As announced at the Ministry of Transport’s Committee of Supply debate today, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will step up enforcement against nuisance and disruptive commuter behaviour on our public transport. This is intended to create a more pleasant commuting experience for the majority of commuters who are considerate and gracious to others.
2. Since December 2024, LTA and the public transport operators (PTOs) have progressively introduced new signage on public transport to encourage more considerate behaviour among commuters, including keeping noise levels down, occupying only one seat and discouraging sitting on the train floor. Since the roll-out of the new signage, LTA has worked with the PTOs to increase patrolling and enforcement of such offences.
3. Currently, commuters who display nuisance behaviour on trains, including those set out in the additional prohibition signage, may be issued a Notification of Offence (NOO) under the Rapid Transit Systems (RTS) regulations. The maximum penalty for each prohibited act is $500. More serious offences, such as soiling any part of the railway premises, carry a maximum penalty of $5,000. PTOs may also remove commuters who cause nuisance or activate the Police for more egregious cases.
4. Public bus operators also have processes in place to manage nuisance behaviours. In managing any nuisance behaviour on buses, the priority is to minimise inconvenience to other commuters and ensure that the bus service is not disrupted. When a bus captain (BC) receives a complaint about a commuter displaying nuisance behaviour, such as using devices at high volume levels, the BC will first advise the commuter to stop the behaviour. If the BC is unable to resolve the situation, he will contact the Bus Operations Control Centre (BOCC) for further guidance. For egregious cases, commuters may be asked to alight from the bus or referred to the Police. Those convicted of a public nuisance offence under the Penal Code may be liable for a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment of up to 3 months, or both.
5. From 10 March 2025, Conditions of Carriage (CoC) will be introduced to further curb nuisance commuter behaviour on public buses. The CoC, developed in consultation with the four public bus operators and the National Transport Workers’ Union, establishes clear guidelines on expected commuter behaviour onboard public buses. The areas of commuter behaviour set out in the CoC are:
a. Orderly and decent commuter conduct;
b. Safe conduct;
c. Maintaining public health and cleanliness; and
d. Ensuring gracious and inclusive public transport journeys.
6. We target to share further implementation details of the regulatory framework to manage commuter behaviour on public buses in 1H 2026. LTA and the PTOs will exercise discretion and fairness in managing inconsiderate commuters, especially for cases involving commuters with physical or mental health conditions. LTA will also continue to work with PTOs and community stakeholders to promote gracious behaviour, while undertaking targeted enforcement action against inconsiderate commuters, to create a better commuting experience for everyone.
