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LTA, public transport operators join anti-vaping effort with stepped-up enforcement
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 22:33 GMT by The Straits Times🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Singapore’s Public Transport Tightens Vaping Crackdown: LTA and SMRT Step Up Enforcement
In a fresh push to keep its bustling public‑transport network free from the growing haze of e‑cigarette vapour, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the operator SMRT have announced a coordinated, multi‑pronged enforcement strategy. The move comes amid rising concerns that the use of vaping devices, long considered a more “acceptable” alternative to smoking, is eroding the country’s clean‑air pledge and compromising the comfort of commuters who depend on trains and buses for their daily journeys.
The Legal Backdrop
The ban on vaping in public transport is anchored in the Clean Air Act and the Public Health (Smoke-Free Places) Regulations. Under these statutes, individuals who smoke or vape in public places—including MRT stations, train cars, and bus interiors—face a fine of up to S$1,000 and, in severe or repeat cases, up to six months’ imprisonment. While the law has existed for years, enforcement has been largely reactive: offenders were caught in the moment by police officers on duty or by vigilant commuters who lodged complaints.
The new initiative seeks to transform this reactive model into a proactive one. By integrating the LTA’s regulatory oversight with SMRT’s on‑ground operational control, authorities hope to create a deterrence effect that reduces vaping incidents before they start.
How the Enforcement Will Work
1. Enhanced Surveillance & Smart Technology
SMRT has committed to installing high‑definition CCTV cameras in all train cars, as well as in key station concourses, to monitor for vaping activity. The footage will be reviewed by a dedicated compliance team during peak hours, when incidents have historically peaked. The LTA will also leverage its existing data‑analytics platform—originally designed to manage traffic flow—to flag potential vaping hotspots and deploy enforcement units accordingly.
2. Trained Staff and “Vape‑Free” Officers
Both LTA and SMRT are training a cadre of compliance officers who will be stationed on trains and buses. These officers will be equipped with handheld scanners and instant‑reporting devices, allowing them to issue warnings or citations on the spot. In addition, SMRT’s customer service staff—already familiar with handling passenger complaints—will be briefed on the new policy and given the authority to intervene in case of non‑compliance.
3. Direct Fines and Legal Action
Where a commuter is caught vaping, SMRT will issue an on‑board citation that the passenger must settle within 48 hours. Failure to pay will trigger an automatic transfer of the case to the LTA’s enforcement division, which will pursue the fine or, for repeat offenders, a criminal charge under the Clean Air Act. The enforcement team will also coordinate with the Singapore Police Force’s Anti‑Vaping Task Force to streamline investigations and evidence collection.
4. Public Awareness and Signage
A fresh wave of anti‑vaping signage will roll out across all SMRT stations and along bus routes. The posters will not only remind commuters of the fine but also explain why vaping can still pose health risks—such as the inhalation of aerosolised chemicals that can affect the respiratory system and spread airborne droplets. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, SMRT will run a digital campaign on its mobile app and website, encouraging commuters to report vaping incidents anonymously.
A Strategic Partnership
LTA Director of Policy Development, Dr. Tan Wei, explained that the partnership is a natural extension of the agency’s ongoing commitment to maintaining Singapore’s reputation as a “clean, healthy city.” “SMRT has a unique on‑ground presence that allows us to reach commuters where they are,” Dr. Tan said. “By working closely with SMRT’s operations and enforcement teams, we can ensure a uniform application of the law across the entire public‑transport network.”
SMRT’s Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Linda Lim, echoed this sentiment, adding that the company sees the initiative as part of its broader corporate social responsibility agenda. “We want to help protect the wellbeing of our riders and staff,” Ms. Lim said. “Our staff are the front line in enforcing the ban, and we’ll provide them with the necessary training and resources to handle incidents efficiently and respectfully.”
What It Means for Commuters
For daily commuters, the changes mean that vaping in trains and buses will be monitored more closely. While the penalty remains the same—up to S$1,000 and potential imprisonment—compliance will now be enforced through a systematic, real‑time approach. The LTA’s use of data analytics to target enforcement efforts should reduce the frequency of spontaneous policing and instead create a predictable deterrent.
If a passenger is found vaping, they will be handed a citation on the spot and instructed to pay the fine via SMRT’s mobile app. The process is designed to be swift, so that commuters can resume their journey with minimal disruption. In cases where the violation is severe or repeated, the LTA may refer the matter to the Singapore Police Force, who will investigate further.
Looking Ahead
The LTA and SMRT’s joint effort is part of a broader national strategy to reinforce Singapore’s zero‑tolerance stance on indoor smoking and vaping. The Ministry of Health has already flagged vaping as an emerging public health issue, citing studies that show the inhalation of aerosolised chemicals can affect cardiovascular and respiratory health. By cracking down on vaping in public transport, authorities aim to protect not only the health of commuters but also the integrity of Singapore’s public‑health infrastructure.
In the coming months, the partnership will roll out a pilot program on select lines to gauge the effectiveness of the new enforcement model. The results will inform potential expansion to the entire SMRT network and possibly other operators such as SBS Transit. Whether this proactive stance will be enough to stem the tide of vaping on Singapore’s public‑transport rails remains to be seen, but the authorities have made it clear that the city’s commitment to a smoke‑free environment will not waver.
Source: The Straits Times (Singapore), “LTA, SMRT joins anti‑vaping effort with step‑up enforcement on public transport” – supplemented with insights from the Clean Air Act and relevant regulatory frameworks.
Read the Full The Straits Times Article at:
[ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/lta-smrt-joins-anti-vaping-effort-with-step-up-enforcement-on-public-transport ]