Singapore to fine passengers for loud audio on buses — Channel NewsAsia

From September 23, passengers on public buses in Singapore may be fined up to S$500 for playing audio loudly, putting their feet on seats, littering, as well as eating or drinking inside buses. The new rules will also apply to conduct at bus interchanges and terminals.

Fines for disorderly conduct

As Channel NewsAsia reports, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority said the rules are intended to make public transport safer and more comfortable for passengers.

More serious violations carry a maximum fine of S$5,000. These include causing obstruction or danger to other passengers at interchanges and terminals, as well as soiling any part of a bus, interchange or terminal.

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The authority said the penalties are aligned with rules already in force in the rapid rail transit system, which govern passenger conduct, safety and train operations. The changes are being introduced following amendments passed by parliament in October 2025 to align rules on disorderly conduct in bus and rail transport.

Monitoring compliance with the rules

Authorized employees of bus operators, including ticket inspectors and interchange staff, will be able to issue offence notices to people suspected of violating the rules. Such cases will subsequently be investigated by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority.

Bus drivers will not have these powers so they can focus on operating vehicles safely. At the same time, they may advise passengers to stop inappropriate or disruptive conduct. If a passenger does not comply, the driver may ask them to leave the bus or seek assistance from the police or the control centre. The authority added that it will take a sensible and fair approach, including in cases related to passengers’ physical or mental health conditions.