Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: Our public transport system should be a calm, reliable mode of travel for all Singaporeans. Yet, many commuters continue to suffer from excessive noise on trains and buses, whether it is someone playing loud videos on speakers or having disruptive phone conversations. While “Hush Hush Hannah” has raised awareness, we can still move beyond mascots, reminders and courtesy campaigns to create lasting behavioural change.
We can have a structured system of personal accountability, backed by clear regulations and effective enforcement. Cities like Shanghai have already implemented bans on loud speakers and videos in their subway system, while France has begun fining passengers were using phone speakers in stations, measures that have shown promising results.
First, we should establish a definitive decibel threshold, perhaps around 60 to 70 decibels, above which noise is considered disruptive. This level corresponds to normal conversation volume, giving a clear objective benchmark. Public buses and trains could be outfitted with basic sound monitoring devices that automatically alert transport staff when noise levels spike significantly. Alternatively, staff and fare inspectors could use portable meters to verify whether a passenger’s device is reaching the threshold. Such technology already exists and its integration will provide evidence-based grounds for issuing warnings or fines.
Second, we must empower transport staff and station officers with the legal authority and training to enforce these rules. For example, staff could perform regular checks supported by roving inspector teams that respond to commuter reports via a dedicated mobile app or hotline. If a train carriage is especially noisy, a commuter could perhaps tap an in-app report noise button. The station officer at the next stop alerted in real time could board and assess the situation. Upon confirming excessive noise, and the officer could issue an immediate warning or a small fine. A similar reporting mechanism can be implemented for buses.
Third, the penalty framework must be proportionate, yet impactful. I favour showing leniency to first-time offenders with a warning or a small fine. However, their identification and details can be recorded to ensure tracking for subsequent offences, which can also lead to higher subsequent fines. Clear decibel thresholds, empowered enforcement officers, real-time reporting tools and escalating penalty structure and tools for public awareness will help strike the right balance between personal freedom and communal well-being.
The Minister for Transport (Mr Chee Hong Tat): I have asked LTA and the operators to step up their Enforcement – which is the fifth “E” – by strengthening our regulatory powers and increasing the penalties to deter egregious commuters, especially repeat offenders and those who refuse to cooperate when they are advised by public transport workers. I thank Members from both sides of the House, including Mr Gan Thiam Poh, Mr Lim Biow Chuan and Mr Dennis Tan, for expressing their support for strengthening enforcement against such behaviours.
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Sir, another aspect of making commuters feel safe and comfortable is the behaviour of fellow commuters on public transport. Mr Gan Thiam Poh, Mr Lim Biow Chuan and Mr Dennis Tan raised feedback on inconsiderate commuters who eat and drink, play loud music and pose a nuisance to other commuters. In more egregious cases, some harass others and even challenge our bus captains.
Public transport is a shared space and such behaviour affects the commuting experience for everyone. At worst, it can make people feel unsafe about travelling on public transport.
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We have therefore increased patrolling and enforcement against such offences on both trains and buses, and will be strengthening our regulatory powers to act against inconsiderate behaviour.
At present, our regulatory power to manage commuter behaviour onboard buses is more limited than on rail. As a first step, we are working with our public bus operators to put in place Conditions of Carriage. These conditions will provide for a safe and comfortable experience for commuters and bus captains. It will set out what transport workers can do to alleviate situations with uncooperative commuters. In egregious cases, bus captains can instruct disruptive commuters to alight from the bus, or if necessary, activate the Police.
By next year, our regulatory framework against inconsiderate behaviour will be aligned across trains and buses. Those who behave egregiously will face penalties commensurate with the severity of their impact on other commuters, with higher penalties for repeat offenders. I thank Mr Dennis Tan for his suggestions – the use of loudspeakers on public transport is one of the nuisance behaviours we are looking at, and we will consider the suggestion of using a decibel threshold to define disruptive noise.
We recognise that some cases involved commuters who may be experiencing a mental health episode and what they need is support. Our officers will exercise discretion in applying these regulations.
To complement these, we will continue to promote gracious journeys, with more signages and public announcements to encourage positive behaviour, such as keeping volumes low and occupying only one seat.
Commuters can also make journeys more gracious by looking out for those in need. In 2023, I had announced the expansion of the “Helping Hand” scheme, with cards indicating, for example, a commuter’s need for a seat. Recognising that commuters have different needs we will be launching a universal Helping Hand card with a blank space where commuters can write their specific needs. This will be in addition to the earlier issued cards.
With these measures, I hope that all commuters will play their part in fostering safer and more gracious journeys.
Ministry of Transport
5 March 2025
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=budget-2604
Office of the Leader of the Opposition 