Singapore to fine loud phone audio on buses
New rules also make eating, drinking and putting feet on seats on public buses punishable by fines.
In Singapore, bus passengers can be fined from Wednesday for, among other things, playing music or videos loudly. The new rules aim to limit nuisance and disruption on public transport.
The Land Transport Authority is introducing new rules for public buses, bus stations and bus terminals from 23 September. Under the regulations, passengers can be fined for playing audio loudly, putting their feet on seats, eating, drinking and leaving litter behind.
A maximum fine of 500 Singapore dollars applies to these behaviours. This is a maximum, not a fixed amount automatically imposed for every offence. The rules form part of a broader tightening of regulations for passengers on public transport.
The maximum is higher for more serious situations. These involve behaviour that causes danger or obstruction at a bus station or terminal, or soiling a bus, station or terminal. The fine for this can rise to 5,000 Singapore dollars.
Not every employee has the same powers. Ticket inspectors and bus-station staff may issue administrative notices to people suspected of committing an offence. Bus drivers do not have this power, allowing them to focus on driving their vehicles safely.
Drivers may still address passengers and ask them to get off if they continue to cause a nuisance. If they refuse, drivers can seek help from the control centre or, in serious cases, the police. The transport authority says enforcement officers must take account of passengers with physical or mental health conditions.
It is not yet clear how many fines will actually be issued or what effect the rules will have on travel behaviour. Singapore presents the regulations as a way to make shared public space more pleasant and safer. The boundary between necessary enforcement and far-reaching interference in everyday behaviour will become apparent mainly in their implementation.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Singapore is introducing new conduct rules for public buses.
- The rules contain maximum fines of 500 and 5,000 Singapore dollars.
- Bus drivers are not given the power to issue administrative notices.
Left
Arguments Public transport is a shared public space in which passengers are entitled to peace, accessibility and safety. Rules may be necessary to prevent loud behaviour or littering from disproportionately affecting vulnerable passengers.
Values Equal access, protection of fellow passengers and a caring public space.
Consequences Enforcement can improve the travel experience, but must not lead to arbitrariness or place additional pressure on people with disabilities.
Centre
Arguments The rules are defensible if they are applied clearly and proportionately, with room for judgement. For minor nuisance, warnings and explanations should take precedence over maximum fines.
Values Proportionality, practicality and trust in public institutions.
Consequences A clear escalation ladder can limit nuisance without burdening drivers or passengers with unclear standards.
Right
Arguments Anyone using a public facility must take others into account. Clear sanctions give transport operators a tool against behaviour that disrupts order and prevent the majority from having to rely on voluntary politeness.
Values Personal responsibility, order and respect for property and fellow passengers.
Consequences Strict rules can work quickly, but excessive enforcement may lead to bureaucracy and irritation about interference in everyday behaviour.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The rules and maximum fines were checked directly with the Singapore transport authority and the Ministry of Transport. The text makes no unsubstantiated claim about future compliance or effects.
- confirmed The new rules apply from 23 September 2026. — The Land Transport Authority gives this start date. source
- confirmed Playing audio loudly, putting feet on seats, eating, drinking and leaving litter can be fined on buses. — These behaviours are explicitly mentioned in the new regulations. source
- confirmed The maximum fine for these offences is 500 Singapore dollars. — This amount is stated in the LTA press release. source
- confirmed More serious offences can cost up to 5,000 Singapore dollars. — The LTA gives this maximum for danger, obstruction and soiling at stations and terminals. source
- confirmed Bus drivers may not issue administrative notices. — The LTA distinguishes between drivers and other authorised staff. source
- confirmed Drivers can call for assistance if a passenger refuses to get off. — This is stated in the explanation from the LTA and the Ministry of Transport. source
Editor's note
The amounts, start date and powers come from the Singapore transport authority. There are not yet any public figures on enforcement or the number of fines.Sources
- New Regulations on Public Buses and at Bus Interchanges/Terminals Implemented from 23 September 2026 — Land Transport Authority Singapore
- Strengthening Channels to Report Commuter Misconduct on Public Transport — Singapore Ministry of Transport
- Singapore Introduces New Bus Conduct Rules, Fines Up To S$5,000 — Bernama
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „singapore openbaar vervoer”
- De Telegraaf — „singapore openbaar vervoer”
- AD — „singapore openbaar vervoer”