Forum: Focus on reducing traffic pollution, noise at bus stops
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The new commuter behaviour guidelines announced by the Land Transport Authority will certainly make daily journeys on public buses more pleasant (PMAs to have 6kmh speed limit, medical certification needed for mobility scooter users from Q1 2026, March 5).
Studies have shown that calmer commutes improve our mood, and have a positive impact on our social relationships, family life, and even productivity.
However, enforcing lower noise levels is a tough task without fellow commuters’ cooperation. Fortunately, the number of inconsiderate passengers who use speakers to talk on the phone or play loud music in buses is small.
This is the result of a study we conducted on buses that go across the city. The noise level was always below the permitted threshold of 75 decibels in commercial premises for periods of no longer than five minutes.
The noise levels we’ve observed on Singapore’s public transport (buses and trains) are insignificant compared with the noise levels we have measured in other cities in the region, such as Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where commuters can experience noise levels similar to those produced by a drill or a vacuum for 20 to 30 minutes.
On many bus trips, we recorded annoying noise levels, but they were short and scarce.
Therefore, inviting commuters to keep noise levels down through attractive signage and awareness campaigns should be sufficient.
Attention should be paid to bus stops located in busy roads where noise levels exceed the threshold mentioned. Levels above 80 decibels are frequent and some beat 90 decibels.
These noise levels have a significant impact on people’s mood and health.
Furthermore, noise and airborne pollutants from accelerating, braking and idling buses and passing cars increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
Thus, current efforts to improve commuter infrastructure should also focus on reducing exposure to traffic pollution and noise at bus stops.
Some suggestions include having more electric buses, which emit fewer pollutants and produce less noise, improving the design of bus stop shelters and installing mechanical fans to reduce heat and prevent pollutants from accumulating.
Erik Velasco
Molina Centre for Energy and the Environment
Elvagris Segovia
Department of Geography
National University of Singapore
