Forum: Measures in place to deal with nuisance behaviour on buses
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
We refer to Andre Ching Wei Jie’s letter “New bus regulations need effective enforcement” (Oct 29).
Bus captains must prioritise safe driving and the safety of commuters. This is why we have not required them to prioritise enforcement against inconsiderate and nuisance behaviour over their core responsibilities.
Nevertheless, when bus captains encounter uncooperative commuters, they can seek assistance from the bus operations control centre, which will coordinate further support. This may include activating the police for more egregious cases. Bus captains may also require passengers who fail to stop nuisance or disruptive behaviour to alight. If present, authorised public bus operator staff are also empowered to take enforcement action against commuters who engage in nuisance or disruptive behaviour, should they refuse to stop such behaviour when advised.
Commuters who wish to report nuisance or disruptive behaviour can do so through the Land Transport Authority’s or the public bus operator’s online feedback form. In verified and egregious cases, we can take action even after the uncooperative commuter has alighted from the bus. Any details shared by commuters, such as the bus service number, date, time, and location of the incident, as well as photographs or videos, will support our investigations.
Beyond enforcement, our focus is also on fostering a caring and gracious commuting culture, where commuters exercise social responsibility and look out for one another. Our ongoing educational initiatives remind commuters to be considerate in sharing public transport spaces. Reminders are displayed on public buses against behaviours such as playing audio loudly, putting feet on seats, and eating or drinking. Bus captains may also play audio reminders for commuters to keep their volume down.
We encourage all commuters to play a part in creating a pleasant commuting experience.
Yeo Teck Guan
Senior Group Director, Public Transport
Land Transport Authority