Singapore Begins Fining Bus Passengers for Loud Music and Other Bad Behaviour
SINGAPORE — September 23, 2026

Singapore has introduced new rules allowing bus passengers to be fined for behaviour such as playing loud music, putting their feet on seats, littering, eating or drinking onboard.

The regulations came into effect on Wednesday, September 23, as

authorities seek to make public buses a more comfortable and considerate environment for commuters.

Fines of Up to S$500
Under the new regulations, passengers who cause a nuisance or annoyance to other commuters by playing audio at a loud volume or placing their feet on seats can face a fine of up to S$500.

The same maximum penalty applies to littering and eating or drinking on public buses.

The rules also cover conduct at bus interchanges and terminals.

More Serious Offences Carry Higher Penalties
Some behaviour can result in significantly larger fines.

Passengers who cause an obstruction or danger to other commuters at bus interchanges or terminals, or who soil parts of a bus, interchange or terminal, can face penalties of up to S$5,000.

The Land Transport Authority said the new regulations are intended to encourage safer and more considerate behaviour on public transport.

Bus Staff Can Report Offenders
Designated employees from public bus operators, including ticket inspectors and interchange staff, will be able to issue administrative notifications to people suspected of committing offences.

The LTA will then follow up with investigations.

Bus drivers themselves will not issue the notifications because their priority is operating their vehicles safely. However, drivers can ask disruptive passengers to stop their behaviour or leave the bus. Police or the bus operator’s control centre can be called if a passenger refuses to cooperate.

Rules Aim to Change Everyday Behaviour
The new system brings bus regulations closer to those already applying to Singapore’s rail network.

The LTA said public transport is a shared environment and that the new rules are designed to reduce disruptive behaviour rather than interfere with ordinary commuting.

Some passengers interviewed by The Straits Times welcomed the measures, while others raised concerns about the possibility of commuters filming or confronting people they believe are breaking the rules.

For millions of people who use Singapore’s public transport system, the changes mean that behaviours previously treated mainly as inconsiderate may now carry financial penalties.

Sources: BBC News; Singapore Land Transport Authority; Channel NewsAsia; The Straits Times.