New regulations in Singapore. Penalties for littering, loud music and eating in transport

The act regulating these issues was passed in October 2025. It came into force today. The aim of the introduced regulations is to counteract disruptive behavior both on buses and trains.

In the announcement regarding the changes, the Land Transport Authority, an entity subordinate to the Singapore Ministry of Transport and responsible for land transport, informs that the following will be penalized:

putting your feet on the seats,

playing sound at high volume,

littering,

eating or drinking on buses.

A higher fine, up to 5,000 Singapore dollars (PLN 14,930), can be received in the event of more serious offenses, such as endangering the railway station/stop or polluting the station/stop.

Who will be responsible for imposing penalties?

Drivers will not be able to fine passengers - they are to focus on safe driving. However, they will be able to draw passengers' attention to inappropriate behavior and demand that they leave the vehicle if they do not follow the instructions.

Ticket inspectors and bus station employees will be responsible for imposing fines. LTA explains that the introduction of the regulations will complement the regulations currently applicable to carriers.

Public transport is a shared space, so each passenger can ensure that the journey takes place in a cultured and friendly atmosphere. Regardless of the new regulations, LTA and bus operators will continue to use caution and fair treatment in dealing with passengers who behave uncivilly. Particular attention will be paid to people with health problems - both physical and mental - emphasized in the announcement.

A ban was also introduced in Krakow

Regulations on the ban on listening to loud music from loudspeakers or smartphones were also introduced by the Municipal Communication Company in Krakow. In the capital of Małopolska, you cannot talk on the phone using the loudspeaker mode. However, enforcement is slightly different than in Singapore.

In Krakow, the driver or tram driver may ask the passenger to stop listening to loud music, and if this does not help, he may order the passenger to leave the vehicle. The leader may also call, for example, the city police. A fine of PLN 200 is expected for violating the regulations - ticket inspectors have been appointed to enforce the regulations.

The BBC reminds that the UK has laws banning "anti-social behavior" on trains and stations, including the use of "sound emitting devices" without permission if it causes nuisance to others.

Some politicians would like to introduce penalties for people playing loud music and movies on all public transport, including buses. Fines would amount to up to £1,000 (PLN 5,075.69).