Transport — Topics

3 Apr 2017

Waiver of Non-transferability of COE for Categories A and B Vehicles

Sylvia Lim inquired about the circumstances under which the LTA allows the transfer of non-transferable COEs for Category A and B vehicles between individuals.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that LTA permits such transfers only in cases of very serious and unforeseen changes beyond the holder's control, such as death.
Transfers of Temporary COEs are restricted to immediate family members.
The policy strictly limits exceptions to prevent misuse while allowing for compassionate cases.
The debate highlights the balance between regulatory rigidity and flexibility for exceptional hardships.

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3 Apr 2017

Improving Safety of Motorcyclists and Pillion Riders

The Minister announced that the Traffic Police will continue using a three-pronged strategy of enforcement, education, and engagement to enhance motorcyclist safety, including expanding traffic cameras and installing new average speed cameras over the next few years.
Enforcement will be strengthened by adding red-light cameras at accident-prone junctions and deploying Average Speed Cameras to ensure motorists maintain safe speeds along entire road stretches.
Education and outreach efforts will be sustained, with learner motorcyclists taught defensive riding techniques and initiatives like "Singapore Ride Safe" encouraging the use of protective gear, including collaborations with food delivery and other companies.
The Minister emphasized that all road users share responsibility for safety, with drivers needing to follow rules and look out for motorcyclists, and motorcyclists must exercise care for themselves and their pillion riders.

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3 Apr 2017

Regulation of Use and Storage of Bicycles Operated by Bicycle-sharing Companies

The Land Transport Authority enforces parking rules for shared bicycles, requiring them to be placed in designated parking racks or demarcated areas to avoid obstruction, with violators subject to removal and fines.
Residents or commuters who encounter illegally parked bicycles can report them directly to LTA or the bicycle-sharing operators for prompt action, and LTA is expanding bicycle parking zones at MRT stations and other public areas.
Private property owners have the right to remove bicycles left on their premises without permission, and bicycle-sharing companies are encouraged to engage with these owners before operating services.

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3 Apr 2017

Personal Mobility Devices on Buses and Trains

Melvin Yong inquired about the permanency of allowing personal mobility devices on buses and trains, cases of denied access, and improvements for first- and last-mile travel for users.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that a trial permitting foldable bicycles and PMDs on public transport is ongoing and will be evaluated for permanency after it ends in May, noting few complaints and about 70 denials due to oversized devices.
The government plans to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity by widening footpaths, adding covered linkways, cycling paths, and bicycle parking facilities.

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3 Apr 2017

Noise Pollution Summonses Issued to Malaysian Motorcycles Entering Singapore

Member of Parliament Liang Eng Hwa asked about summonses for noisy Malaysian motorcycles, potential enforcement increases near BKE, and a review of permissible noise levels.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) conduct joint enforcement blitzes, with 38 foreign motorcycles stopped since 2016 for illegal exhaust modifications.
Enforcement actions consider public feedback, and vehicles must comply with noise standards to renew road tax, with standards regularly reviewed.

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3 Apr 2017

Non-compliance with Approved Operating Procedures at SMRT

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked why SMRT's non-compliance with approved operating procedures from 2002 until the fatal March 2016 accident went undetected and uncorrected, and whether the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had inspected SMRT for workplace safety during that period.
MOM stated that it conducted 10 workplace safety inspections at SMRT train depots between 2002 and 2015, focusing on high-risk areas like work-at-height activities, and that a proactive, risk-based approach is used to target sectors with high accident likelihood or severe consequences.
Following the 2016 accident, MOM's investigation found SMRT employees failed to follow established procedures, and the Ministry noted internal safety checks by SMRT were ineffective, leading to a $400,000 fine—the highest ever for a Workplace Safety and Health violation.
MOM emphasized that both employers and workers share responsibility for safety, and collective ownership is needed to ensure workers return home safely every day.

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3 Apr 2017

Deployment of Technicians to HDB Car Parks During Breakdown of Electronic Parking System

The Minister explained that HDB’s electronic parking system is managed by 10 decentralised service providers, each with a 24-hour call centre to assist motorists via intercoms at car park entrances and exits.
Service providers are required to deploy a response officer to the site within 10 minutes if issues cannot be resolved remotely, under normal traffic and weather conditions, with liquidated damages imposed for non-compliance.
The Minister noted that the current decentralised system allows for immediate assessment and deployment, and did not indicate plans for further decentralisation beyond the existing provider structure.

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3 Apr 2017

Motor Insurance Payouts from Accidents Involving Foreign Motorists

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Transport for the number of local motorists who successfully claimed insurance payouts from foreign motorists for personal injury and vehicle damage from accidents in Singapore over the last three years.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that insurance claims are private transactions, so the government does not have access to such data, but the General Insurance Association of Singapore helps local motorists with claims against Malaysian insurers.
He noted that very few complaints have been received on this issue, indicating it is not a widespread concern.

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3 Apr 2017

Rain Shelters for Motorcyclists

Member Zainal Sapari asked about the number of dedicated rain shelters for motorcyclists along expressways, their safety measures, and whether more could be built beyond those under overhead bridges.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated there are 80 such shelters, located under flyovers and protected by barriers or spring-loaded poles, with warning signs placed 40 metres before each shelter.
The Ministry will consider providing more rain shelters where feasible.

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3 Apr 2017

Auto-deduction of Toll Charges for Vehicles at Causeway and Tuas Checkpoints

Yee Chia Hsing asked if auto-deduction of toll charges could replace the current manual cash card system at the Causeway and Tuas checkpoints.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that implementing auto-deduction would require substantial physical infrastructure similar to ERP systems.
The current ERP system is becoming obsolete and will be replaced by a satellite-based system by 2020, which would allow auto-deduction with less infrastructure investment.

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8 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Members raised concerns about technology disrupting traditional industries, particularly how private hire cars and streaming services like Netflix are challenging taxis and cable TV, urging the government to support workers affected by such changes.
Multiple MPs highlighted ongoing issues with public transport reliability, including frequent MRT breakdowns and noise complaints, and called for improved maintenance, predictive systems, and clearer policies for noise barriers and bus services.
The debate emphasized the need for a balanced approach to innovation, workforce adaptation, and infrastructure development to support Singapore's transition to a smarter, greener, and more inclusive transport system.

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8 Mar 2017

Setting up of Drone Port

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Transport about setting up a drone port to accommodate rising goods transport via drones.
The Minister responded that while drones have potential, their use for goods transport is not yet mature for safe deployment in Singapore, with ongoing trials like the Skyways Project at NUS.
The Ministry is monitoring international drone port projects, coordinating multi-agency efforts, and has a regulatory framework that is being updated as technology evolves.

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2 Mar 2017

Doll Found on Tracks of Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station

The Minister for Transport stated that an investigation into a doll found on the tracks at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station found no evidence of a security breach, with CCTV and physical checks suggesting it may have been accidentally dropped by a commuter and later moved by a worker.
The Minister confirmed that this specific incident was the first of its kind, though objects being dropped through platform gaps are not uncommon, though not frequent.
The debate concluded with no new measures announced, as the investigation deemed the incident not to be a security breach.

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28 Feb 2017

Handling of Arson Attacks in MRT Trains

The Home Team and public transport operators have established procedures for fire detection, evacuation, and emergency response in MRT trains, with regular exercises to ensure preparedness.
The Public Transport Security Command conducts patrols and security checks, while the SGSecure movement engages the public through advisories, SMS reporting, and e-learning to enhance vigilance and response.
Collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Land Transport Authority, and operators focus on training frontline staff, raising public awareness, and conducting exercises to strengthen readiness for arson or terror attacks.

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28 Feb 2017

Bus Regularity Following Implementation of Bus Service Reliability Framework

Bus regularity improved under the BSRF, with a 20% reduction in average additional wait times for the initial 45 services and a 15% reduction for 108 services implemented later.
$3.4 million in incentives was paid out during the trial period with no penalties, and further incentives or penalties will be assessed annually.
The framework has been incorporated into the bus contracting model based on trial experience, with the baseline standard tightened to further improve service reliability.

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28 Feb 2017

Deciding between Pedestrian Overhead Bridges and Pedestrian Crossing

Ms Sun Xueling asked the Ministry for Transport about the planning parameters and cost-benefit considerations for choosing between pedestrian overhead bridges and at-grade crossings.
The Minister explained that at-grade crossings are preferred for being barrier-free and convenient for the elderly, families with strollers, and persons with disabilities.
At-grade crossings are not suitable for roads with fast-moving traffic or where they may cause serious congestion, in which cases pedestrian overhead bridges are provided.

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20 Feb 2017

Ambient Light Sensors for Public Roads to Ensure Adequate Lighting Levels

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked whether the Land Transport Authority could add ambient light sensors to existing street lamps to improve lighting during heavy rainstorms and low visibility.
The Minister for Transport confirmed that ambient light sensors will be installed as part of a major street lighting upgrade.
The upgrade will start in the Central Area next year and be completed across Singapore by 2022.

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20 Feb 2017

Limit Number of Vehicles for Private Hire Arrangements

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Ministry for Transport to review and control the number of vehicles for private hire beyond the vocational licence requirement.
The Minister for Transport responded that the government prefers to let the market determine industry growth, noting competition has benefited commuters and expanded the point-to-point transport market.
Gan raised concerns about potential higher COE prices for private vehicles due to taxi companies' COE exemptions, but the Minister stated evidence does not link private hire services to increased COE prices.

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7 Feb 2017

Facilitating Claims for Injuries from Use of Personal Mobility Devices

Zaqy Mohamad asked how the Ministry can help facilitate injury or damage claims between two parties for PMD and bicycle incidents to avoid costly civil suits, and whether a claims tribunal will be set up in the absence of compulsory insurance.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that accidents with serious injuries are investigated by police, and fault-finding may lead to prosecution and court-ordered compensation.
He stated that setting up a claims tribunal is premature and that the focus will be on monitoring PMD and bicycle use, intensifying user education, and enforcing proper footpath sharing.

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7 Feb 2017

Impact of Private Car Hire Growth on Taxi Drivers' Incomes

Mr Zaqy Mohamad raised concerns about how the rise of private car hire services affects taxi drivers’ incomes, including income differences between day and night shifts and the impact of regulatory changes.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan noted a 6.2% drop in average net earnings for taxi drivers in 2016 compared to 2015, though earnings have increased by about 4% since 2013, partly due to lower energy costs and stable gross fare revenue.
The Ministry does not have data on income differences by shift type and considers the effect of removing the 250-kilometre requirement too soon to assess, but expects it to bring positive outcomes for drivers.
The Minister emphasised that competition from private hire services can benefit taxi drivers and mentioned that taxi companies are introducing measures like rental reductions and performance-based rebates to support drivers.
Taxi companies have the flexibility to adjust fares and surcharges to stay competitive, and the government will continue reviewing regulations to ensure they remain relevant for commuters, drivers, and companies.

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