Singapore's Land Transport Authority announced sweeping new regulations this week designed to enforce order and quiet on public transit. Bus passengers caught littering, eating, drinking, placing their feet on seats, or playing music and sounds at high volume face immediate fines of up to 500 Singapore dollars (390 U.S. dollars).
The move represents a dramatic escalation in enforcement. Until now, these rules existed primarily as internal company policies enforced by drivers alone. The behaviors have now been reclassified as formal legal violations carrying substantial fines issued by authorized inspectors and transport supervisors.
More serious offenses that create danger or significant disruption to passengers, as well as dirtying stations or bus components, will trigger even steeper penalties reaching as high as 5,000 dollars. Bus drivers themselves, referred to locally as captains, will maintain their focus on safe driving but will instruct passengers to stop disruptive behavior when necessary.
The transport authority explained the comprehensive initiative in an official statement to the media. "These will promote a safer, more considerate and pleasant public transport environment for everyone," the Land Transport Authority said, adding that "public transport is a shared space, and every commuter has a role in ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable travel environment."
Other cities worldwide have recently adopted similar measures to combat disruptive passenger behavior. Poland recently introduced monetary fines for disturbing the peace with electronic devices, and Britain is considering additional legislation to impose fines on passengers using noisy devices without headphones across all public transport lines.
