Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) has introduced new regulations targeting disruptive behaviour on its public bus network, imposing fines of up to S$500 (£295.44) on passengers caught playing music, videos, or phone calls out loud without headphones. The rules, effective from Wednesday, September 23, align with existing measures on Singapore's train system.
New rules for bus passengers
The LTA said in its announcement: 'Public transport is a shared space, and every commuter has a part to play in ensuring a gracious and pleasant commuting environment.' The authority added that the new rule will allow staff to focus on 'their primary responsibility of operating buses safely,' while assuring 'discretion and fairness' for passengers with physical or mental health conditions.
Under the same S$500 penalty threshold, passengers can also be ticketed for putting their feet on seats, drinking or eating on board, and littering in carriages or at stops. For more severe offences, such as soiling transport facilities, causing a public hazard, or obstructing vehicle operations, fines can rise to S$5,000 (£2,954.58).
Enforcement and background
Bus drivers, referred to in Singapore as 'bus captains', will not issue fines while driving. Instead, authorised ticket inspectors and interchange staff will handle enforcement, logging and reporting infractions for official investigation by the LTA.
The crackdown follows parliamentary amendments passed in October 2025, granting authorities stronger powers to tackle nuisance passengers. In December 2024, Singapore introduced signs on buses encouraging users to keep noise levels down, occupy only one seat, and refrain from sitting on the floor.
Other cities taking action
Singapore's move follows similar measures elsewhere. Kraków in Poland introduced rules in January banning passengers from using phones or other devices on speakerphone on buses and trams, with a 200-zloty (£39.18) fine. Chennai in India introduced a rule in July allowing fines of up to Rs 2,500 (£19.68) for playing music or videos without earphones.
Transport for London (TfL) launched a campaign in August 2025 with posters encouraging headphone use, revealing that 70% of 1,000 customers surveyed find loud music and phone conversations without headphones disruptive. However, London has not yet passed an official ruling against not using headphones, though TfL can technically fine passengers up to £1,000 under its bylaws. Enforcement through formal fines or court action is rare, with TfL treating it as a 'last resort' and relying on staff asking passengers to turn off devices, denying travel, or removing offenders from the network. A Freedom of Information request revealed that no one was fined for playing music out loud in 2024, and only one warning was issued.
