Singapore Cracks Down on Inconsiderate Bus Riders

 

New legislation passed in Singapore on October 14th introduces stricter regulations for passenger conduct on public buses and at bus interchanges, alongside new powers for security personnel. The amendments to the Bus Services Industry Act are designed to penalize disruptive and inconsiderate behavior, bringing rules for buses in line with those already governing the train system.

Senior Minister of State for Transport, Murali Pillai, explained in Parliament that the government aims to curb nuisance activities that affect the comfort and experience of other commuters. He cited specific examples of behaviors that will be regulated, including eating and drinking on buses, littering, and playing loud music or videos from mobile devices without headphones. Individuals who breach these new conduct regulations will face financial penalties, with the severity of the fine corresponding to the impact of their behavior on others. Higher penalties will be imposed on repeat offenders. The detailed regulations will be drafted later, taking reference from the existing Rapid Transit Systems Act, with full alignment between bus and train rules expected by 2026.

The newly passed Bill also grants authorized officers the power to conduct security checks on passengers using public buses and at bus interchanges. These checks could involve frisk searches or requiring passengers to put their belongings through an X-ray machine. Passengers who refuse to comply with these security procedures can be directed to leave the premises and may be fined up to 1,000 dollars. Murali Pillai stated that these measures are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the security of the public transport network, noting that similar powers already exist for train premises.

During the parliamentary debate, several members of parliament raised questions about the implementation of these new laws. Ms. Yeo Wan Ling, who also serves as the executive secretary of the National Transport Workers’ Union, emphasized that the primary duty of bus drivers and other public transport staff is to operate the system, and they should not be overburdened with passenger screening. She advocated for such checks to be performed by trained personnel and for any procedures involving transport workers to be clear and practical. In response, Murali Pillai confirmed that the government intends to issue regulations that will allow Land Transport Authority enforcement officers to take strong action against passengers who abuse public transport workers.

Other concerns were addressed, including the need for sensitivity during security checks. Ms. Joan Pereira requested that officers receive special training to handle vulnerable commuters, such as the elderly or persons with disabilities, professionally and with care. In response to a question from Workers’ Party MP Dennis Tan about potential delays, Murali Pillai assured the House that each search is brief, taking less than a minute, and that passengers have historically been understanding, noting that such checks are a necessary deterrent against potential threats.