Singapore to fine bus passengers up to $392 for disruptive behaviour

Singapore will introduce new regulations governing passenger conduct on public buses and at bus interchanges and terminals from September 23, with fines of up to 500 Singapore dollars (about $392) for nuisance and disruptive behaviour.

The new rules, announced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), are intended to promote a safer, more considerate and pleasant public transport environment.

“Actions that violate public order on buses will be classified as offences. The maximum fine will be 500 Singapore dollars (about $392),” the LTA said in its release.

Under the new regulations, passengers can be penalised for playing audio at loud volume, putting their feet on seats, littering, or eating and drinking on public buses. Such conduct will be treated as an offence if it causes a nuisance or annoyance to other passengers.

More serious violations will carry a maximum penalty of 5,000 Singapore dollars (about $3,900). These include causing an obstruction or danger to other commuters at bus interchanges and terminals, as well as soiling any part of a public bus, bus interchange or terminal. The penalties are aligned with those already applicable under Singapore’s regulations governing the rail network.

The measures were introduced under two new sets of regulations: the Bus Services Industry (Control of Conduct and Activities – Public Bus) Regulations 2026 and the Bus Services Industry (Control of Conduct and Activities – Bus Interchange) Regulations 2026. They follow amendments under the Transport Sector (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, which was passed in October 2025.

Enforcement will not rest solely with bus drivers. Authorised employees of public bus operators, including ticket inspectors and bus interchange staff, will be able to issue Administrative Notifications of Offences to people suspected of committing an offence. The LTA will subsequently conduct investigations.

Bus captains will not have the authority to issue such notifications, as the LTA said this could interfere with their primary responsibility of safely operating their vehicles. They will, however, continue to be able to instruct passengers to stop nuisance or disruptive behaviour.

Passengers who refuse to comply may be required to leave the bus. In serious cases, bus captains can seek assistance from the Bus Operations Control Centre or the police.

The LTA said it and public bus operators would continue to exercise discretion and fairness when dealing with inconsiderate passengers, particularly in cases involving people with physical or mental health conditions. The authority also said it would continue working with transport operators and community groups to encourage considerate behaviour while enforcing the new rules.

By Tamilla Hasanova