If you see smoke or fire on a public bus, alert the bus captain immediately. Follow the captain’s instructions about where and when to exit. Once off the bus, move away from it and from traffic. Call 995 from a safe place to report a fire or life-threatening injury. SBS Transit guidance on handling bus emergencies SCDF Emergency Handbook
On a double-decker, tell the captain or ask a nearby passenger to relay where the smoke or flames are, such as the rear of the upper deck. Keep the aisle and stairs clear so passengers can move in order. Tell staff promptly if anyone is still aboard or cannot get out without help. SBS Transit guidance on handling bus emergencies SCDF Emergency Handbook
- Alert the bus captain and say where you saw smoke or flames.
- Use the exit directed by the captain, then move well clear of the bus and traffic.
- Call 995 from safety and report the location, what is burning and whether anyone may be inside.
On this page
- Give the captain a specific report
- Exit in order and move away from the roadway
- What to tell SCDF on 995
- Frequently asked questions
Give the captain a specific report
A useful report names the location and what you observed. “There’s smoke near the back of the upper deck” gives the captain more to work with than “Something is wrong.” If another passenger is already speaking to the captain, let them relay what you saw while you listen for instructions. SBS Transit guidance on handling bus emergencies
At an interchange, notify staff immediately. SBS Transit directs passengers to its Passenger Service Office for assistance. Use the location closest to the incident when you report it, such as a berth number or a nearby entrance. Keep out of bus lanes. SBS Transit guidance on handling bus emergencies
Exit in order and move away from the roadway
Follow the captain’s instructions and use the directed exit. If you are helping a child, give one short instruction at a time and keep the child with you. Tell the captain or responders if someone has difficulty walking, uses a wheelchair or is still on the upper deck. If you have to move quickly, leave belongings behind. SCDF Emergency Handbook
After leaving, move to the safe area staff identify. If you are near traffic, use a safe spot off the roadway and keep your group together. Tell responders if you think anyone remains inside and where you last saw them. Stay outside the bus. SCDF Emergency Handbook
What to tell SCDF on 995
Lead with the exact location. If the bus stopped between bus stops, give the road name, direction of travel and the nearest junction, stop or building. The bus service number helps identify the vehicle if you know it. Say whether you saw smoke or flames, whether anyone is injured, and whether anyone may still be aboard. Answer the dispatcher’s questions from safety. SCDF Emergency Handbook
A school commute example
Two students see smoke at the rear of a double-decker. One alerts the bus captain. Both follow the directed exit and move with other passengers away from the road. A witness calls 995 and names the nearest junction. The students tell a parent where they are after reaching the safe area.
Frequently asked questions
Should I try to put out the fire?
Alert the captain immediately and follow the directions given. SBS Transit says extinguishers are available on its buses. As a passenger, prioritise getting yourself and those in your care to safety. SBS Transit guidance on handling bus emergencies SCDF Emergency Handbook
Should I go back for my school bag?
Stay outside and tell staff what you left behind after everyone is safe. Follow their instructions about access.
What if someone has trouble breathing after getting out?
Tell the 995 dispatcher or on-scene responders immediately, especially if the person is gasping, struggling to speak or becoming less responsive. Give the person’s location and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. SCDF Emergency Handbook