SINGAPORE: There are two types of MRT passengers in Singapore: Those who seek silence to survive the morning rush, and those who think the train is their personal karaoke lounge or TikTok podcast booth.
A Singaporean on r/SMRTRabak community gave voice to what many quiet commuters have been thinking — or silently fuming about: “Do you think the whole MRT cabin needs to hear what you’re talking about?!”
In his post, he lamented, “I have encountered people who talk extremely loudly on the MRT and bus so many times. The audacity to screech at the people sitting right beside you is insane.” Often, the noisemakers are friend groups, couples, or those who bond over gossip and grumbling. They’re not even trying to whisper. It’s full-volume nonsense, broadcast to unwilling ears across the entire carriage.
Over on the bus, it gets worse. Add screaming kids, viral TikToks played on full blast, and a sprinkle of expletives. “The amount of attention seekers on public transport is amazingggggggggg!!!” the commuter exclaimed.
One commenter recalled a recent encounter with a noisy group in their 20s. “They were actually self-aware… talking loudly, then giggling, one of them said something like ‘Guys don’t be disruptive, can?’ Somehow they thought this was funny and started laughing even louder,” the commenter sighed. “Shaking my head, I wanted to take action that shuts them up, but I refrained because some people here are snowflakes.”
Another hoped for swift enforcement of noise-related regulations: “I hope the law becomes official soon. Then we can quickly officially ssshhhhhhh people up. I like Japan — it has those signboards on its trains.” For the record, Singapore does have existing guidelines. One commenter helpfully added, “There is a current law now. If you feel hugely disturbed, let the bus captain know.”
As a final statement, someone fired off the ultimate burn: “I think they are either deaf or red velvet dumb. And hell no, I don’t wanna listen to their sob stories!”
Until such disruptions carry real consequences — like an actual fine or a nationwide “Shhh Pass” — commuters will have to rely on noise-cancelling headphones and iron patience.
Or perhaps, one day, every MRT cabin will come with a “Silent Carriage” button or something that can help such situations a lot better.
