New Prohibition Signs Like “Keep Volume Low” Spotted in S’pore MRT Trains & Buses

If you don’t own a car, like two-thirds of Singaporeans, you’ve likely relied on public transportation for most of your life.

In that case, you’re probably familiar with the various signs on our buses and MRTs.

These include warnings like no smoking, no eating and drinking, no flammable goods, and famously, no durians.

no-durians-prohibition-sign-singapore-mrt
Image: Flickr

For foreigners or those new to Asia, a “no durians” sign, along with penalties for bringing the fruit onto public transport, might seem like one of the oddest rules ever.

For those unaware, the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation implemented a ban on durians in MRT trains back in 1988 due to their strong and lingering odour, which can be worsened in air-conditioned spaces.

New Prohibition Signs Like “Keep Volume Low” Spotted in S’pore MRT Trains & Buses

In addition to the older, more familiar signs, new prohibition stickers have been introduced in Singapore’s public transportation.

How often have you been on your morning commute, only to hear someone blasting audio from their phone? Perhaps you’ve encountered commuters playing Wang Lei’s livestreams loudly?

A new “keep volume low” prohibition sign has been spotted on trains and buses, encouraging passengers to lower their volume when speaking or refrain from playing videos aloud.

A Reddit user shared an image on 9 January 2025, showing the interior of an MRT train on what appeared to be the North-South Line (NSL). The photo showed three new prohibition signs.

Image: Reddit (@Separate_Tax_8232)

In the same Reddit thread, one user joked about adding another sign: “Add in No defacating/urinating. Fine $1000″. 

This comment comes amidst a rise in reported cases of commuters urinating in MRT trains.

Another used commented, “People got eyes but can choose not to see 🙈 kena fined then will choose to see”.

On 14 January 2025, another Reddit post showcased the “keep volume low” sticker on an SBS Transit bus.

sign-bus-new-prohibition
Image: Reddit (@Krazyguylone)

MRT Singapore Service Information, a group of train enthusiasts, also shared the three new signs, which are now displayed alongside the older prohibition stickers.


The post stated that commuters are prohibited from sitting on floors for hygiene reasons.

These updated stickers are gradually being rolled out by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

While there’s no official prohibition against urinating on public transport, the group reminded commuters to use station toilets when needed.

It’s absurd how we have now come to an era where basic etiquette, such as refraining from urinating in public spaces, needs to be explicitly stated.
After all, common sense isn’t as common as we’d hope.

Rise in Cases of Commuters Urinating in Trains and MRT Stations

Just last week, two Singaporean men in their 50s were charged in separate incidents of urinating at MRT stations.

In the first case, a 57-year-old man was charged with urinating in front of the passenger service centre at Potong Pasir MRT station at around 7:30 pm on 13 January 2025.

According to CNA, the man is currently out on bail of $5,000. When reminded by the judge not to re-offend, the man replied, “Okay, can.”

In the second case, a 53-year-old man urinated on the platform at Tanah Merah MRT station at around 12:30 pm on 8 January 2025.

He has since been remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for medical evaluation and remains out on bail of $15,000.

With these incidents becoming more frequent, perhaps LTA should consider adding a prohibition sign against urination to prevent such behaviour.