The rules allow offenders to face fines of up to SGD 500 (around USD 390) for actions including playing audio loudly, putting feet on seats, littering, and eating or drinking on public buses. The regulations also apply at bus interchanges and terminals.

More serious offences carry much higher penalties of up to SGD 5,000. These include causing an obstruction or danger to other commuters at a bus interchange or terminal, or soiling any part of a public bus, interchange or terminal. The penalties bring the rules for buses broadly in line with existing regulations covering Singapore’s rail network.

The new rules were introduced under two regulations covering public buses and bus interchanges and terminals. Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) said the aim is to create a safer and more pleasant public transport environment and reduce behaviour that inconveniences other passengers.

How the rules will be enforced

The changes follow amendments passed by Parliament in October 2025, which gave authorities greater powers to regulate commuter conduct on buses.

Bus drivers will not issue the formal offence notifications themselves. Instead, authorised staff from Singapore’s public bus operators, including ticket inspectors and staff at bus interchanges, can issue administrative notifications to passengers suspected of committing an offence. The LTA will then investigate the case. Drivers can still ask passengers to stop disruptive behaviour and require them to leave the bus if they fail to comply. In serious cases, they can seek assistance from the bus operations control centre or the police.

For tourists, the rules are worth knowing because buses are an important part of getting around Singapore, alongside the MRT, the city's metro rail network. Visitors should therefore avoid playing music or videos aloud, putting their feet on seats, littering or eating and drinking onboard.

The LTA has also said enforcement will involve discretion and fairness, particularly in cases involving passengers with physical or mental health conditions.