Transport — Topics

10 Jan 2017

Resolution of Signalling Problems along Circle Line

The Minister for Transport explained that the Circle Line signalling problem was caused by a hardware malfunction on a train, which has since been fixed, and the LTA is investigating with the manufacturer to determine if the entire batch of components needs replacement.
The LTA is developing targeted measures to prevent recurrence on the Circle Line and North-East Line, including shielding signalling antennas, adding backup antennas, and improving signal transmission protocols to enhance resilience.
Newer signalling systems for the Downtown Line and future lines like the Thomson-East Coast Line have enhanced redundancy features and are not affected by this type of interference.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jan 2017

Active Mobility Bill

The Active Mobility Bill establishes rules for using bicycles, PMDs, and PABs on public paths, setting speed limits (15km/h on footpaths, 25km/h on shared paths) and device standards, with penalties for violations, to balance safety and the promotion of car-lite mobility.
Debates highlighted concerns about pedestrian safety, with calls for mandatory insurance for PMD users, stricter enforcement, and age limits, but the Minister argued for focusing on education and cultural change over costly mandates, noting existing civil and criminal remedies.
Infrastructure and design improvements, such as wider paths, segregated lanes, and better signage, were emphasized by members, with the government committing to expand cycling networks and collaborate with town councils on maintenance and enforcement.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jan 2017

Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill

The bill aims to amend the Road Traffic Act to validate certain sums collected under the Act and make related changes to the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act.
The Second Minister for Transport, Mr Ng Chee Meng, presented the bill and it was read for the first time, with a second reading scheduled for the next parliamentary sitting.
The debate focused on the legislative need to formalize collected sums and ensure alignment between the two Acts for consistent traffic and compensation regulations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jan 2017

Assessment by Traffic Police of Suitability to Drive for Drivers with Prescribed Diseases or Disabilities

Member of Parliament Murali Pillai asked whether drivers with prescribed diseases or disabilities should be required to self-report or have medical professionals report to Traffic Police for licence assessment.
Parliamentary Secretary Amrin Amin explained that current rules list specific disabilities, require medical checks for drivers over 65 and after accidents, and have led to 69 licence revocations in four years, but mandatory reporting is not yet implemented.
The ministry acknowledged the need to balance road safety with practical reporting requirements, noting it will study international practices before deciding on any changes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Update on Construction of Lifts at Pedestrian Overhead Bridges

Ang Wei Neng asked for an update on the construction of lifts at pedestrian overhead bridges and for the possible expediting of the lift at the bridge linking to Chinese Garden MRT station.
Khaw Boon Wan reported that lifts have been installed at 18 out of 47 bridges identified for retrofitting.
Preliminary works for the lift at the Chinese Garden MRT station bridge have started and installation should be completed by year-end.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Considerations for LRT Service Bi-directional Operations

Sun Xueling asked about the criteria for LRT services to run bi-directionally, noting Punggol West Loop currently switches direction at 3 pm.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that low ridership (7,000 daily) means Punggol West Loop operates unidirectionally, unlike the busier East Loop (45,000 daily).
He stated that bi-directional operations and increased frequency will be considered when ridership grows and additional capacity is needed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Update on Cross Island MRT Line Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Site investigation works on the two alignment options for Phase 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment have started and are slated for completion by end-2018.
The Ministry engages nature community volunteers through regular consultations to monitor and manage environmental impacts, particularly during the rainy season.
The Land Transport Authority has appointed a nature group representative as an advisor to audit the implementation of the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan from Phase 1.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Foldable Bikes and E-scooters Pilot Project Findings

The six-month pilot project allows foldable bicycles and e-scooters on public transport at all times, and has recently started with positive public response and few complaints observed so far.
Most commuters have behaved responsibly by folding their devices, and those who fail to do so may face a maximum fine of $500 upon conviction.
The Ministry has not yet decided on policy changes such as disallowing devices during peak hours, as the trial needs to run its course before any decisions are made.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Inclusion of Potong Pasir in Silver Zone Programme

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin requested the inclusion of Potong Pasir in the Silver Zone programme due to its high elderly population.
The Land Transport Authority prioritises areas with higher traffic accidents involving the elderly for the Silver Zone programme.
The Minister confirmed that Potong Pasir will be included in the Silver Zone programme.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence (TDVL) Re-application Criteria

Sitoh Yih Pin queried the conditions for re-applying for a Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence (TDVL) after revocation due to non-traffic criminal convictions.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the Land Transport Authority assesses each case based on offence severity, aiming to protect passenger safety and public confidence.
He stated that extreme offences like rape, murder, or kidnapping result in a lifetime ban from re-applying, while less serious offences like housebreaking lead to a three- to five-year ban before re-application is considered.
Offences not posing physical safety risks, such as forgery, do not impose any debarment, allowing for a second chance under a calibrated approach.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Review of Traffic Flow at Junction outside Trade Association Hub

Mr Thomas Chua Kee Seng called for a review and redesign of the traffic flow at the junction outside the Trade Association Hub to better handle increased activity since its completion in 2017.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan responded that Jurong Town Hall Road and Jurong East Street 11 were widened in 2012 and 2014 in anticipation of the Hub’s opening.
The junction was designed to allow vehicles to enter and exit the Hub without disrupting traffic on Jurong Town Hall Road.
Khaw Boon Wan also noted that public transport is a convenient option, as the Hub is within a 10-minute walk from Jurong East MRT station.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Steps to Prevent Commercial Vehicles from Parking in Non-charging Parking Spaces

Sitoh Yih Pin highlighted that transport leasing businesses are parking commercial vehicles in non-charging spaces near landed properties, causing inconvenience to residents.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that roads in private residential estates are public, so LTA cannot prohibit any vehicle from parking where allowed.
LTA is open to suggestions for improving parking schemes but emphasized that any schemes must be uniformly applied to all vehicles.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Number of Officers Hired for Enforcement Action against Errant Cyclists or Users of Personal Mobility Devices

Lim Biow Chuan asked how many enforcement officers will be engaged to act against errant cyclists and personal mobility device users who breach speed rules on footpaths.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that currently 16 Active Mobility Enforcement Officers from LTA, supported by over 600 volunteers, are involved in such enforcement.
LTA is considering using additional methods, such as closed-circuit television cameras, to deter offenders.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Measures to Ensure Safe Evacuation of Persons Using Mobility Aids during Train Breakdowns

Leon Perera inquired about safety measures for evacuating persons using mobility aids like wheelchairs during train breakdowns, especially when evacuating via rail tracks.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that during detrainments, staff assist commuters with special mobility needs, and SCDF personnel use stretchers to evacuate wheelchair users due to narrow maintenance walkways.
He added that regular detrainment exercises involving wheelchair users are conducted with the Land Transport Authority and SCDF, with the most recent exercise held in December 2016.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Amount of Operating Subsidy for Public Bus Operators in 2017 under Bus Contracting Model

The Minister reported that the bus contracting model is fully implemented with improvements in service levels and a rise in Singaporean bus captains, which has increased operating costs and subsidies.
The estimated operating subsidy for bus services over the next five years is between $3.5 billion and $4 billion, factoring in the fare reduction effective 30 December 2016.
To control subsidy growth, the government will enforce cost discipline through regular competitive tenders and bus service rationalisation, while maintaining price discipline with regular fare adjustments.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Assessment of Deployment of Driverless Vehicles for Public Transport

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef requested the latest update and details on using driverless vehicles for public transport in Singapore.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that self-driving technology could address driver shortages and improve first- and last-mile connectivity, especially for vulnerable groups.
The Ministry of Transport has partnered with private companies and research institutes to trial self-driving buses, shuttles, and vehicles in areas like one-north and Sentosa.
Trials are progressing, with NTU’s self-driving buses expected to begin on-road testing by mid-2018, and widespread deployment anticipated in 10 to 15 years.
Continued trials and limited deployment are planned while the technology matures.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Setting Minimum Age Limit for Drivers of Private Hire Vehicles

Mr Zainal Sapari proposed a minimum age of 27 for private hire vehicle drivers based on accident-risk assessment.
Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan opposed age-based limits, arguing that driving experience is more critical for safety.
The Ministry supports a two-year minimum driving experience requirement instead of an age restriction.
Khaw emphasized that experience, not age, better ensures passenger safety, noting that older new drivers may be less confident than younger experienced ones.
The debate centered on whether age or experience should be the primary criterion for regulating private hire drivers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Drawing on Past Reserves for Singapore-Malaysia High-speed Rail Project

Pritam Singh asked whether the Government sought the President's permission to draw on Past Reserves for the Singapore-Malaysia High-Speed Rail (HSR) project and the amount set aside.
Lawrence Wong stated that the Government did not seek permission to draw on Past Reserves for HSR and that the project will be funded through normal budgetary processes.
The Government instead sought and obtained the President’s concurrence under the Constitution to guarantee payments by Singapore’s HSR Infrastructure Company to cover capital and operational costs, with Malaysia providing a similar guarantee.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Improvements after Signalling System Upgrade at North-South and East-West MRT Lines

The signalling upgrade on the North-South and East-West MRT lines is expected to increase train frequency to one every 100 seconds during peak hours, up from the current 120 seconds, boosting capacity by 20% and reducing wait times for commuters.
The upgrade process may cause initial technical glitches despite extensive testing, as seen in other transit systems, and commuters are asked for patience during the transition period.
Thales, the equipment manufacturer, is training SMRT staff on operating and maintaining the new system and will provide technical support in the initial years to address any teething issues.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2017

Total Road Charges Paid by Singapore Vehicles to Malaysian Authority at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints

Malaysia collected about RM14 million in road charges from Singapore vehicles at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints between November 1 and December 20, 2016.
Singapore will match Malaysia’s road charge to ensure reciprocal consideration of any fee changes, with details to be announced soon.
The impact on the number of Singapore vehicles entering Malaysia was not noticeable, partly due to the December holiday period and the high proportion of motorcyclists using the Causeway.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source