Bus passengers who cause nuisance, like playing loud music or videos, to be penalised

New penalties will be introduced on public transport systems and bus interchanges in Singapore that target those who behave in ways that disrupt other passengers.

Examples of such behaviours include littering, consuming food and drinks, and causing a nuisance or annoyance to others by playing loud music and videos on mobile phones.

New laws passed on Oct. 14

In his opening speech in parliament on Oct. 14, Senior Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai read a new Transport Sector (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025 (TSMA Bill) that aims to make the public transport system "more secure and comfortable for commuters".

It will introduce various amendments to land and sea-related legislation, as well as an amendment to the Public Utilities Act 2001.

The changes are intended to regulate commuters' conduct to prevent inconsiderate behaviour on public buses, bus interchanges and trains, Murali said.

A number of the regulations will take reference from existing legislation, including the prohibition of certain behaviours within the MRT network and the carriage of dangerous items onto the MRT trains, both of which are now extended to buses and bus interchanges.

Penalties will be meted out to offenders based on how disruptive their actions are to other commuters, while repeat offenders will face higher penalties.

Under the new law, authorised officers, such as Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officers, ticket inspectors and empowered interchange staff will be able to carry out enforcement actions against offenders.

They will also be able to carry out security checks and screening of bus passengers and entrants to bus interchanges.

Those who refuse to comply with such checks may be liable for a fine of up to S$1,000 and be asked to leave the premises.

Responses from the House

In response to Murali's speech, Member of Parliament (MP) for Punggol Yeo Wan Ling said the primary duty for public transport workers should be on the operation of the public transport system, not on passenger screening.

She added that security checks should be conducted by trained personnel, with bus drivers supporting the efforts in "clear, simple and practical" ways.

Yeo also asked if public transport workers will be protected against abuse through penalties targeted at passengers who risk the safety of other commuters, to which Murali said LTA enforcement officers will soon be able to take action against such passengers, which will be announced at a later time.

MP for Hougang Dennis Tan also expressed concern about the "unnecessary tension" brought about by potential disproportionate delays due to security checks, especially during peak hours.

In response, Murali said that each search takes less than a minute and that passengers have generally been understanding and cooperative.

The checks are a "necessary deterrence" as public transport systems are likely targets of terrorists, he added.

Top images via SBS Transit & MDDI/YouTube