Feet off seats or pay up, bus riders warned

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Singapore's Land Transport Authority has introduced new fines of up to S$5,000 for bus riders who eat, place their feet on seats, or engage in actions that soil the bus environment. These regulations aim to align bus conduct standards with the MRT system and promote a cleaner, safer experience for all commuters.

Riders on public buses in Singapore who eat or place their feet on seats may face fines approaching S$400 (approximately RM1,270), as part of newly introduced regulations aimed at maintaining cleanliness and safety on public transport. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced these measures on Monday, emphasizing the city-state's ongoing commitment to strict public conduct rules.

The updated guidelines specify that individuals caught propping their feet on seats could be fined up to S$500 (around RM1,590). More severe penalties apply for actions classified as “soiling” a bus or creating hazards for other passengers. Such offenses can result in fines as high as S$5,000 (about RM15,880). While the regulations do not detail every prohibited act explicitly, enforcement guidelines clarify that “soiling” encompasses serious breaches of cleanliness. These include vomiting, urinating, spitting, or spilling bodily fluids on seats, floors, or handrails, as well as contaminating surfaces with food, mud, or grease.

The introduction of these rules aligns bus conduct standards with those already established on Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. The LTA said the goal is to foster a “safer, more considerate and pleasant public transport environment” for commuters. Officials also acknowledged that discretion would be applied during enforcement, particularly for passengers with physical or mental health conditions.

Singapore’s regulatory approach to public space conduct is well known for its strictness and extensive penalty framework. The city has long enforced rules against littering and smoking in prohibited areas, contributing to the reputation of Singapore as a “Fine City,” a nickname reflecting both its cleanliness and the frequent use of fines as deterrents. This reputation is also highlighted by the country's historical ban on chewing gum introduced in 1992, which was prompted by disruptions to train operations caused by discarded gum interfering with door sensors.

The LTA’s latest move extends this stringent regulatory environment to bus travel, reinforcing the city’s efforts to maintain high standards of public hygiene and passenger safety across all modes of public transportation.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.