A Dream That Evolved

Most young girls don't aspire to become bus captains, but for 45-year-old Chow Pei Guan, this unexpected path has turned out to be a blessing. Despite her mother being a seasoned bus captain in Singapore for nearly three decades, Chow never envisioned following in her footsteps, believing it was a man's role.

From Ambition to Setback

In her 20s, Chow was driven by other ambitions. She kicked off her career as a sales assistant in a phone shop in Ipoh, Malaysia, before launching her own successful mobile phone business. However, her entrepreneurial dreams came crashing down due to economic changes and rising taxes, leading her to close her shops one by one by 2016.

A Stable Transition

Facing the collapse of her business, Chow turned to her mother for guidance. Inspired by her mother's resilience and job stability, she decided to embrace the role of a bus captain, recognizing it as a substantial career choice compared to her previous entrepreneurial endeavors.

Breaking Stereotypes

Chow, often the only woman during her training, pushed through her initial unease, remembering her first day behind the wheel of bus 381. After just a few trips, she found her rhythm and now confidently navigates around Singapore, managing over 30 different routes.

A Day in the Life of a Bus Captain

Starting her day at the crack of dawn, Chow juggles demanding shifts, sometimes stretching to 12 hours. Passenger reactions vary—some are surprised to see a woman behind the wheel, but Chow has become adept at handling everything from curious onlookers to the quirks of her daily commuters. In her role, she has formed lasting connections, with many frequent riders becoming friends.

Community Connection

The job offers her more than just driving; it allows her to engage with the community. Chow ensures vulnerable passengers, such as seniors and lost children, receive the help they need, showcasing her compassion and dedication.

Love at the Depot

Unexpectedly, Chow also found love among her colleagues at the depot. A budding romance unfolded with her now-husband during shared lunch breaks, culminating in marriage and motherhood. Now, her husband and child share in the joy of her work as her son proudly claims, "Mama’s bus!" whenever he sees her vehicle.

A Joyful Acceptance

Chow has embraced her multifaceted life as a bus captain, wife, and mother. With a newfound sense of purpose, she reflects on her journey and muses that if she had known earlier how fulfilling this career could be, she'd have made the switch sooner. "The right attitude can turn your life around at any age," she asserts, reminding us that every twist in the road can lead to unexpected destinations.