S'pore bus fines up to $5,000 from 23 Sep: feet on seats, eating, smoking

LTA's new bus rules took effect on 23 September 2026, with fines of up to $5,000.

The rules cover small habits like feet on seats and loud phone audio, and serious ones like endangering passengers. Many already sat in the Conditions of Carriage for Public Buses. The fines now make them easier to enforce.

What changed

Here are the offences and their penalties as reported.

Some items carry no fine but still count as rules. A stroller belongs in the priority bay on the lower deck. Fold it when not in use. That bay goes to wheelchair or PMD users who board. Keep to one seat per person once the bus fills up.

Who it affects

Anyone who takes the bus, including the many kababayan who ride SBS and SMRT services to work, church or the mall. A $500 fine is a big cut from a week's pay for some.

Fare evasion is the easy one to trip on. Tap in and out with the same card or method. If the reader gives trouble, approach the bus captain for help.

Durians are allowed if vacuum sealed or wrapped so the smell does not leak. A bus captain can refuse entry if what you carry might dirty the bus.

Smoking is barred on the bus and also at bus stops and terminals. The fine there reaches $1,000.

Chatting with the captain pulls his eyes off the road. If it distracts him, he can remove you from the bus. Emergency situations aside, let him drive.

What to do

Keep your feet on the floor. Finish your snack before boarding. Use earphones for music and calls. The rules are in force now, so the next ride is the test.

The Conditions of Carriage for Public Buses are on LTA's site at lta.gov.sg.