Debated in Parliament on 4 Aug 2026.
Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether LTA will study requiring onboard technology to monitor elderly drivers of buses, taxis, Private Hire Vehicles (PHV), and goods vehicles for signs of fatigue or medical distress, with real-time alerts to such drivers and operators; and (b) what support is available for such elderly drivers assessed as no longer fit for demanding trips.
Fatigue or medical distress can happen to any driver, though elderly drivers are at higher risk. All drivers aged 65 years old and above are required to undergo regular medical checks to maintain the validity of their Driving Licence and Vocational Licence respectively. The statutory age limits of Vocational Licence holders for buses, omnibuses, taxis and private hire cars, as well as Class 4 and Class 5 Driving Licence holders are set at age 75.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has progressively rolled out onboard technology, such as Driver Anti-Fatigue Systems, to support public bus captains. There is no similar mandatory requirement for privately-owned vehicle fleets, as operational needs vary across businesses.
LTA also works with tripartite partners to promote safe driving. For example, all taxi and ride-hail platform operators remind drivers to have sufficient rest, with reminders via the taxi's Mobile Data Terminal or the ride-hail application to take breaks. The Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce also recently issued an advisory on managing work-related road safety risks, including driver fatigue.
Elderly drivers who are not able to drive but wish to continue working may seek employment facilitation support from the National Trades Union Congress's Employment and Employability Institute or the Skills and Workforce Development Agency.
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