Transport — Topics

11 Sep 2017

Ensuring Smooth Integration of New Signalling System on North-South and East-West MRT Lines

The Minister explained that re-signalling the North-South and East-West Lines is a complex project involving extensive hardware installation and integration while keeping the lines operational, with a cautious, phased testing approach to minimize disruptions.
He outlined the testing timeline, which includes completing North-South Line stabilization before December and then proceeding with East-West Line testing next year, with lessons from the first line applied to the second.
The Minister acknowledged that despite meticulous testing, service delays have occurred, but the progressive approach has minimized disruptions, and the new system will ultimately improve reliability and train frequency.

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11 Sep 2017

Minimise MRT Train Delays due to Signalling Faults

Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Transport whether all MRT delays from signalling faults are investigated to prevent recurrence, if LTA is satisfied with operators' response to disruptions, and if compensation is required for affected commuters.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that all delays, not just those from the new signalling system, are thoroughly investigated with immediate steps taken to prevent recurrence, and LTA and operators activate incident management plans to assist commuters.
LTA monitors operators' responses to each incident to improve the process, and requires operators to refund fares for commuters who cannot complete their journeys due to disruptions and to provide free public and bridging bus services.

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11 Sep 2017

Improve Approval Process for Public Bus Service Route Diversions

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport to review LTA's approval process for public bus route diversions to help operators respond better to traffic conditions.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that LTA requires prior approval to avoid unnecessary diversions that inconvenience commuters, and approvals are typically granted within 15 minutes.
Bus operators can proceed with diversions immediately if roads are impassable, and LTA periodically reviews the process.

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11 Sep 2017

Increasing Public Bus Capacity on Routes from Major MRT Interchanges to Schools, Business Parks and Public Hospitals during Peak Periods

Miss Cheryl Chan inquired about updates on bus capacity and waiting times from 2014 to 2017 and proposed on-demand bus services for peak hours on routes from MRT interchanges to schools, business parks, and hospitals.
Khaw Boon Wan reported that under the Bus Service Enhancement Programme, 960 buses and 76 routes have been added, reducing waiting times and easing average loadings for most services.
The Land Transport Authority will trial on-demand bus services in selected areas during off-peak hours next year to assess feasibility for wider use, including peak periods.

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11 Sep 2017

Increase in Accidents Involving Private Hire Cars

Ong Teng Koon questioned whether accidents involving private hire drivers have increased disproportionately relative to their growing numbers.
Khaw Boon Wan clarified that the number of private hire cars tripled over the last two years.
The number of accidents involving private hire cars also increased by about three times, matching the growth rate.
Therefore, accidents have risen proportionately, not more than proportionately, as per the data provided.
The debate focused on assessing safety trends amid the rapid expansion of private hire vehicles.

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11 Sep 2017

Lessons from Accidents Involving Young Drivers of Private Hire Cars

LTA imposes a minimum two-year driving experience requirement for private hire car driver applicants rather than a minimum age.
Traffic accident data does not show a higher incidence of accidents among younger drivers.
Applicants with poor driving records, such as drunk driving convictions or revoked licences, are rejected and conditions are regularly reviewed.

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11 Sep 2017

Changes in Benefits for Parking Labels for the Disabled

The Ministry revised the Car Park Label Scheme eligibility criteria to prioritize those who physically need extra space for boarding and alighting, such as users of bulky mobility aids, while assuring flexibility in assessing individual medical conditions.
Measures to curb abuse and improve accessibility include increased fines for misuse, ongoing public education, and a review of the Code on Accessibility to ensure adequate provision of accessible parking lots.
The Ministry highlighted the rising demand for accessible lots and outlined supplementary support schemes, such as enhanced taxi subsidies and public transport concessions, to assist persons with disabilities.

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11 Sep 2017

Implementation Plans for Cashless Public Transport System

The government is implementing a cashless public transport system by 2020, including an Account-based Ticketing (ABT) system that allows contactless card payments, while ensuring no commuter is left behind through gradual transition and support for the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
LTA and TransitLink have conducted consultations with senior citizens and other demographic groups, with about 30% of participants being seniors, and will continue engaging stakeholders to address concerns and provide assistance, such as deploying service agents to help commuters adapt.
Cost savings from reduced cash handling—estimated at nearly $20 million annually—will be redirected to improve services, like hiring staff to educate the elderly, though any potential fare reductions will depend on the profit and loss of public transport operators.
The Ministry will work with the Monetary Authority of Singapore and banks to improve access to basic banking services, address transaction fees for card top-ups, and explore mobile payment options, while maintaining cash alternatives for those who cannot switch.
Efforts will include outreach to foreign workers and other groups without bank accounts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower, to ensure inclusive access to the new cashless system.

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11 Sep 2017

Complaints on Lapses in Real-time Updates for MRT Breakdowns

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised complaints about inadequate real-time updates during the 28 June 2017 MRT breakdown and asked about measures to improve information accuracy and operator monitoring.
Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained the breakdown was due to a human error during the North-South Line's re-signalling project, outlined actions taken like deploying staff and using apps for updates, and stated LTA holds operators accountable.
The Minister provided an update on the re-signalling project's progress, noting it is in its final testing phase with fewer delays, and aims for completion before December, while acknowledging the East-West Line re-signalling is yet to start.
Commuters can expect ongoing improvements in reliability, with targets set to increase the Mean Kilometres Between Failure, and the Minister emphasized a multi-year effort to upgrade old assets despite challenges.
The Minister assured that the well-being of rail workers is a priority, highlighting efforts to maintain morale and acknowledge their hard work during complex infrastructure upgrades.

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1 Aug 2017

Loss of Earnings by Taxi Drivers from Violent or Drunken Passengers

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan queried the number of taxi drivers who suffered earnings loss from violent or drunken passengers in the last 24 months, whether they could decline such passengers, and if guidelines exist for claiming compensation.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that LTA and taxi companies do not track the specific number of drivers affected by such incidents.
He confirmed that taxi drivers are permitted to decline passengers who are unreasonable, abusive, or show signs of violence.
He noted that drivers experiencing losses can seek assistance from their taxi companies for compensation.

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1 Aug 2017

Vehicle Inspection Regime for CNG Taxis and Private Cars

Ang Hin Kee questioned why current inspections fail to detect gas leaks and whether the regime should be updated for different vehicle models while reducing costs.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that recent CNG vehicle fires led to mandatory extra inspections, with LTA engineers assisting and higher failure rates due to no pre-inspection maintenance.
LTA increased inspection frequency for CNG taxis and buses to every three months and is collaborating with taxi operators to improve maintenance regimes.
LTA will tighten inspection processes and double audit frequency at inspection centres, while noting that inspection fees have been deregulated since 1997.

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1 Aug 2017

Roadworthiness of CNG Vehicles

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned the Minister for Transport about CNG vehicles failing safety tests, the reasons for undetected leakages, and the measures to ensure road safety.
Khaw Boon Wan reported that nearly all 2,385 registered CNG vehicles were inspected, with about 200 found to have gas leaks due to poor maintenance, and these are being repaired or de-registered.
Following recent fire incidents, the Land Transport Authority mandated immediate inspections, deployed engineers to assist, and increased inspection frequency for public service CNG vehicles like taxis and buses.
LTA is working with taxi operators to enhance maintenance regimes and will double audit frequency on inspection centres to tighten processes.

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1 Aug 2017

Minimum Age Requirement for Private Hire Car Drivers

Sitoh Yih Pin called for a minimum age requirement for private hire car drivers to match that of taxi drivers, following a fatal accident involving a young driver.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that LTA requires a minimum of two years' driving experience rather than a specific age, as data shows no higher accident rates among younger drivers.
LTA also rejects applicants with poor driving records, such as drunk driving convictions or licence revocations, and reviews these conditions regularly.

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1 Aug 2017

Expected Run-in Period of New Signalling System on North-South Line

Khaw Boon Wan stated that the new signalling system on the North-South Line is expected to stabilize soon, with current software addressing earlier glitches and further testing planned for peak hours to reduce waiting times and crowding.
The Land Transport Authority and SMRT have over 1,600 staff on standby and contingency plans such as free bus services and information dissemination to minimize commuter inconvenience, but acknowledged that buses cannot fully handle peak-hour disruptions.
The project timeline aims to begin full-scale testing on the East-West Line during the December holiday period, assuming the North-South Line stabilizes by then, with the overall goal of resuming normal service speedily.

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1 Aug 2017

Parking of Vehicles by Car Rental Companies at Residential Estates

Ms Sylvia Lim questioned the Transport Minister about measures to prevent car rental companies from misusing residential roads as parking for unrented vehicles.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that the Land Transport Authority cannot prohibit parking on public roads within private residential estates if such parking is permitted.
The exchange highlights the challenge of regulating commercial vehicle parking in residential areas under existing traffic and parking rules.

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1 Aug 2017

Upgrading Ageing Bus Depots

Melvin Yong asked the Minister for Transport about plans to upgrade ageing bus depots, particularly those over 30 years old, and the timeline for any upgrades.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that all older depots are being upgraded or replaced, with three new depots built in the last five years and around five more planned in the next five years.
The Land Transport Authority considers the depot’s age, site constraints, and operational requirements when deciding which depots to upgrade.

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1 Aug 2017

Bicycle Location Services for Bike-share Operators

Melvin Yong asked whether LTA uses bike-share operator data to create heatmaps for parking zones and if enforcement differs between private and HDB estates.
LTA uses heatmaps from operators, its own enforcement data, and public feedback to identify areas needing more parking and increased enforcement.
Enforcement against indiscriminately parked bicycles is consistent in all public spaces, including HDB estates and public streets outside private property.
LTA does not have jurisdiction over private land, where landowners may remove objects left without permission.

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1 Aug 2017

Electric Vehicles for Public Transport and Government Agencies

Ang Hin Kee asked the Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources about mandating electric buses for public transport and converting government vehicles to electric.
The Minister highlighted the air pollution benefits of electric vehicles but noted challenges like higher costs and limited range, and announced LTA trials of 50 hybrid and 60 electric buses.
The Ministry is also studying the feasibility of requiring government agencies to adopt greener vehicles, including electric ones, while evaluating costs and environmental impacts.

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1 Aug 2017

Raising Maximum Penalty for Unattended Bags at MRT Stations

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned whether the current $1,000 maximum penalty for leaving unattended bags at MRT stations is sufficient to deter such incidents, given their potential to disrupt operations and affect commuters.
K Shanmugam highlighted that a recent unattended bag at Hougang MRT led to a temporary station closure and inconvenience, with the individual fined $1,000 for public nuisance.
The government is reviewing whether to enhance penalties for such offences to better deter future occurrences.
Police will continue to take all security-related reports seriously due to ongoing terrorism threats.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

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1 Aug 2017

Rejection of Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence Applications

Multiple MPs asked the Minister for Transport about the criteria and numbers for rejecting Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence applications, including for applicants with past convictions.
The Minister explained that about 47,000 applications were received with around 1,600 rejected, primarily for failing background checks, driving experience requirements, or due to poor driving records.
For ex-offenders, LTA bars applicants with serious offences like rape or murder for life, while less serious offences lead to temporary bans, and non-threatening offences may not bar eligibility.
Appeals are considered case-by-case, with 9 out of 35 accepted so far, and a similar approach is used for taxi and bus drivers, where 1,500 licences were granted to those with criminal records in three years.
The overall policy aims to balance reintegration of ex-offenders with passenger safety and security, and all vocational licences require clean background checks and good driving records.

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