mini marathon: the shorter the lap, the more laps you get to run.

So, if you ever felt like your day was boring, just hop into my seat – there’s always something new around the corner!

What are some of the most memorable encounters you’ve had while driving buses?

Legend of the Mask‑Forgotten Hero

Ever find yourself juggling a pile of questions in a rush? I do. But I’ll share one of the smoother moments that came out of a chaotic day.

The Bus‑Run Scenario

It was during the Circuit Breaker – the time of day when traffic jams feel like a circus.
One guy sprinted to catch my bus, paused in the aisle, and begged me to wait.
He slid into a seat behind me, but as I drove, he approached me saying he’d forgotten a mask (a detail that only became clear a moment later).

Handling the Mask Crisis

I had a spare mask for just such emergencies, so I handed it to him. He told me he was rushing to a job interview, didn’t mean to be careless, and offered to pay me back.

I laughed and said there was no payment needed – everyone deserves a second chance.

The Re‑Connection

About a week later, he hopped onto the same bus.
He greeted me with a bright smile and told me he landed the job he’d applied for.

The Moment

The news lit up my face; I couldn’t keep the grin off. It was a small highlight amid a tough period for many.

Sometimes a simple handshake, a spare mask, and a dash of humor can turn a hectic day into a warm memory.

There was a recent Tik Tok video (@yourbuscaptain) where a bus driver manning the 975 bus route drives through dark roads at Lim Chu Kang. Have you had any creepy encounters of your own?

Midnight Bus Tales and Goosebumps

First off, a huge shout‑out to EVERY 975 bus captain out there—you’re heroes. I’ve not met any mysterious strangers on board, just a few creepy passengers (laughs) and a good dose of spooky vibes when the night gets dark.

Why it’s All About the Roads

Late‑night lanes feel a little heavier—the kind of hair‑raising streets that make you turn up the music.
Every time I cross those dim miles, the rush of wind hits just right to give me a fresh coat of goosebumps.

Bell Blips, No One Inside

Two times, the driver’s bell rang. Nobody was on the bus. Knowledgeable of the usual mechanical quirks, I thumbed my way through and kept the wheels turning.

Just A Mechanical Minor

The bell’s hiccup is rare, but the possibility of a little glitch is always there. I took it as a small mechanical hiccup and moved on—after all, a bus should run smoother than a jazz solo.

Bottom Line

So if you’re a 975 captain on a midnight run: keep your cool, stay sharp, and enjoy the thrill of the ride. The bus might give you goosebumps, but you’re there for the ultimate “bus‑topping” experience.

Yikes! Ok let’s talk about something else! What is the most rewarding thing about being a bus driver?

My Daily Bus Hustle

Every time the bus door swings open, the whole city of 400‑500 commuters steps in. I swear, it’s like throwing a massive, swirling pot of humanity into the back of a car. And for me? That spectacle feels like a personal victory parade.

What makes it sooo satisfying

Noticeable impact – I’m the driving force behind millions of water‑cooler‑less journeys each day.
Instant community vibes – I get to watch strangers become an impromptu support circle on wheels.
End‑of‑shift bliss – Even when my brain is buzzing and you’ve hit the floor, I walk off with a warm, “I did good” glow.

Here’s the truth

After the last ticket swipe, my body might feel like it’s been towed, but the mental jackpot stays: I built a daily fast‑lane network that keeps the city moving – and I get to brag about that next time someone asks how my day was.

So yeah, look at me: the untried hero of the urban commute, feeling the sweet (and sometimes tired) sweet tooth of fulfillment.

What advice would you give someone who might want to consider a career as a bus driver too?

Finding Joy in a Long‑Haul Job

Never underestimate the power of a good laugh during those long shifts. Sure, the days can be long, the road can feel tedious, and every passenger is just a high‑volume voice in a noisy café called the bus. But when you learn to soak up the small moments—those giggles, the quick banter, and the sheer absurdity of a missing seat—you’ll find the real secret to staying energized.

Why Feeling Good Matters

Health boost – happier drivers burn less stress and stay alert.
Better service – mind‑fullness spreads kindness, turns passengers into fans.
Resilience – a cheerful attitude makes the toughest days feel doable.

Mixing Work and Fun

Here’s how you can amp up the joy factor on the wheel:

Play your own soundtrack – humming the radio can transform a dull route into a personal concert.
Gift a friendly nod – every passenger expects a warm smile; you can turn that into a small, daily cheerup.
Share a quick joke – absurd comics, that one-liner that never gets old, keep the mood light.
Mindful stops – take a breath every stop; your body and brain will thank you.

Wrap‑Up

Being on the road might feel like an endless marathon, but embracing joy turns the job into a shared adventure for both you and the commuters. When you’re happy, you’re a better driver, you serve the public better, and you’ll keep that smile in every sunrise grind.