Criteria for Approval of COE/ARF Waivers for Drivers with Disabilities

Ms Chia Yong Yong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development what are the criteria for the approval of COE/ARF waivers for drivers with disabilities.

The Disabled Persons Scheme (DPS) was set up in 1980 when transport options for persons with disabilities were limited. DPS supports Singapore Citizens with permanent disabilities from the lower-income groups who are unable to use public transport, that is, bus and/or Mass Rapid Transit without assistance and require a vehicle to perform their work functions. Eligible drivers with disabilities are exempted from paying premiums for the certificates of entitlement (COE) and the additional registration fees when they purchase a vehicle. It is a means-tested scheme.

To qualify for the scheme, persons with disabilities must be certified by a medical doctor from the Tan Tock Seng Rehabilitation Centre to be permanently disabled and incapable of travelling by public transport. They must also be gainfully employed and demonstrate the need for a vehicle in performing their work functions, such as frequent travelling to worksites or to meet clients. Applicants would also need to meet the means-test criteria.

In addition to the DPS scheme, persons with disability who wish to own their own vehicle are also supported with loan arrangements. The Monetary Authority of Singapore exempts the physically disabled from the financing restrictions on motor vehicle loans granted by financial institutions, such as the maximum loan-to-value of 50% or 60% of the purchase price, depending on the open market value of the vehicle.

There are also other alternatives for travel of persons with permanent disabilities who are medically certified to be unable to take public transport. These individuals can tap on the Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS), which provides means-tested taxi subsidies to defray the cost of commute to school or work. The scheme also supports booking of taxis for ease of pick-up from the homes of the persons with disabilities. TSS is an alternative to owning a vehicle for the purpose of transport.

DPS and TSS complement public transport options to facilitate independent travel and living for persons with disabilities. We will continue to work with relevant agencies to enhance accessibility and availability of affordable transport options for persons with disabilities.