Cracking Downon Vaping: LT Aand SMR T Join Forcesto Protect Public Transport Users

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  Automotive and Transportation on Wed, Aug 20th, 2025 by The Straits Times

Singapore is intensifying its efforts to curb youth vaping, with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) Corporation joining a nationwide campaign aimed at preventing underage individuals from using e-cigarettes on public transport. This collaborative initiative, dubbed "Step Up in Schools," represents a significant escalation in the fight against vaping, moving beyond schools to actively address the issue within the broader community.

The problem of youth vaping has been steadily growing in Singapore, prompting concerns among educators, healthcare professionals, and government agencies. While existing legislation prohibits the sale of vaporizers and e-liquids to minors, enforcement challenges remain regarding usage on public transport and in other public spaces. The "Step Up in Schools" program, initially launched in 2021 by the National Youth Anti-Drug Association (NYADA) and supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE), has proven successful in raising awareness and deterring vaping within schools. Now, extending this framework to public transport aims to create a consistent message and reinforce the legal consequences of underage vaping across all environments.

The partnership between LTA, SMRT, and NYADA involves several key strategies. Firstly, increased visibility is being achieved through targeted messaging displayed on trains, buses, and at MRT stations. These messages highlight the health risks associated with vaping, particularly for young people, and clearly state that vaping is prohibited on public transport. Secondly, enforcement officers from both LTA and SMRT will be actively patrolling stations and vehicles to identify and address instances of underage vaping. While the focus remains on education and prevention, those caught violating the ban face fines and potential prosecution under the Tobacco (Control of Performance) Act.

SMRT CEO Ng Men Beng emphasized the importance of creating a safe and healthy environment for commuters. "SMRT is committed to providing a safe and comfortable commuting experience for all our passengers," he stated. “This collaboration with LTA and NYADA demonstrates our dedication to safeguarding the well-being of our community, especially young people.” Similarly, LTA Group CEO Marcus Chen highlighted the agency’s responsibility in ensuring public transport remains a space free from harmful activities.

The initiative builds upon existing efforts by the Health Promotion Board (HPB), which has been actively running anti-vaping campaigns and providing resources for parents and educators. HPB's "Quit Vaping" campaign, launched earlier this year, provides information on the dangers of vaping and offers support for those looking to quit. The agency also works closely with retailers to ensure compliance with regulations regarding the sale of vaping products.

The rise in youth vaping is attributed to several factors, including aggressive marketing tactics employed by e-cigarette companies, the availability of flavored e-liquids that appeal to younger audiences, and peer pressure. Social media platforms have also been identified as contributing to the problem, with influencers often promoting vaping through sponsored content. The government has acknowledged these challenges and is actively exploring measures to regulate online advertising and restrict access to appealing flavors.

Beyond enforcement and awareness campaigns, the "Step Up in Schools" program incorporates a crucial element: peer support. Trained student ambassadors within schools play a vital role in educating their peers about the dangers of vaping and providing guidance to those struggling with addiction. This model is now being adapted for public transport, with potential for involving youth volunteers to act as positive influences and report suspicious activity to authorities.

The LTA-SMRT partnership represents a proactive step towards addressing the growing concern of youth vaping in Singapore. By extending the successful "Step Up in Schools" program beyond the school environment and leveraging the reach of public transport, authorities aim to create a unified front against underage vaping and protect the health and well-being of young people. The success of this initiative will depend on continued collaboration between government agencies, transportation operators, schools, parents, and most importantly, the youth themselves. The message is clear: vaping is harmful, illegal for minors, and unwelcome on public transport in Singapore.