Bus Captains are bestowed the power to confiscate EZlink cards if they find that the Card Readers display and emit error warnings. Do not let them do it easily....of course you must be on the right side of the law in the first place.
Example......if the reader displays RED and GREEN lights together, your card has insufficient value for further rides. If the driver says your card has errors and he need to confiscate it, do not surrender your card. Call SBStransit hotline (1800-2872727) on the spot and report him for lacking of knowledge and intimidation to passenger.
I suggest you to give them your card if they ask for it. Firstly, by creating a din there on the spot, the schedule will be delayed and there will be people like you who like to complain, complaining about why the fares increase and the frequency sucks.
Secondly, when you get your card back, you can apply for a refund for the other card you used during the period you are not with your own card.
Thirdly, it's transitlink's policy to do that, not SBS Transit, althought Transitlink is partly co-owned by SBS Transit and SMRT. The BCs only have the knowledge that if the console says invalid card or similar, their duty is to confiscate it and issue a 'receipt' to you. Their responsibility is not to conform to your nonsense.
Requesting you to give him your card is intimidating? Learn more english before trying...
Think twice before posting..
My Correction to the warning light...it should be flashing Red light followed by 5 beeps..meaning insufficient cash for further rides with message; PAY CASH LOW VALUE
Thank you for your gentle reminder and intimidation to the BC's.