Transport — Topics

2 Oct 2017

Preserving Green Spaces and Heritage in Jalan Kayu Constituency

Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed preserving Kampong Lorong Buangkok, Singapore's last mainland kampung, as a heritage education site to integrate it with planned schools rather than displacing residents for a highway and school construction.
She also suggested converting a planned highway strip near Gerald Drive into a linear nature park with cycling and footpaths to preserve green space and address residents' concerns about traffic and environmental impact.
The Second Minister for National Development responded that the kampung's development plans are not immediate and will involve stakeholder engagement in the future, while the highway is needed to support upcoming housing and traffic demands, though alternative green spaces exist.

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2 Oct 2017

Improving Reliability of Bukit Panjang LRT System

The government plans to renew the aging Bukit Panjang LRT system by awarding a contract in early 2018, which will substantially improve long-term reliability, while immediate short-term measures include power rail checks, a backup power source, and a quick-response team to shorten service disruptions.
Commuters will face temporary inconvenience during works, such as potentially shorter operating hours due to extended engineering time, and the operator will deploy additional buses during breakdowns, though capacity is limited to avoid traffic congestion in the mature estate.
The Bukit Panjang Integrated Transport Hub will enable faster bus deployment during LRT stoppages, but the minister noted that upgrading the North-South Line is progressing with maintenance and signaling upgrades, though no LRT plan is currently in the works for Yishun Town.

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2 Oct 2017

Decisions to Build Bukit Panjang LRT System

The Bukit Panjang LRT was built in the 1990s as a pilot to bridge the last-mile gap from the MRT and ease congestion, but its design was adapted from an airport system for a housing estate with undulating terrain, leading to frequent faults like power trips at sharp bends.
The government faces challenges due to these topographical constraints, which were cited by former officials as reasons for not rebuilding the entire line, and the system is now set for an overhaul tender as it nears the end of its design life.
Questions were raised about the design responsibility and tender selection, noting that the lowest bidder, Keppel Integrated Engineering, offered a significantly lower cost compared to similar projects in the region.

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11 Sep 2017

Plans for Preservation of Ellison Building Affected by Construction of North-South Expressway

Mr Kok Heng Leun asked the Minister for National Development for an update on alternative plans to preserve the Ellison Building during the construction of the North-South Expressway.
Lawrence Wong stated that the Land Transport Authority and conservation specialists are studying options to minimize impact on the affected shophouse unit, with ongoing assessments of risks to both the building and the expressway.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority and Land Transport Authority will engage heritage groups again before making a final decision.

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11 Sep 2017

Number of Older HDB Multi-storey Car Parks Installed with Lifts

Over the past five years, HDB has installed lifts in 510 older multi-storey car parks, representing 94% of the 544 such facilities without lifts.
Plans are in place to install lifts or other barrier-free access solutions, such as ramps, in the remaining 34 car parks.
The average cost for installing a lift in a multi-storey car park is approximately $350,000, with annual maintenance costing about $13,000.

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11 Sep 2017

Number of Work-related Traffic Accidents Involving Food Delivery and Courier Service Staff from 2015 to 2017

From 2014 to 2016, there were six fatal and 12 serious work-related traffic accidents involving food delivery and courier service riders or drivers.
The Ministry of Manpower is collaborating with the Workplace Safety and Health Council, tripartite partners, Traffic Police, and the Land Transport Authority to enhance safety engagement and awareness through campaigns, training, and educational resources.
Measures include the Singapore Ride Safe Campaign, provision of protective gear, advanced training, in-house safety sessions, and the development of guides on safe riding, with enforcement inspections targeting 50 companies to improve safety practices.

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11 Sep 2017

Rail Operators' Compliance with LTA's Operating Performance Standards on Service Quality

LTA requires rail operators to comply with Operating Performance Standards as a licensing condition, covering safety, reliability, and service quality metrics like train headways and punctuality.
LTA independently monitors compliance through regular station and train checks, special audits of processes, and analysis of commuter feedback.
All commuter complaints on service quality are formally conveyed to rail operators for action and improvement.
The Land Transport Authority takes all feedback seriously as part of its oversight role.

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11 Sep 2017

Number of MRT Train Incidents from January to August 2017

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the total number of MRT incidents from January to August 2017, including those due to signal integration work on the North-South and East-West Lines.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan reported 149 delays lasting over five minutes, with 90 linked to the new signalling system on the North-South Line and Tuas West Extension.
Delays peaked in June but dropped to seven in August, showing a declining trend as the new system stabilizes.
Testing on the East-West Line had not yet begun, and commuters were asked for continued patience.

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11 Sep 2017

Extension of Additional 50% Rebate and Surcharge for Taxis under Vehicle Emissions Scheme to Private Hire Cars

Mr Yee Chia Hsing asked if the additional 50% VES rebate and surcharge for taxis would apply to private hire cars due to similar high mileages.
The Minister for Transport, Khaw Boon Wan, replied that the rebate and surcharge would not be extended to private hire cars.
The Minister explained that private hire cars generally have much lower mileages compared to taxis.

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11 Sep 2017

Traffic Accidents Involving Drivers of Private Hire Vehicles in 2016

From July 2016 to June 2017, there were 1,139 traffic accidents involving private hire vehicles.
Private hire car drivers must obtain a vocational licence by passing a course that includes modules on safe driving.
Unsafe conduct by licensed drivers results in the issuance of demerit points.
The Land Transport Authority collaborates with private hire associations and operators to promote safe driving.

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11 Sep 2017

Impact of Ride Hailing Apps on Taxis

Sitoh Yih Pin raised concerns that ride-hailing apps like Uber and Grab may reduce the availability of taxis for street hire or at taxi stands, limiting commuter choices, and asked if the Land Transport Authority (LTA) plans to regulate this.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that ride-hailing apps actually expand commuter options and, based on Public Transport Council surveys and taxi stand waiting times, there is no evidence of insufficient taxi availability for street hire.
He noted that both commuter satisfaction with taxi services and waiting times have improved over the past year, indicating that current taxi availability meets demand.

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11 Sep 2017

Lift Construction at Braddell Road Overhead Bridge

Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Transport to consider constructing a lift at the Braddell Road overhead bridge to help elderly residents.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that the Land Transport Authority is studying the request and evaluating site suitability and lift installation criteria.
The debate centered on improving accessibility for elderly residents who regularly use the overhead bridge.
The Minister's response indicated an ongoing assessment rather than a firm commitment to proceed.
No further details or timeline for the decision were provided in the debate excerpts.

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11 Sep 2017

Breakdown on Cases of Illegal Parking or Misuses of Taxi Stands from 2015 to 2017

Ang Hin Kee asked for a breakdown of illegal parking or misuse of taxi stands by taxis and private hire vehicles from 2015 to the first half of 2017 and for measures to deter such behavior.
Khaw Boon Wan provided the number of notices issued for these violations in 2015, 2016, and the first half of 2017.
The Land Transport Authority will continue using enforcement officers and CCTV cameras to deter misuse of taxi stands and stops.

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11 Sep 2017

Regulations to Prevent Import of Motor Vehicles with Known Defects into Singapore

Importers and dealers must provide proof that vehicles meet international safety standards before registration and are required to notify the LTA, owners, and buyers of any defects discovered after registration, arrange recalls and repairs, and update the LTA on rectification progress, with fines for non-compliance.
The LTA was notified in April 2016 of a Honda Vezel recall affecting vehicles owned by Lion City Rental (Uber), and it immediately informed importers and dealers to begin recalls, requested industry associations to remind members, and took legal action against non-compliant parties.
As of 4 September 2017, 42% of affected Honda Vezels had been rectified, with 89 out of 113 importers and dealers notifying customers and starting repairs, while legal action was taken against three of the remaining 24 and investigations were ongoing.

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11 Sep 2017

Take-up Rate for Safe Riding Programme

The Safe Riding Programme (SRP) launch has been delayed from July to the end of the year to refine tender requirements after stakeholder consultation.
The Land Transport Authority is running a nationwide campaign and engaging stakeholders to raise awareness of active mobility rules.
Enforcement has been increased, with over 1,400 advisories issued for unsafe riding since January and plans to pilot CCTV cameras at hotspots.
Over 800 volunteers are active under the Active Mobility Patrol Scheme to promote safe riding practices in communities.
The Ministry is considering further measures, publicity, and education programmes to ensure safe riding in a car-lite city.

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11 Sep 2017

Parking of Shared Bicycles Should not Obstruct Public Spaces

Edwin Tong asked if the Ministry will require bicycle sharing operators to have a viable proposal for adequate and obstruction-free parking before operating.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that operators must ensure bicycles are not indiscriminately parked and face penalties if bicycles are reported outside designated parking lots.
The Land Transport Authority will impound improperly parked bicycles and levy fees on operators for each impounded unit.
LTA, the National Parks Board, and Town Councils are working with operators on a Memorandum of Understanding to guide responsible bicycle-sharing operations.

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11 Sep 2017

Impact of Bus Contracting Model on Service Improvements and Performance Metrics of Public Buses

The bus contracting model has reduced maximum peak-hour headways to 15 minutes and feeder bus intervals to 6-8 minutes, improving service frequency.
Operators are incentivised and penalised based on timeliness, leading to a 25% reduction in average additional waiting time across 290 bus services.
Commuters experience more frequent and timely arrivals, as well as less crowded buses due to improved service delivery.
Bus companies have enhanced working conditions and employment terms, attracting about 600 more Singaporeans to the industry since the model’s implementation.

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11 Sep 2017

Safety Sensors for Buses

Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport to outline measures for improving bus safety and whether features like motion cameras, speed and obstacle sensors, and telematics will be mandated for all buses.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that all public buses already have cameras and speed limiters, with newer buses featuring enhanced safety technologies.
He noted that about 40% of the bus fleet has telematics and 15% has anti-collision warning systems, with plans to standardize these features across all buses over time.
The Land Transport Authority is exploring additional advanced safety features, such as blind spot warning systems.

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11 Sep 2017

Proposal to Ban Vehicles from Turning Right Simultaneously as Pedestrians Cross Road Junctions

Joan Pereira proposed banning vehicles from turning right simultaneously with pedestrians crossing at junctions and adjusting traffic signals so cars only turn after the pedestrian red signal appears.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that vehicles must already give way to pedestrians during the green man signal and noted that banning turns when no pedestrians are crossing could reduce traffic flow.
The Land Transport Authority has enhanced pedestrian safety by giving pedestrians a headstart, adding lighted road studs, and installing more road markings and signs at high-risk junctions.

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11 Sep 2017

Measures to Protect Women in Crowded Places

Desmond Choo inquired about the Ministry of Home Affairs' efforts to protect women from outrage of modesty in entertainment outlets, public transport areas, and whether legislation needs enhancement.
K Shanmugam explained that entertainment outlet operators must follow licensing conditions to prevent crime, such as ensuring sufficient lighting and installing CCTV, while the Police conduct patrols and awareness campaigns in public transport areas.
The Minister highlighted current penalties for outrage of modesty, including fines, caning, and imprisonment, and affirmed that the government will enhance legislation if needed while urging public vigilance and reporting.

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