New Fines and Campaign Target Transport Nuisance
Government introduces £100 fines for bus offences and a national rail campaign against loud noise.
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New government initiatives launched on 19 October 2026 aim to reduce antisocial behaviour across public transport networks. These measures include the introduction of fines for disruptive actions on buses and a nationwide campaign to encourage quieter journeys on trains. The Department for Transport has issued guidance to local authorities, supporting their new abilities to address issues such as loud music, littering, vaping, and threatening behaviour on buses. Fixed penalty notices of up to £100 can now be issued to those causing trouble.
National Rail Campaign Launched
New campaign targets loud music on public transport
Fines of up to £100 could be issued for playing music or videos out loud on buses.
A new national campaign, named 'Share the journey, not the noise', is encouraging rail passengers to use headphones when listening to music or videos. This initiative seeks to standardise messaging across the rail network, moving away from varied local campaigns. Train operating companies, now under public ownership, are expected to display campaign materials on websites, social media, in carriages, and at stations. Audio reminders will be played on the rail network. Passengers who refuse to stop disruptive noise when asked by authorised rail staff may be removed from the train at the next station or face prosecution with fines of up to £1,000.
It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.
Andy Burnham, Prime Minister
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the campaign addresses the common frustration of loud music and videos on trains, aiming to improve the commuting experience. He highlighted that alongside the rail campaign, new powers are being given to local leaders to tackle nuisance behaviour on buses.
London buses may impose £100 fines for loud music
New powers allow local authorities to set and enforce rules on their bus networks to tackle nuisance behaviour.
New Powers for Bus Enforcement
The legal authority for local transport authorities in England to tackle nuisance behaviour on buses was established by the Bus Services Act 2025 and came into force on 5 August 2026. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander noted that the actions of a few can spoil journeys for others, and that empowering local leaders helps shape bus services around community needs. Bus drivers will not be responsible for enforcement; instead, authorised officers, including transport safety officers and the police, will handle incidents. The enforcement process involves engaging with the individual, explaining the rules, and taking action if compliance is not met. Each local byelaw requires sign-off from the Secretary of State before enforcement can begin.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, commented that passengers deserve to feel comfortable, respected, and safe, and that antisocial behaviour ruins the experience for everyone. He added that with government backing and clear guidance, efforts can be intensified to make every journey quieter, cleaner, and safer.
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, suggested that antisocial behaviour can deter people from using public transport, particularly those with accessibility requirements. He believes that visible and proper enforcement of these new powers should help passengers feel more secure and comfortable.
Questions this report answers
+What are the new penalties for antisocial behaviour on buses?
Offenders on buses could now face fines of up to £100 for nuisance behaviour such as vaping and littering. Local transport authorities across England have been given new powers to set and enforce their own local rules for buses.
+What is the new campaign for rail passengers?
A national campaign encourages rail passengers to 'share the carriage, not the noise' by using headphones for music and videos. This aims to create a consistent message across the rail network and improve the passenger experience.
+What are the consequences for rail passengers who ignore noise rules?
Rail passengers who refuse to comply with noise rules when asked by authorised staff can face removal from the train at the next station. They may also face prosecution and fines of up to £1,000.
+Who is responsible for enforcing new bus rules?
Bus drivers will not be responsible for enforcement. Instead, authorised officers, including transport safety officers and the police, will be able to deal with incidents on buses. Enforcement involves engagement, explanation, and action if necessary.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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