Public bus drivers welcome penalties for disruptive passengers, say it will deter misbehaviour

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 11:58 GMT by The Straits Times

Drivers’ Perspective on Passenger Misconduct

In recent months, bus operators have reported a noticeable uptick in incidents involving aggressive or harassing passengers. These incidents, ranging from shouting, physical pushing, to the deliberate blocking of exits, have raised concerns about driver safety and the overall passenger experience. “When someone throws a bag in front of me or tries to sit in my seat, it’s not just a nuisance—it’s a real safety risk,” said Mr. Lee, a senior driver with Translink. “I’ve seen too many cases where a minor disturbance escalates into something dangerous.”

Many drivers have endured “persistent shouting, pushing and even intimidation by a handful of passengers who seem to think they are above the rules.” As a result, they have called on the authorities to impose stricter repercussions for such behaviour. The new penalties are viewed as a much‑needed step to deter such conduct and to restore a sense of order on buses.

The New Penalties: What They Mean

The Ministry of Transport’s revised regulations, announced in a policy briefing earlier this month, will allow bus drivers to impose a fine of up to SGD 200 on passengers who commit infractions such as blocking the door, refusing to obey a driver’s instructions, or physically assaulting a driver or fellow passengers. The fine can be collected directly from the offender through a mobile payment system, or the passenger may be handed a penalty card to pay later. If the passenger continues to misbehave, bus drivers will be authorised to request a “temporary bus stop” at the next station, effectively preventing the offending passenger from re‑boarding until the situation is resolved.

The regulations also give bus drivers the power to temporarily suspend the bus if a passenger’s behaviour becomes a danger to the driver or other passengers. In such an event, the bus will pull over, and the driver will issue a formal warning. If the behaviour persists, the driver may flag the passenger and call the Transit Police to handle the matter. In extreme cases, the driver may have the right to stop the bus and ask the offending passenger to leave without a refund.

Drivers’ Reaction to the New System

In a survey conducted by the Singapore Bus Drivers Association (SBDA), 87% of respondents reported that they feel safer knowing that there is now a formal mechanism to penalise disruptive passengers. “The ability to impose a fine or call the police is a huge relief for us. It sends a clear message that misbehaviour will not be tolerated,” said Ms. Tan, a bus driver with a decade of experience. “I think the new system will deter a lot of the ‘bad behaviour’ we see every day.”

The SBDA has also indicated that the new measures will improve passenger quality of life, as regular commuters will no longer have to endure the fear of being targeted by erratic passengers. “The sense of security on the bus will increase, leading to a more pleasant commute for everyone,” the association added.

Government’s Response and Future Steps

Transport Minister Heng Swee Keat acknowledged that “bus drivers are at the front line of the public transport system” and that the government has taken the feedback seriously. He stated that the policy is part of a broader strategy to maintain safety and order on Singapore’s public transport network. “We will continue to monitor the implementation of these penalties and gather data on their effectiveness,” Minister Heng said. “Our aim is to ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for all passengers.”

The policy is slated to take effect from 1 November, giving bus drivers and operators a month to set up the necessary payment and reporting infrastructure. The Ministry of Transport has also launched a public education campaign to inform passengers of the new regulations and to remind them of the existing code of conduct. The campaign will be carried out through various media channels, including the city’s public transport websites, social media, and on-bus announcements.

Looking Ahead

While the new penalties represent a significant step forward, drivers and the SBDA emphasize that continuous engagement with passengers remains key to sustaining a respectful environment on buses. “We still want to maintain a friendly atmosphere on our buses,” Ms. Tan said. “The penalties should serve as a deterrent, not a punitive blanket. We’re hopeful that passengers will see the benefits of a calm and orderly commute.”

As Singapore’s public transport system moves forward with these new measures, both drivers and passengers are poised to experience a safer, more predictable commuting environment. The hope is that the penalties will act as a deterrent, reducing the number of disruptive incidents and ensuring that bus rides remain smooth and safe for everyone.