Transport — Topics

9 Nov 2016

Becoming an Autonomous Vehicle-ready Nation

Azmoon Ahmad asked if Singapore is ready to be an autonomous vehicle-ready nation, whether the legal framework is in place, and how the recent self-driving car accident will be handled.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that self-driving technology could improve public transport but is not yet mature for widespread use, with trials underway to assess its potential.
The Land Transport Authority has a regulatory framework for trials, requiring safety assessments and insurance, and is studying future regulations for actual deployment.
Investigations into the recent accident are ongoing, and the involved company has paused trials to review safety and technology issues.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Nov 2016

Active Mobility Bill

The Active Mobility Bill is introduced to establish public paths for walking, cycling, and similar purposes, and to regulate their use.
It includes amendments to other related Acts to ensure consistency and support the new framework.
The bill is presented by the Minister for Transport and is scheduled for a second reading in the next Parliament sitting.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Nov 2016

Measures to Benchmark and Improve MRT Service Disruption Problems

The Minister for Transport outlined that MRT reliability is improving, with current performance at 158,000 train-km between delays, but Singapore still lags behind benchmarks set by Hong Kong and Taipei, with targets of 400,000 train-km by 2018 and 800,000 by 2020.
Measures to achieve these benchmarks include enhancing maintenance regimes, transitioning to the New Rail Financing Framework for asset renewal, expanding the rail network for resilience, and building expertise through advisory panels and the Singapore Rail Academy.
The Minister affirmed the need for a quality initiative within SMRT, emphasizing that reliability and quality are core to the transport business and are embedded in the organization's culture.
Regarding the recent Circle Line breakdown, the cause was identified as signal interference with the wireless signalling system, and the team is close to determining the source and solution, with an update expected soon.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Nov 2016

Solutions or Replacement for Bukit Panjang LRT System

The Minister for Transport explained that the Bukit Panjang LRT's unreliability stems from its challenging urban design, including sharp bends and undulating terrain, and identified power rail and track-switching issues as key problems, with plans to redesign the station layout and replace aging components to improve reliability over the next four to five years.
He confirmed that replacing the LRT with a bus-only system is not feasible due to road capacity constraints, and assured that interim improvements to breakdown responses and feeder bus services are being made to minimise resident inconvenience.
The Minister defended SMRT's current team, stating they are committed to service improvement and that recent feedback from commuters indicates disruptions have lessened, while also noting that the BPLRT has been loss-making but is viewed as part of a broader public service portfolio requiring timely investments.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Nov 2016

Conditions for Revoking Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence

The Senior Minister of State outlined that a Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence (TDVL) can be revoked for reasons including being disqualified from driving, conviction for serious crimes, accumulating over 20 demerit points, or being medically unfit, with drivers having 14 days to appeal.
Sylvia Lim questioned the due process and direct communication between the driver and LTA before revocation, expressing concern over protection against frivolous complaints and how LTA assesses credibility, citing a case where revocation was based on an outstanding dispute.
The Senior Minister of State responded that LTA considers passenger safety and transparent criteria like demerit points, noting that drivers are typically aware of accumulating points, but acknowledged that specific cases, including the one mentioned, could be reviewed further if appealed to the Minister.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Nov 2016

Cyclists of Electric/Motorised Bicycles or Vehicles' Liability for Victim's Medical Fees

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah proposed amending the law to require cyclists of electric or motorised bicycles or vehicles found guilty in accidents with pedestrians to pay compensation for medical fees.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that current law already allows injured persons to seek compensation via private settlement or civil court action.
He added that in criminal cases, courts can consider ordering compensation based on the circumstances of each case.
The response indicates existing mechanisms address compensation without the need for new legislation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Nov 2016

Impact on Carpark Provisions with Redevelopment of Golden Shoe Complex

Ang Wei Neng asked about the impact of redeveloping Golden Shoe Car Park into an office building on CBD parking and if car park guidelines for buildings in and outside the CBD are being revised.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that there are adequate parking lots in the vicinity and ample public transport options, including MRT stations and bus services.
He stated that the Land Transport Authority will periodically revise car park requirements in line with public transport expansion and the car-lite strategy.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Nov 2016

Alternatives to Partial Demolition of Ellison Building

The debate centered on whether the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) could have realigned the North-South Corridor to avoid affecting Ellison Building, with questions raised about stakeholder consultation, heritage loss, and alternative options.
The Senior Minister of State explained that tight underground infrastructure constraints made a complete avoidance of Ellison Building impossible, but detailed studies reduced the impact to one shophouse unit, and agencies are working with heritage groups on mitigation measures.
Concerns were raised about earlier engagement of NGOs, the need for a mandatory cultural impact assessment, and whether the decision to partially demolish was the best option, with the Minister noting current conservation processes and plans to study heritage surveys further.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Provision of Parking Lots in Proposed BTO Development in Kaki Bukit

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked about the number of parking lots in the new Kaki Bukit BTO development and whether more could be built to ease shortages at nearby car parks.
The Minister confirmed the BTO development will have 66 car park lots and 34 motorcycle lots.
He stated that car parks B45 and B48 at Bedok North Street 3 currently have enough lots for residents' season parking but face high short-term demand due to local amenities.
Due to site constraints, no new lots can be added, but HDB will reconfigure B45 to provide more loading and unloading bays to ease congestion.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Status of Proposed Integrated Development at Open Field next to Buangkok MRT Station

Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the progress of the proposed integrated development at the open field next to Buangkok MRT station.
Lawrence Wong stated the site will feature a residential development integrated with a bus interchange, MRT station, community facilities, and commercial amenities.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority is collaborating with other agencies to plan and integrate the various uses while considering their specific requirements.
Further details will be provided once the plans are finalized.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Measures to Limit Noise Caused by MRT Trains to Central Grove Condominium Residents

Ms Tin Pei Ling inquired about measures to improve the quality of life for Central Grove residents affected by noise from adjacent MRT trains.
The Minister for Transport responded that measured noise levels at the condominium are below the NEA's 67-decibel threshold, but monitoring will continue.
System-wide noise mitigation measures include installing noise-dampening wheels on trains and using ballast and concrete sleepers on elevated tracks for better vibration absorption.
Additional actions involve more frequent servicing of train wheels and tracks to further reduce noise impact.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Causes for Dislodged Platform Door at Sixth Avenue Downtown Line Station

Christopher de Souza asked for an update on the causes of the dislodged platform door at Sixth Avenue Downtown Line station on 4 October 2016 and whether safety issues were resolved.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that a bolt on the fastener had loosened, causing the door to misalign and be dislodged after contacting a train, with no commuters hurt.
The LTA and SBS Transit issued a joint press release on 18 October 2016 detailing the findings.
Contractors are enhancing fasteners across the Downtown Line to prevent recurrence.
The incident was addressed with no reported injuries and preventive measures being implemented.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Operating Cost Considerations in Transport Fare Reviews

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan questioned whether the Public Transport Council (PTC) balances operating cost considerations with commuter service quality ratings in fare reviews, and if not, why.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the fare formula, last updated in 2013, intentionally separates fare adjustments from service quality to keep the process straightforward and allow independent efforts to improve service levels.
Service improvements since 2013, such as expanded rail networks and more buses, have increased commuter satisfaction, but these come with significant government subsidies and rising costs.
The government expects to spend billions on bus and rail upgrades and maintenance, emphasizing that fares must keep pace with costs to maintain financial viability while ensuring affordability.
The PTC will review the fare formula before its expiry next year to account for changes in the public transport landscape and strike a fine balance between viability and affordability.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Injury or Death of Elderly

From 2013 to 2016, 4% of accidents involving elderly pedestrians resulted in serious injuries and 11% in fatalities.
The Land Transport Authority launched the Silver Zone programme in 2014, which reduced accidents involving seniors from over 40 in five years to just one in implemented areas.
Plans include expanding Silver Zones to 50 locations by 2023 and enhancing features like Green Man Plus and road dividers to improve pedestrian safety for seniors.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Regulations for Motorcyclists Riding in HDB Void Decks and other Public Spaces

Darryl David asked about laws governing motorcycle riding and shortcuts in HDB void decks, pedestrian pathways, and parks.
Lawrence Wong explained that Town Councils manage and enforce by-laws prohibiting unauthorized off-road riding in common areas and can impose penalties.
The Police may investigate and take action against motorists involved in rash acts that endanger safety in these spaces.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Parallel Road to KPE as Additional Route for Motorists Travelling between Hougang and Ubi

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport about building a parallel road to the KPE for motorists between Hougang and Ubi and increasing the speed limit to 90 km/h on a specific KPE stretch.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that building more roads is unsustainable in land-scarce Singapore and only provides temporary congestion relief, so the focus is on promoting public transport, managing traffic demand, and tightening vehicle population growth.
He noted that capacity improvements include adding trains to the North-East Line and new bus services, and that traffic speed monitoring may lead to introducing Electronic Road Pricing on KPE.
Khaw added that increasing the speed limit on the specified KPE stretch is not feasible for safety reasons due to insufficient sight distance for speeds above 80 km/h.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Unsolved Hit-and-Run Traffic Accidents

Ms Joan Pereira asked for the number of unsolved hit-and-run cases, details on information networks involving workshops and immigration officers, and other measures to apprehend fleeing drivers.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that since 2015, there have been 233 hit-and-run accidents with injuries and seven fatal ones, with about one-third of injury cases and all but one fatal case solved.
The Traffic Police use forensic evidence, camera footage, witness appeals, and collaborate with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, insurance bodies, and motor workshops to locate offenders.
Penalties for hit-and-run offenders include fines up to $3,000, imprisonment up to one year, and a driving disqualification of at least one year, in addition to charges under the Penal Code if death or hurt occurs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Trends and Penalties for Jaywalking

The Minister reported that fatal and injury accidents involving jaywalkers have decreased from 2011 to 2015, but jaywalking remains a concern.
The Traffic Police issue about 7,400 warnings or summonses for jaywalking annually and run educational campaigns targeting vulnerable groups like the young and elderly.
The Government plans to launch more safety initiatives, including a new campaign for the elderly and the expansion of the Green Man Plus Scheme to assist seniors in crossing roads safely.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Anxiety amongst Students Delayed by Train Breakdowns on Major Examination Days

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked whether the Ministry will moderate PSLE results to account for anxiety caused by train breakdowns, how many students were affected by recent disruptions, and what contingency plans exist to help students cope with exam delays.
The Parliamentary Secretary confirmed no PSLE candidates were late for the Science paper during a recent Downtown Line disruption, and SEAB has contingency plans to prevent disadvantages for students facing major train service disruptions.
Schools have briefed candidates and invigilators on procedures for late arrivals, including allowing time for students to rest and calm down before starting exams, with full exam duration still provided.
SEAB reviews affected candidates' performances case-by-case, considering their exam circumstances, past school results, and school recommendations to ensure fair assessment.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Non-payment of Taxi Fare

The Minister reported that about 150 taxi fare evasion cases occur monthly, with 65% involving unidentified evaders, and LTA recovers fares in roughly half of referred cases.
Assoc Prof Randolph Tan expressed concern for taxi drivers' vulnerability and suggested direct support from PTC and LTA for fare evasion losses, especially when evaders are unidentified.
The Minister emphasized that taxi operators bear primary responsibility for assisting drivers and recommended they adopt best practices from ride-hailing services, while urging commuters not to evade fares.
A member proposed in-vehicle cameras to identify fare evaders, and the Minister noted that while such ideas should be considered, tracking evaders effectively requires knowing their identity.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source