Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Statistics and Enforcement Measures for Noise Complaints on Public Transport

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     what percentage of noise complaints on public transport resulted in successful enforcement action in the past three years; 

b.     what is the mean response time between a complaint being lodged and the arrival of enforcement officers on the scene; and 

c.     how many repeat offenders have been identified through the current enforcement system.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     We adopt a measured approach against nuisance behaviours based on their severity. Public transport staff are trained to manage noise-related complaints, and will not hesitate to take action against egregious cases. In almost all cases, the passengers involved are cooperative when approached by staff to lower their volume. Further enforcement action will be taken if an offending passenger refuses to comply.

2.     To encourage considerate commuting behaviour, the Land Transport Authority has introduced new signages, including those held by public transport staff during their rounds, in trains and buses reminding passengers to keep their volume low. Public transport staff have also stepped-up checks at train stations and onboard buses.