Singapore - Singapore
Watching a video clip out loud on the bus may seem like a passing behavior in some cities, but in Singapore it has become an explicit legal violation that may cost the owner a fine of up to 500 Singapore dollars, following the entry into force of new rules to control behavior on public transportation on September 23, 2026.

Tight regulations to ensure calm

The new legislation considers the use of smartphones, tablets, and digital watches audibly to others as forms of criminalized nuisance on public buses. Penalties increase to include other behaviors such as placing feet on seats, eating food, and throwing waste, with fines of up to $500, while the fine is doubled to up to $5,000 Singapore dollars for serious violations that obstruct operation or pollute vehicles.

Alert the driver and include procedures
Regarding the implementation of these regulations and their administrative progression, Singaporean Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat stated: “The main goal of the regulations is to establish a culture of mutual respect in the public transportation network. Drivers and authorized employees first alert passengers, and in the event of non-compliance, the violator is asked to leave the bus or be referred to the competent authorities.”

A practical guide for the Arab tourist and investor

These rules require Arab tourists and visitors to Singapore to carefully observe daily behaviour, most notably the use of earphones and the avoidance of food and drink on public transport to ensure an enjoyable trip free of violations. On the investment side, the Singaporean model provides a standard vision for transport and urban mobility management companies in the Arab region, stressing that maintaining the quality and discipline of the public transport environment represents an essential foundation for enhancing the attractiveness and sustainability of tourist cities.