Public transport systems keep cities moving, but some have bizarre rules that might surprise travelers. From banned foods to no-selfie policies, here are some of the weirdest laws and regulations on metros, buses, and trains around the world.
1. No Eating Durian on Singapore’s MRT
Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is famously clean—so clean that carrying the pungent durian fruit is strictly prohibited. The strong smell can linger for hours, making it a public nuisance.
2. No Hugging or “Prolonged Kissing” in Dubai Metro
Dubai’s metro has strict decency laws, including fines for hugging, kissing, or even eating on the train. Offenders can be fined up to AED 100 (about $27) for “indecent behavior.”
3. No Chewing Gum on Oslo’s Buses (Or Anywhere in Norway?)
While not strictly a public transport rule, Norway has a cultural aversion to chewing gum in shared spaces. Spitting it out on buses or trams is a major faux pas—some drivers may even scold you for popping bubbles!
4. Tokyo’s “No Selfie Sticks” Policy
Japan’s trains are crowded enough without selfie sticks blocking aisles. Many stations ban them to prevent accidents and delays. Some even prohibit taking photos altogether to respect privacy.
5. Moscow Metro’s “No Smiling at Work” Rule (For Staff)
In a bizarre workplace policy, Moscow Metro employees were once told not to smile too much to appear “serious and professional.” Luckily, this rule has relaxed in recent years.
6. New York Subway’s “No Feet on Seats” Fine
Putting your feet up on subway seats in NYC can land you a $50 fine. It’s considered vandalism, and transit police do enforce it occasionally.
7. No Boarding with “Bad Body Odor” in Melbourne
Melbourne’s public transport rules technically allow officials to deny entry to passengers with offensive smells—though enforcement is rare (and awkward).
8. Switzerland’s “No Flushing After 10 PM” (In Some Areas)
While not directly a transport rule, Switzerland takes noise pollution seriously. Some apartment buildings near tram lines ban toilet flushing at night—so don’t expect loud metros either!
9. London’s “No Playing Music Out Loud” on Buses
Blasting music without headphones on London buses can get you a £1,000 fine under the city’s anti-social behavior laws.
10. Bangkok’s “No Durian, No Mangosteen” on Boats
Like Singapore, Bangkok’s river ferries ban durian. But they also prohibit mangosteen—not because of smell, but because its purple juice stains seats.
Why Do These Rules Exist?
Most weird transport laws come from cultural norms, cleanliness concerns, or crowd control. What seems strange in one city might make perfect sense locally.
Have You Encountered Any Odd Public Transport Rules?
Share your stories in the comments! And if you’re planning a trip, always check local transit guidelines—unless you’re ready to risk a durian fine. 🚇🍈
