Passengers engaging in anti-social behaviour on buses could face £100 fines, while rail users are being urged to end 'loudcasting', as new guidance and a national campaign launch today.
The Department for Transport has issued guidance to help local authorities in England use new byelaw powers against loud music, littering, vaping and threatening behaviour on buses.
The powers stem from the Bus Services Act 2025, which allows every local transport authority in England to set and enforce its own rules on board. The legal power came into force on 5 August.
Drivers will not be expected to police passengers. Authorised officers, including transport safety officers and the police, will deal with incidents instead.
On trains, a ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ campaign will use posters and announcements to remind passengers to use headphones. Those who refuse to stop can be removed at the next station or fined up to £1,000.
Comment
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: ‘It is so frustrating when the actions of an inconsiderate few spoil journeys for the rest of us, whether that is vaping, littering or blasting music out loud. Even small changes in behaviour can make a massive difference to people’s experience on public transport.
‘That’s why we’re empowering local leaders to shape bus services around the needs of their communities and taking advantage of publicly owned train operating companies to encourage people to be considerate of others on public transport and reminding them of the potential consequences if they aren’t.’
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive, Campaign for Better Transport, said: ‘Antisocial behaviour, like noisy phone use, vaping and littering, are not just irritating: they can be a real deterrent to people using public transport, especially people with different accessibility requirements. If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.’
