Full Breakdown
Singapore Introduces Fines for Disruptive Bus Behaviour Starting Sept 23
By Drooid · · How we work
New Conduct Rules for Public Buses
From Sept 23, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will enforce a set of regulations that make it an offence to create a nuisance on public buses, at bus interchanges, or terminals. Prohibited actions include playing audio loudly, placing feet on seats, littering, and eating or drinking on board.
Penalties and Offence Categories
The regulations prescribe a maximum fine of S$500 for the routine offences listed above. More serious conduct—such as causing an obstruction, endangering other commuters, or soiling any part of a bus, interchange, or terminal—carries a maximum penalty of S$5,000. The LTA notes that these fines are aligned with the existing rules that govern disruptive behaviour on the MRT rail network.
Enforcement Framework
Authorized staff from the four public bus operators—ticket inspectors and bus-interchange personnel—may issue Administrative Notifications of Offences (Administrative NOO) to suspected violators. The LTA will follow up each notification with an investigation. Bus captains are not empowered to issue Administrative NOO so that they can concentrate on safe vehicle operation. However, captains may advise passengers to stop the disruptive behaviour, request that they alight, and, if necessary, seek assistance from the Bus Operations Control Centre or the police.
Rationale and Expected Impact
By extending conduct regulations from the rail system to buses, the authority seeks to promote positive commuter conduct across the entire public-transport network. LTA officials also stress that discretion will be exercised, particularly for commuters with physical or mental health conditions, to ensure fairness in enforcement.
Implementation Timeline
The regulations were announced in a news release and will become enforceable on Sept 23, the date the LTA has scheduled for the start of the new penalty regime.