Infrastructure & development

Hamid Razak raised questions about how the Land Transport Authority (LTA) ensures adequate roof coverage for bus-stop shelters during heavy rain and whether older bus stops in busy areas will be evaluated for retrofitting. Jeffrey Siow responded that LTA regularly reviews bus stop designs to improve commuter service, incorporating features like back panels and rain screens in new designs. Upgrades to older bus stops will include these features, and higher-traffic stops may have wider roofs where possible.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the conversion of zebra crossings to courtesy crossings in HDB estates, including the number converted, the rationale for this policy, and concerns about pedestrian safety. Chee Hong Tat indicated that 37 zebra crossings were converted to courtesy crossings between 2022 and 2024 due to feedback about safety concerns, as some zebra crossings did not provide pedestrians a clear line of sight for safe crossing. The conversion aims to enhance safety by encouraging mutual caution among pedestrians and motorists and is supported by additional traffic calming measures where possible.

Patrick Tay Teck Guan raised concerns about the quality of existing cycling paths, highlighting issues of disjointed, blocked, or narrow paths that impact safety and usability, particularly those running parallel to footpaths. Jeffrey Siow explained that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) aims to create connected and wide cycling paths, but some gaps are temporary as they are being built in stages. LTA is upgrading older, narrower cycling paths that do not meet current standards and implementing safety measures where paths cannot be widened. For cycling paths adjacent to pedestrian paths, markings and signage are used to improve safety.

Fadli Fawzi questioned the Acting Minister for Transport about plans for trialling on-road cycling lanes in residential areas, similar to initiatives in cities like Paris. Jeffrey Siow responded that on-road cycling lanes have already been trialed on Tanah Merah Coast Road and West Camp Road, with considerations including low vehicular traffic and road width for such implementations. The expansion of on-road cycling lanes will be cautious due to Singapore's land constraints, leading to a focus on enhancing off-road cycling infrastructure. The Islandwide Cycling Network is set to increase from 750km to approximately 1,300km by 2030 to improve cycling safety and connectivity.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked how HDB's planning for new towns and BTO launches aligns with LTA timelines for transport network expansion to avoid infrastructure lag. Chee Hong Tat explained that Singapore uses an integrated approach to master planning, ensuring that major infrastructure projects are initiated years in advance to align with housing developments. Agencies collaborate to stage infrastructure and development plans, aiming to deliver transport facilities simultaneously with new housing projects.

Edward Chia Bing Hui asked about the key lessons learned from the Bukit Panjang LRT disruptions in July 2025 and whether these issues indicate a design flaw or lack of engineering expertise. Jeffrey Siow responded that this question was previously addressed in an earlier parliamentary session on September 22, 2025, referring to specific reports on MRT and LRT breakdowns and measures for improvement.

He Ting Ru questioned the Ministry of National Development about research on the impact of newer HDB town designs, particularly void deck changes, on social interaction in neighborhoods. Chee Hong Tat referenced previous inquiries by Dr. Tan Wu Meng from 2017 and 2020. The latest Sample Household Survey from 2021 indicated that 97% of residents felt there were adequate spaces for neighborly interactions, with similar interaction frequencies across different block designs. HDB has incorporated design elements like Community Living Rooms and 3-Generation playgrounds to enhance social interactions in newer estates.

Fadli Fawzi questioned the compatibility of Tengah's eight-lane roads and limited bike paths with its car-lite vision and asked about prioritizing green transport in new towns. Jeffrey Siow explained that Tengah's infrastructure includes bus lanes and access to seven bus services, supporting public transport. Cycling paths are planned on both sides of the road, with some segments already in use, and will be completed progressively. The upcoming Jurong Region Line will enhance connectivity for Tengah residents to key destinations and the broader rail network, with long-term studies for a new Tengah Line ongoing.

Dr. Choo Pei Ling asked about the design of public spaces in new towns like Tengah to promote outdoor activity and family bonding, as well as how their effectiveness in supporting child well-being is evaluated. Chee Hong Tat explained that HDB provides varied public spaces and facilities, such as colorful playgrounds and 3-Generation facilities, to encourage physical activity and inter-generational interactions. Tengah Town's design also includes green connectors like the Plantation and Garden Farmways to facilitate community engagement. The effectiveness of these initiatives is assessed through surveys, focus groups, and observational studies, ensuring they evolve to meet family needs and support the goals of Grow Well SG.

Valerie Lee raised questions regarding updates on clean energy solutions from the Pulau Ubin Micro-Grid, potential measures to lower electricity tariffs for residents and businesses, and the possibility of offering the regulated SP Electricity Tariff. Gan Siow Huang explained that Pulau Ubin's electricity demand is low, making connection to the mainland grid unfeasible, and the micro-grid currently provides electricity at rates lower than diesel costs. Lee expressed concerns about frequency of outages, tariff review mechanisms, potential penalties for exiting the arrangement, and equity in electricity pricing for Ubin residents. Gan confirmed that micro-grid users pay 80 cents per kWh and that the government is working to explore newer technologies for cost reductions while offering to assist vulnerable residents with potential financial relief.

Ang Wei Neng asked about the possibility of building more covered linkways connecting HDB blocks to MRT stations beyond the current 400m radius. The Minister of State for Transport, Baey Yam Keng, responded that in 2024, the LTA plans to construct covered linkways extending to 800 meters from MRT stations, connecting to Friendly Streets and key amenities. Ang Wei Neng emphasized the need for these linkways to serve more residents by considering human traffic patterns, suggesting that the policy be adjusted to benefit a larger community. Baey Yam Keng acknowledged the popularity of covered linkways and stated that LTA prioritizes connections that serve many commuters, balancing feedback with site constraints and safety requirements.

Diana Pang Li Yen asked about the expansion of shaded public playgrounds and outdoor play areas in light of rising temperatures and their alignment with efforts to reduce children's screen time. Chee Hong Tat explained that agencies consider thermal comfort when designing playgrounds, using tools for sun-shade analysis and heat mapping. Agencies aim to place playgrounds in shaded areas and use climate-appropriate materials. Additionally, NParks has created 40 nature playgardens to encourage outdoor play and connection with nature.

Poh Li San asked about the role of the Public Utilities Board (PUB) in the world's largest marine carbon dioxide removal technology project starting operations in Tuas in 2026, the involvement of Singaporean scientists, and the plant's power source. Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that PUB, together with the National Research Foundation and UCLA's Institute for Carbon Management, is co-funding the project which aims to validate ocean-based carbon dioxide removal technology. The project will be grid-powered and, if successful, could be integrated into PUB's desalination plants, aiding Singapore's net-zero emissions goal. Singaporean institutions, including the National University of Singapore, are contributing to the research on managing by-products from the process.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about plans to enhance ecological connectivity between Mandai mangrove and mudflats to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and the status of biodiversity studies in surrounding buffer forests. Chee Hong Tat announced the establishment of the Kranji Nature Corridor to improve ecological connectivity, featuring over 110 hectares of new parks and recreational routes. The routes will include plantings to support wildlife movement, and assessments for Environmental Impact Assessments in the buffer forests will occur if future developments are proposed.

Rachel Ong asked about plans to upgrade the North East Line (NEL) and how the Ministry of Transport intends to balance expanding the MRT network with upgrading existing lines. Jeffrey Siow responded that this issue was addressed in a written reply during the previous Parliament Sitting, referencing a report on NEL's train capacity.