New government efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour on transport were launched today, 19 October 2026. These measures include the introduction of £100 fines on buses and a new campaign aimed at discouraging 'loudcasting' on trains.
Guidance has been issued to local authorities, supporting their new powers to address issues such as loud music, littering, vaping, and threatening behaviour on buses. These powers allow authorities to issue fixed penalties of up to £100 to those causing trouble. The Bus Services Act 2025 enabled these powers for all local transport authorities across England to set and enforce their own local rules, with the legal power coming into force on 5 August 2026. Bus drivers will not be responsible for enforcement; instead, authorised officers, including transport safety officers and the police, will handle incidents.
A new national campaign, 'share the carriage, not the noise', has been launched to encourage rail passengers to use headphones and improve the journey experience. This industry-led campaign will feature audio reminders of rules on the rail network. Passengers who refuse to comply when asked by authorised rail staff may be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to a maximum of £1,000.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the campaign reminds passengers to use headphones on trains and gives local leaders new powers to tackle nuisance behaviour on buses. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted that these changes aim to improve journeys for all passengers.