Passengers on buses in Singapore could face fines of up to US$400 for offences such as putting feet on seats, playing loud music, eating or drinking, and littering in the vehicle. The new regulations, published earlier this week, introduce formal fines for behaviours that were previously merely matters of etiquette.
Significantly higher penalties are prescribed for more serious offences. Disrupting or endangering other passengers within bus interchanges, or soiling any part of a bus, bus stop, or terminal, can result in a fine of up to $5,000.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) stated that the new regulations would promote a safer, more considerate, and pleasant public transport environment for all passengers. The new regulations align with existing rules on the Singapore rail network (MRT), where penalties for passengers caught eating on board have long been in place.
Previously, rules on buses were largely based on the policies of the transport operators themselves, enforced by drivers. Drivers could ask passengers to leave the vehicle, but they did not have the authority to impose monetary fines. Such behaviour is now a formal legal offence with immediate financial penalties.
Enforcement of the new rules will be undertaken by conductors or staff at terminal stations. In certain cases, drivers may request police intervention, further strengthening the mechanisms for maintaining order in public transport.
