UK government fines passengers for bus, train misconduct
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The UK government began enforcing new measures on October 19, 2026, to address antisocial behaviour on public transportation, starting with buses and trains.
Local authorities in England now have the power to issue up to £100 fines to passengers on buses who vape, litter, play loud music, or engage in threatening behaviour. Transport safety officers and police will handle enforcement, first engaging with offenders, then explaining rules, and finally issuing penalties if necessary.
On trains, a national campaign encourages passengers to “share the carriage, not the noise” by using headphones. Rail passengers who ignore requests from staff to reduce noise can be removed from the train or fined up to £1,000. Prime Minister Andy Burnham explained the government wants to make journeys more comfortable for everyone. These new powers for bus enforcement stem from the Bus Services Act 2025, and each local rule requires approval from the Secretary of State before enforcement.
The rail campaign aims to unify existing, separate efforts by different train operators, creating a consistent message across the network. The government hopes these changes will improve passenger experiences and encourage more people to use public transport.
