Commuters not wearing masks will be denied entry to public transport, taxis and private-hire vehicles: LTA

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SINGAPORE — Commuters will be denied entry to buses, trains, taxis and private-hire vehicles if they fail to wear a mask, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA). 

The Government announced on Tuesday (April 14) that it was mandatory for everyone to wear a mask when leaving their homes to curb the spread of Covid-19.

In response to TODAY’s queries, LTA said it was “therefore compulsory” for all commuters to wear masks during the circuit breaker period, which runs until May 4, when using public transport and point-to-point vehicles. 

This rule will also apply when passengers are waiting on transport premises, such as bus stops and interchanges, and train stations.

“Commuters are reminded to bring along their own masks and wear them at all times. Transport ambassadors and public transport workers such as bus captains will remind commuters to do so,” said LTA. 

“If a commuter fails to comply as instructed, they will be denied entry. Taxi and private-hire car drivers can also decline to convey passengers who do not wear a mask.”

Responding to TODAY’s queries, a spokesperson for ride-hailing company Grab confirmed that its drivers can refuse passengers without a mask.

The spokesperson also clarified that such cancellations on a passenger’s bookings “will not adversely impact” the driver’s performance ratings.

“The wellbeing and health of our passengers and driver-partners are our priority,” stressed the spokesperson.

TODAY understands that rival company Gojek has a similar policy, and will take a step further by taking action against errant passengers, which may entail a suspension from the platform.

In a reminder to the public on Wednesday, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli said that people must wear a mask when leaving their homes. The rule kicked in on Tuesday, with enforcement action starting on Thursday.  

“Those who do not wear masks in public will face a fine of S$300 for the first offence and S$1,000 for the second offence. Egregious cases will face prosecution in court."

Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan had said earlier that it would also be compulsory for commuters to wear masks on public transport even after the circuit breaker period.

"We will make mask-wearing compulsory for public transport. This will minimise transmission in public transport during the post-circuit breaker period when safe distancing is compromised," he wrote.

He said that once circuit breaker measures were no longer in place and crowds return to buses and trains, safe distancing rules will push waiting crowds into long queues on platforms and outside stations.