Bus conductors were very popular in Taiwan from the 1950s to the 1970s. Recently, a company has pioneered the return of conductors, calling them "Safety Angels."

Bus conductors, once commonplace in the 1950s to the 1970s, were responsible for announcing stops on the bus and assisting passengers with mobility issues when boarding and alighting. One bus operator is now bringing them back, along with old-school pull ropes, in retro-style buses that are now running through the streets of Taipei.

Wearing blue uniforms and hats, bus conductors draw attention to the steps and help riders board carefully, all while wearing friendly smiles.

Conductor Lin Ya-ling (林雅玲) says that she had never met an original bus conductor, though she’s pulled the stop bell before. She emphasizes that driving a bus is very hard, and that she hopes “Safety Angels” can alleviate passenger concerns, freeing up drivers to focus on road safety.

If passengers are unsure of directions, they can ask a conductor. With someone to help passengers with mobility issues, the bus feels warmer and more welcoming. One rider says the conductors bring back childhood memories and that they’re a great solution for Taiwan’s ageing society.

Currently, buses with conductors run once in the morning and once in the afternoon. After a 40-year hiatus, passengers can once again experience old traditions for a more nostalgic journey. Regardless of where they are going, on a bus with conductors, the next stop is always safe.