A woman was recently caught eating onboard a Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) MRT train while seated in a reserved seat, prompting a flood of reactions online after a video surfaced on Facebook. The incident has reignited a familiar debate among Singaporeans about rule enforcement, civic behaviour, and public shaming.
Woman Spotted Consuming Food On MRT Reserved Seat
In the video, the woman can be seen unbotheredly eating on the train, despite prominent signage warning against consuming food or drinks onboard. Her action violated SMRT’s longstanding rule which prohibits eating and drinking in trains and stations — a regulation enforced to maintain hygiene and prevent pest infestations.
Although the act alone was enough to raise eyebrows, netizens were particularly incensed because the woman was sitting in a reserved seat, an area meant for those who need it most — the elderly, pregnant women, or individuals with disabilities. This led to speculation that she might be unaware of the local norms or simply chose to ignore them.
Mixed Reactions From Public — Calls For Enforcement & Education
Facebook commenters were quick to condemn the behaviour. Some users urged SMRT and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to step up enforcement, questioning the effectiveness of the current CCTV surveillance in trains.
A user commented, “CCTV IN TRAIN FOR WHAT PURPOSE? Sleeping staffs? LTA WAKE UP!” while another questioned the role of commuters: “Anybody told her not to eat?” Some criticised the act of filming and posting the video instead of directly informing the woman about the rules.
Others assumed the woman was a foreigner unfamiliar with local regulations. A number of users expressed concern that increasing numbers of such infractions might influence locals to adopt similar behaviours, diluting the strict public conduct that Singapore is known for.
Yet, a minority of users took a different stance, calling out the public shaming. One user noted, “If someone is breaking the law, report it through proper channels instead of doxing them on social media.” Another echoed this, stating, “You could have told her to stop instead of embarrassing her online.”
SMRT Urged To Address Lapses Amid Repeat Incidents
This is not an isolated incident. In recent months, multiple social media posts have surfaced showing commuters flouting the no food and drink rule in MRT trains and buses. These incidents have left many Singaporeans questioning whether the decline in enforcement efforts is contributing to a rise in non-compliance.
Given the dense commuter traffic in Singapore and the high cleanliness standards expected in public spaces, even minor violations can have ripple effects. Food remnants can attract pests like rats or cockroaches, and reserved seats being misused can inconvenience those with genuine need.
With public frustration mounting, many are calling on SMRT and LTA to relook at their enforcement strategy. Suggestions from netizens include random patrols, stricter fines, and multilingual educational materials targeting new arrivals or tourists unfamiliar with Singapore’s public transport etiquette.
#Singapore MRT Rules Public Transport Cleanliness SMRT Enforcement Viral Singapore News Public Transport Etiquette Singapore Civic Behaviour No Eating in MRT Train Passenger Misconduct