Singaporean public transport etiquette is declining

Almost daily disruptions by other commuters on my commute is no stranger to me. Singaporean public transport has generally been a stable way to get around the country, being affordable yet comfortable. However, there is a growing entitlement of commuters, resulting in the decline of Singaporean public transport etiquette. There should be stronger consequences for their actions, holding them accountable and changing their attitudes.

When considering public transport, we are brought up to be courteous, allowing those who are in need to occupy seats. However, this has invertedly enabled some to feel entitled to seats, especially “priority seats”. Priority seats have been dubbed as a force to reckon with, evoking the worst in some.

It is not uncommon to see people argue over priority seats, as if the adjective increases the value of the seats. In one such instance, an older lady raises her voice at a younger girl for sitting in the priority seat.

She yells at her to “Get out!”, and that “Young people are so rude nowadays,”. While there is the unspoken rule of giving up seats, there is the formal rule of keeping volume low aboard public transport, creating a sense of irony. Additionally, there are many empty seats just behind her, and that she is the one being rude by disrupting the commute of others with her righteous mindset.

Noise levels are also a common concern. In another TikTok video, a man is blaring music loudly, even allegedly telling concerned staff that music must be loud to be enjoyed. Despite paying the same fare as everyone else, he thinks that he is entitled to “the aux” on the train. Such behaviour creates an unwelcoming environment for others.

Misuse of seats is another common occurrence. Seats are a heavily sought after amenity, yet there are selfish people who occupy multiple, even placing their feet on them. In most instances, there are also signs condemning this, telling people to not place their feet on the opposite seats. The signs are meaningless if ignored. Such behaviour is unhygienic and filled with disrespect, the same type that we are admonished for.

These encounters are common examples of how Singaporean public transport etiquette is declining. As of last year, the Land Transport Authority has further enforced rules to curb poor public transport etiquette. New signages on trains and buses have been put up, nudging commuters to be courteous. I think these signages will only have a favourable effect if they are enforced, with more staff to catch disruptors in the act. Follow the rules or end up facing a fine; another one of Singaporean’s fears alongside the formidable priority seats.