Public bus rules in Singapore
The new bus rules are finally in effect, so it might be time for us to rethink some of our usual bus routines. We all know the basics, like no eating on board, but you might be surprised to know that other public transport bad habits can now land you in trouble.
Sorry, but some of us could really use a reminder on the dos and don’ts when taking the bus, so here’s a list of public bus rules in Singapore that you should know to keep your bus rides fine-free.
Table of Contents
What are the new bus rules?
It feels like there’s a new public nuisance on the bus every day, like the infamous auntie with her legs up or passengers snacking on board. To discourage such behaviours, LTA recently announced new bus regulations which officially kicked in on 23rd September 2026.
These new rules include minor offences, such as putting your feet up on seats and blasting loud music, to more serious offences, like endangering the lives of passengers.
But what you may not know is that these “new” rules aren’t all that new. Many of them have already existed under the Conditions of Carriage for Public Buses, but with the new fines in place, these old restrictions are looking to be more strictly enforced.
1. Putting your feet on seats
$500 fine
Despite the endless online complaints, it’s still common to encounter passengers who put their feet up on seats on bus rides. Not only is it incredibly unhygienic, but who genuinely wants to see your musty, crusty feet? Keep your grippers off the seats, or risk getting slapped with a potential $500 fine.
Even if it’s not stated in the rule, you really shouldn’t be propping your feet up on any part of the bus that isn’t the floor. News flash: this is not your mother’s house; keep your feet down and don’t take up valuable space others could be using on the bus.
2. Eating & drinking
$500 fine
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This is a rule we all know, yet many of us rarely follow. You might be feeling hungry on the bus and think “one small bite can’t hurt, right?” Unfortunately, it’ll hurt your wallet, as offenders will have to pay a fine of up to $500, even if you’re just drinking plain water.
Opening the food container can already stink up the bus, and don’t even get us started on what happens if your food or drink spills out. Yikes. So, before you choose to snack on the bus, be mindful that nobody wants to have a cockroach as their seat partner.
3. Blasting audio out loud
$500 fine
No one enjoys a boring bus ride, so we won’t fault you for doomscrolling or listening to music while on board. But if you’re blasting your phone’s audio for the whole bus to hear, be prepared to face a maximum fine of $500.
You may think you’re providing free entertainment to the other commuters, but don’t be a public nuisance leh. Some people just want a peaceful bus ride home after a long day.
Besides, it’s an easy rule to avoid breaking. Use some noise-cancelling headphones or wireless earbuds and keep your music to yourself. If you’re really desperate, you can always just hold your phone up to your ear.
4. Smoking
$1,000 fine
Image credit: @tankinglian via Reddit
The haze outside not enough ah?
Smoking your cigarettes on board obviously worsens the air quality, but it’s also considered a fire hazard and endangers the safety of other commuters. This rule also extends to bus stops and terminals, with those caught being fined up to $1,000.
5. Talking to the bus captain
Removed from the bus
Image credit: HWA via Facebook
While it might be polite to greet and thank your bus captain, there’s no need to strike up a full conversation with them, especially when they’re driving. Chatting with them draws their attention away from the road, putting you and your fellow passengers at risk of an accident.
If your yapping is too distracting, the bus captain has the right to remove you from the bus. Unless you’re in an emergency situation, just let your driver focus on getting you to your destination safely.
6. Soiling bus properties
$5,000 fine
Image credit: Beh Chia Lor via Facebook
One man’s trash may be another man’s treasure, but on a crowded bus, it’s just another man’s mess. From dirtying seats to peeing at the bus interchange, it’s not very pleasant for commuters to come across leftover rubbish or suspicious stains on public bus facilities.
Minor littering might get you hit with a $500 fine, but if you’re deemed to have soiled either the bus, bus stops, or bus terminal, you can receive a possible $5,000 fine. The bus captain can also reject your entry on board if he determines that the items you’re carrying can potentially dirty up the bus.
7. Bringing a stroller onto the upper deck
No fine, just being considerate
Image credit: LTA via Facebook
Babies are adorable; baby strollers that block the whole aisle, on the other hand, are purely annoying. But just because you’re using a stroller doesn’t mean you can’t use the bus. Your stroller can occupy the priority bay on the lower deck, and fold it up when not in use. Just remember not to bring it up to the upper deck on double-decker buses.
Even then, the space should be given to wheelchair or PMD users when they board. You can still sit with your folded stroller, so long as it’s not disrupting the people around you.
8. Occupying more than 1 seat
No fine, but you may get a few stares
Image credit: Na Na via Facebook
We’ve all been in a crowded bus where the only available seat is taken up by a “sleeping” guy’s bag. It’s rude, irritating, and worst of all, forces the rest of the bus to become an impromptu mosh pit.
Keep your belongings to yourself. Unless you’re really holding a lot of things and the seats are your last resort, let’s not inconvenience others and keep it to 1 seat per butt once the bus starts filling up.
9. Fare evasion
$50 penalty fee
Image credit: LTA
Every Singaporean has thought to themselves “crap lah, did I tap in/out” at least once. While it is a very simple rule to understand, many of us have probably broken it mistakenly. Besides forgetting to tap upon boarding or alighting, underpaying for your bus fare will also get you in hot water.
To prevent paying the $50 penalty fee, ensure you use the same method when tapping in and out. And if you run into any issues with the card reader, always approach the bus captain for help.
10. Bringing durian onto the bus
Removed from the bus or asked to dispose of the fruit
Image credit: @61114311536123511 via Reddit
This rule’s for all our durian lovers out there. Contrary to popular belief, you are allowed to bring durians on board AS LONG AS they are vacuum sealed or packaged so that the scent doesn’t leak.
You can go ahead and order as much as you want from your favourite durian stalls, just make sure it’s wrapped properly before you board the bus so you won’t kena kicked off.
Avoid the consequences by knowing these bus rules
Now that you know these rules, go out there and be the ideal passenger every bus captain hopes for. Whether these rules get strictly enforced or not, always remember the number 1 rule when taking public transport – Just. Be. Kind.
To learn more about the ins and outs of public transport, check out:
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local, Beh Chia Lor via Facebook