Free N95 masks for public bus and rail workers, delivery riders

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Free N95 masks are being distributed to bus and rail workers and delivery riders in Singapore to protect them from prolonged exposure to hazardous haze conditions. This effort, supported by public transport operators and delivery platforms like Foodpanda and Grab, includes access to rest areas and discounted beverages to help these outdoor workers stay hydrated and reduce health risks amid sustained poor air quality.

Amid a prolonged haze affecting air quality in Singapore, free N95 masks are being distributed to bus and rail workers, as well as delivery riders affiliated with the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA). The initiative aims to provide additional protection for those whose work requires extended periods outdoors.

Starting Oct. 12, the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) opened its canteens at 30 bus interchanges and terminals to delivery riders, offering them a place to rest and refill water bottles in line with national haze health advisories. NDCA members can collect complimentary N95 masks at these locations.

Foodpanda, one of the major food delivery platforms involved, contributed more than 2,500 N95 masks to support the program. The company also highlighted existing haze-related measures for its riders, including regular air quality updates, flexible scheduling options, and an app feature allowing riders to take short breaks without losing incentives. Grab has also extended its support for the mask distribution effort.

NDCA members benefit further from discounted beverages priced from 90 cents at select NTWU canteens located in Ang Mo Kio, Jurong East, Punggol, Woodlands bus interchanges, and Shenton Way Bus Terminal.

Yeo Wan Ling, National Trades Union Congress assistant secretary-general and adviser to the NDCA as well as the executive secretary of NTWU, emphasized in a public post that the haze intensifies the challenges faced by transport and delivery workers who spend long hours outdoors. She acknowledged public transport operators Go-Ahead Singapore, SBS Transit, SMRT, and Tower Transit for collaborating with NTWU to facilitate mask distribution among their employees.

Yeo underscored the importance of hydration and rest, noting these were part of guidance from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to mitigate haze exposure risks. She also expressed gratitude to NTWU canteen operators for their role in supporting the workers through this initiative.

In a prior message on Oct. 11, NTWU reminded public transport personnel to monitor air quality levels closely and wear N95 masks as a precaution. The union reiterated appreciation for operators’ cooperation in prioritizing worker health amid the haze conditions, which present additional challenges for those working on roads, at interchanges, and around rail lines.

Singapore’s air quality first declined into unhealthy levels on Sept. 4 and remained poor as of Oct. 13, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) consistently within the unhealthy range. The haze peaked on Oct. 9, reaching a PSI of 192 in the central region during the late afternoon and early evening hours.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.