Transport — Topics

3 Jul 2017

Safeguards against Possibility of Terrorist Attack Using a Vehicle

The Ministry for Home Affairs has enhanced counter-terrorism capabilities, including better-equipped response forces, major exercises, and improved surveillance, while acknowledging that complete prevention of vehicle-based attacks is not possible.
New laws will require event organizers and building owners to implement security measures such as physical barriers, vehicle screening, and planning events away from vehicle-accessible areas, especially for large gatherings.
The upcoming Infrastructure Protection Act will mandate security considerations, including anti-vehicle measures, in the design of new large-scale developments and may require additional protective actions during heightened security threats.
Community vigilance through SGSecure is emphasized, with the public urged to report suspicious vehicles or persons to help prevent and respond to attacks.

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3 Jul 2017

Managing Parking and Use of Bicycles from Bike-sharing Schemes

The Land Transport Authority is coordinating with HDB, NParks, and Town Councils to increase bicycle parking capacity and has implemented 34 zones near MRT stations, with plans to add over 6,000 more lots by 2019.
LTA requires bike-sharing companies to remove indiscriminately parked bicycles promptly and has impounded about 200 bikes this year, with fines and fees levied on companies for non-compliance.
There are around 29,000–30,000 shared bicycles in Singapore, and LTA is engaging operators to use technological solutions like geo-fencing to minimize improper parking while considering a whole-of-government enforcement approach.

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8 May 2017

Statistics on Vehicles Booked for Smoky Emissions

In 2015 and 2016, the NEA booked 16,755 vehicles with smoky emissions, of which 6,339 were foreign-registered.
Smoky foreign vehicles entering Singapore undergo a smoke test, with diesel vehicles exceeding 70 HSU and any vehicle with visible exhaust turned back; 390 were turned away in 2015–2016.
The public can report smoky vehicles via the NEA hotline, website, or "myEnv" app.

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8 May 2017

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

The Disabled Persons Scheme (DPS) provides COE and ARF waivers for Singapore Citizens with permanent disabilities who are lower-income, employed, and require a vehicle for work but cannot use public transport without assistance.
Eligibility requires medical certification from Tan Tock Seng Rehabilitation Centre, proof of gainful employment with a demonstrated need for a vehicle, and meeting means-test criteria.
Additional support includes exemptions from motor vehicle loan restrictions and the Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) as an alternative for those unable to use public transport.
Both DPS and TSS aim to complement public transport and promote independent living for persons with disabilities.

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8 May 2017

Plans to Manage Dust and Noise Pollution from Enhancement Works for Tampines Expressway

Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Transport about near- and long-term plans to manage dust and noise pollution from Tampines Expressway enhancement works
Khaw Boon Wan responded that during construction, temporary noise barriers will be installed and noisy machinery enclosed, with noisy works scheduled during daytime
He added that work areas will be watered periodically and construction vehicles washed before leaving the site to minimise dust pollution

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8 May 2017

Falls from Personal Mobility Devices and Progress of Safe Cycling Programmes for Students

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about the progress of safe cycling programmes for students, whether they cover all types of personal mobility devices (PMDs), and the number of PMD-related injury cases treated in government hospitals or polyclinics over the past two years.
The Land Transport Authority has engaged over 70,000 primary school students through publications and piloted a Safe Riding Programme in four schools, with plans to expand it further this year.
The programme covers PMDs and teaches users to handle various situations, requiring participants to have basic device skills, and new users can seek training from retailers.
Government hospitals and polyclinics do not track statistics on injuries from PMD falls.

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8 May 2017

Tampering of Odometers of Vehicles

Sitoh Yih Pin asked whether there are plans to legislate against odometer tampering due to sellers misrepresenting mileage on secondhand vehicles.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that tampering with odometers to deceive buyers is already an offence under the Penal Code.
He added that motor dealers who knowingly fail to disclose tampering can be investigated for unfair practices under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, and buyers may seek assistance from the Consumers Association of Singapore.

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8 May 2017

Lower Speed Limits for Roads with On-road Cycling Lanes

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan proposed lowering speed limits for motorised traffic on roads with on-road cycling lanes as a safety measure and asked about rules for personal mobility devices and comprehensive guidelines for all users.
The Minister for Transport noted that speed limits on Tanah Merah Coast Road are already set at 70 km/h or 60 km/h for safety, with adjustments made as needed.
Personal mobility devices are not permitted on on-road cycling lanes, aligning with the general rule that they are not allowed on roads.
The traffic rules for bicycles on on-road cycling lanes remain the same as existing rules for cycling on roads.
The response indicates ongoing monitoring and potential adjustments, but no immediate plans for new guidelines beyond existing regulations.

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8 May 2017

Extension of Taxi Driver Licence beyond Age 75 for Those who are Fit

Foo Mee Har questioned if taxi drivers over 75 could extend their vocational licences based on fitness and passing annual assessments.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that taxi driving imposes greater physical and cognitive stress than private driving, making an age limit necessary for passenger safety despite medical checks.
He noted the age limit has been raised from 70 to 75 over the years and will be periodically reviewed in line with population health and lifespan improvements.

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8 May 2017

Failure to Give Way to Emergency Vehicles

The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that from 2014 to 2016, 22 drivers received composition fines for failing to give way to emergency vehicles, with none prosecuted in court.
The Traffic Police impose four demerit points and a composition fine for such offences, with court prosecution for aggravating factors leading to fines up to $1,000 or three months’ imprisonment for first-time offenders, and higher penalties for repeat offenders.
The Ministry has no plans to review the current penalties, deeming them adequate, and continues public education efforts through electronic signboards and decals to raise awareness.

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8 May 2017

Sheltered Walkways from Schools to Bus Stops and MRT Stations

Darryl David proposed that LTA collaborate with schools and institutions to build sheltered walkways connecting them to bus stops and MRT stations for better last-mile connectivity.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that 80% of schools already have covered linkways to nearby transit stations, with the rest to be completed by 2018 if they meet the Walk2Ride criteria.

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8 May 2017

Rationale for Pricing of Polytechnic Students' Concessionary Passes

Liang Eng Hwa questioned the rationale behind the pricing of polytechnic students' concessionary passes for buses, trains, and hybrid travel, suggesting the hybrid pass may be unreasonable for students with primarily train journeys and short bus connections.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that single-mode passes are special concessions, while hybrid passes are priced based on comparison to other commuter groups' monthly concession passes.
He stated that hybrid passes for polytechnic students are priced the same as those for secondary, ITE, and junior college students, and less than half the cost of an Adult Monthly Travel Pass.

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8 May 2017

Impact of Recent Price Increases on Cost of Living

MTI and MAS are tracking price increases in utilities, transport, and other sectors, projecting CPI-all items inflation to rise to 0.5–1.5% in 2017, mainly driven by higher energy costs linked to global oil prices.
Administrative price adjustments like water tariffs and carpark charges are expected to add about 0.2 percentage points to inflation in 2017, with measures such as staggered increases and U-Save rebates helping to mitigate household impact.
The government will continue monitoring price developments and coordinate across agencies to smooth out future increases, though global energy price fluctuations remain beyond direct control.

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8 May 2017

Scope and Frequency of Safety Inspections on MRT Train Operators

The Ministry of Manpower conducts approximately 16,000 inspections annually using a targeted, risk-based approach, focusing on high-risk workplaces like MRT operations, with most being surprise inspections except for pre-arranged ones to avoid disrupting train services.
Inspections involve a three-step process: site walk-throughs, discussions with staff, and review of safety protocols, with findings shared confidentially with companies and industry stakeholders to promote broader safety improvements.
Following a March 2016 incident, MOM increased the scope of inspections for MRT train operators to include safety operating procedures, conducting six in-depth inspections in 2016 to address lapses and enhance safety standards.

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8 May 2017

Mandating Hours of Work and Rest for Drivers

Joan Pereira asked if the Ministry of Manpower would mandate drivers' work and rest hours based on ILO recommendations, such as a maximum of nine hours daily and breaks after four hours of driving.
The Minister of State replied that current regulations require employers to ensure worker safety under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, with guidelines including limiting shifts to 12 hours and recommending breaks every two hours, though no hard mandates are in place.
The Minister highlighted a decline in work-related traffic accidents among drivers but acknowledged one death is still too many, emphasizing continued efforts to improve safety measures.
Joan Pereira followed up by asking if Singapore could mandate technology to enhance driver safety, given smart city investments and innovations.
The Minister responded that authorities are trialing technology like tachographs to monitor driving behavior and will decide on mandating such tools after assessing the trial's outcomes.

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4 Apr 2017

Coordination of Road Works to Minimise Inconvenience to Road Users

Lim Biow Chuan questioned how the Road Opening Coordination Committee can better coordinate among agencies to minimise road works and inconvenience to users.
The Second Minister for Transport explained that the committee plans works in advance, but emergency repairs like cable or gas faults cannot always be forecasted, and a new fee structure incentivises optimal planning of road works.
Lim Biow Chuan suggested a moratorium on road digging for non-emergency works after initial repairs, requiring ministerial approval for exceptions.
The Minister responded that the committee, comprising multiple agencies, coordinates many annual applications and aims to avoid repeated digging within a reasonable timeframe.

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4 Apr 2017

Accidents Involving Heavy Vehicles Driven by S Pass and Work Permit Holders

In the past five years, heavy vehicle accidents averaged 791 injuries and 39 fatalities annually, with about 45% of at-fault drivers being foreigners including S Pass and Work Permit holders.
The Traffic Police use technology like speed and red-light cameras, plan to deploy average speed cameras, and are trialing tachographs to monitor driving behavior, alongside public education campaigns.
Foreign drivers must obtain a Singapore driving license within six months of getting a Work Pass and renew it every five years, while tampering with speed limiters can lead to jail or fines.
Driver fatigue is a concern, and a taskforce is working with agencies to engage heavy vehicle drivers and companies, addressing causes like failure to keep a proper look-out and maintain control.

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4 Apr 2017

Noise Barriers for MRT Tracks at Khatib Station

The Minister confirmed that the tender for noise barriers at Khatib and other Phase 2 locations will be called within months, with installation starting around 2020 and completion by 2022, following a delay due to a review of Phase 1 results and coordination with other rail works.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah highlighted a previous timeline that was delayed from 2019 to 2022 and urged prioritizing Khatib due to residents' sleep disturbances from noise.
The Minister explained the delay was due to a budget review requiring Phase 2 to follow Phase 1 evaluation, and acknowledged the constituency's experience with similar Phase 2 delays.
Alex Yam noted that Phase 1 in Yew Tee remains incomplete due to higher barriers being deferred to Phase 2, leaving residents concerned about prolonged partial installation.
Both MPs emphasized the need for timely completion, and the Minister expressed sympathy and commitment to expedite the process.

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4 Apr 2017

Surge Pricing by Taxi Operators

The Ministry supports dynamic pricing by taxi operators to help them compete with private hire services, noting it can lower fares during off-peak hours and that metered fares remain an option for commuters uncomfortable with surge pricing.
Taxi companies are legally required to provide at least one week's notice before implementing dynamic pricing, as demonstrated by Grab and ComfortDelGro’s recent announcements.
In response to concerns about surge pricing affecting urgent needs, the Minister advised that critical emergencies should use ambulances, while non-critical situations can rely on traditional metered fare options like street hails or app bookings.

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3 Apr 2017

Driving Lessons to Navigate Traffic Roundabouts

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked about the number of traffic roundabouts in Singapore and whether driving lessons teach how to navigate them.
Minister K Shanmugam stated there are 46 traffic roundabouts on public roads.
He confirmed that the curriculum for learner drivers includes roundabout navigation and that the driving theory tests cover this topic.

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