More caught smoking while commuting

Nearly 500 people have been taken to task for smoking in public service vehicles such as taxis and buses since 2013. In response to a query from The Straits Times, the National Environment Agency said that under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act, anyone caught smoking in a prohibited place or vehicle is liable to a fine of up to $1,000.

Although the number of summonses issued for smoking in public service vehicles has been low, compared to the 22,000 tickets issued last year (2017) for all smoking-related offences, there has been an uptick of cases in recent years.

Observers said it could have climbed because the law was extended to private-hire vehicles - which outnumber cabs more than two to one - last October. Retiree Ronnie Lim, 73, said it is common to see drivers lighting up in all vehicles, not only public service ones. "They will hang their hand with the cigarette out the window," he said. "And when they are done, they will just let the butt drop."

ComfortDelGro, the largest taxi operator here, said, "Drivers who wish to smoke are to do so outside the taxis. Drivers caught smoking in the taxis for the first time will be counselled. Recalcitrant drivers will be warned and the offences recorded in their service performance records." Grab, the largest private-hire operator here, has likewise advised its drivers to smoke only at designated areas. Cabby Tony Pang, 68, said smokers should refrain from smoking while they are in a vehicle because most people do not like the smell of residual smoke. "We should keep it comfortable for passengers," he added.

Commuters concur. Lawyer Bryan Tan, 47, said he would probably cancel the booking if he got into a vehicle with residual cigarette smell. Administrative coordinator Bok Chek Yang, 38, said he has encountered cigarette smell in private-hire vehicles "only two or three times, so it's not really a big problem". But Mr. Bok said driving with one hand out the window should be discouraged, as "it is not safe".