SINGAPORE — One taxi driver, who had arrived at an MRT station to pick up his stranded wife, offered rides to other commuters who were left hanging due to the service breakdown on the North-South and East-West lines. Others brought food and drinks to commuters and train station staff who were deployed to manage crowds at the stations.

Such gestures of generosity and kindness helped take the edge off the tension and frustration at train stations yesterday, as thousands were left stranded for hours.

A woman, who wanted to be known only as Ms Trisa, was spotted offering some bread to an SMRT employee. The 27-year-old assistant marketing manager, who was also affected by the disruption, said: “We, as Singaporeans, need to understand that (the SMRT staff) are doing their best ... They are just humans and they are working overtime (because of this).”

Twitter user Desiree Lai tweeted: “Cabbie who came to pick up his wife, offered to take other passengers as well and carpool”. Another Twitter user @lilyjamesgrey shared a picture of McDonald’s staff giving out free drinks to affected commuters.

Writing on his Facebook page, National Trades Union Congress secretary-general Chan Chun Sing commented: “On social media, we see many expressions of disappointment, and a few refreshing posts with light-heartedness bring cheer to affected passengers. There are also car owners who have posted offers ... to pick up those who need a ride. It’s late, and I know it’s not easy, but let’s pull together.”