Transport — Topics

7 Nov 2016

Rationale for Stopping Park and Ride Scheme

The Minister for Transport explained that the Park and Ride Scheme, introduced in 1975 before the MRT system existed, is now less useful as most commuters can directly take public transport from home, and the scheme has a very low take-up rate with fewer than 2,000 regular users.
The Minister noted that many motorists misuse the scheme for cheap subsidized parking rather than switching to public transport, defeating its purpose of reducing CBD congestion, and that motorists can still park near public transport without subsidies and save significantly.
Mr Ang Wei Neng questioned whether enforcement against abusers would be better than removing benefits for the remaining thousand genuine users and asked about a more aggressive scheme to encourage parking at under-utilized car parks like Sports Hub and Kallang.
The Minister responded that the small number of scheme users is insignificant compared to daily commuter traffic, and that many motorists already park and ride without needing subsidies, as parking at fringe areas saves hundreds of dollars monthly compared to CBD parking and ERP charges.

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10 Oct 2016

Free Sunday Parking for Residents of New Estates

Ms Sun Xueling asked when residents of new estates can expect free Sunday parking, noting the typical response to wait for parking demand to stabilise.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB monitors parking needs for about six months after new developments open to assess demand as residents move in.
Free Sunday parking is only considered once HDB determines residents' parking needs are met, and monitoring may extend if car park provisions change in the area.
The approach aims to holistically assess demand and avoid unhappiness from withdrawing free parking after it has been introduced.

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10 Oct 2016

Review of Enforcement Legislation for Parking Violations in Private Estates

Sylvia Lim proposed a review of parking enforcement to exempt private estate residents from violations when parking in front of their own gates without obstructing paths or traffic.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that LTA consults with local groups to balance parking needs and safety but emphasized that rules must apply uniformly to all, including residents and non-residents.
The Government cannot grant exemptions to private estate residents for using public roads, as all Singaporeans are subject to the same laws.

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10 Oct 2016

Extending Use of Private Education Institution Student Concession Card to Returning Singaporean Children

Mr Zainal Sapari asked whether the Private Education Institution Student Concession Card could be extended to returning Singaporean children who passed an exam equivalent to the PSLE overseas.
The Minister for Transport, Khaw Boon Wan, confirmed that all secondary-level homeschooled Singapore citizens aged 20 and below are eligible, including those returning from overseas.
Eligibility requires pursuing the GCE Normal, Ordinary, or Advanced Level qualification, or an International Baccalaureate qualification.
This policy ensures returning children can access the concession card if they meet the educational criteria.

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10 Oct 2016

Scanning Commuters and Their Belongings Before Entering MRT Stations

Ms Joan Pereira asked if the Ministry will consider scanning commuters and belongings before entering MRT stations, similar to practices in other major cities.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that a multi-agency Public Transport Security Committee reviews threats and adjusts security measures using a risk-based approach.
He stated that current measures include Transit Security Officers, police patrols, CCTV, and commuter vigilance, with checks on selected commuters.
The government calibrates security based on the threat level and will impose broader checks if the situation warrants.

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10 Oct 2016

Review of Heavy Vehicle Season Parking Scheme

The government has sufficient heavy vehicle parking spaces island-wide, with 43,785 spaces for 33,760 vehicles, but demand mismatches exist near residential areas, where providing more spaces is challenging due to space constraints and resident disamenities like noise and fumes.
Business owners are responsible for their vehicles' parking and must collaborate with drivers on transport options, especially for early morning operations, rather than relying solely on government solutions.
URA and HDB allocate season parking on a first-come-first-served basis to residents or businesses near public heavy vehicle parks, with transfers or mutual exchanges allowed subject to availability.
There are about 1,640 public heavy vehicle parking spaces near Tampines Road and Sengkang, currently fully allocated, and no plans to build additional carparks in these areas for residents of Hougang, Compassvale, Rivervale, Anchorvale, and Fernvale.

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10 Oct 2016

Publication of Full Report of 22 March Fatal Train Incident

The Member asked the Minister for Transport whether the full accident report would be published and if the train driver was found at fault.
The Minister explained that the report's release is SMRT's prerogative since SMRT convened the panel.
The Minister stated that LTA and MOM findings will be made public only after all investigations, including any coroner's inquiry, are completed to avoid prejudice.

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10 Oct 2016

Rationale for Current COE Validity Period

The Ministry of Transport originally set COE validity at 10 years but introduced a five-year renewal option in 1992 to accommodate owners who felt their vehicles would not last longer, with a refund if deregistered earlier.
Extending flexibility to choose any renewal period could favor existing vehicle owners over new buyers, disrupting the balance between the two groups.
Fixed five or ten-year periods provide stability in COE supply and demand, avoiding volatility that could arise from variable renewal lengths.
The Ministry is not inclined to allow customisable renewal periods, particularly for motorcycle owners, to maintain fairness and market predictability.

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10 Oct 2016

Insurance Coverage for Private Hire Vehicles and Drivers

Zaqy Mohamad inquired about insurance measures for private hire car drivers, including Uber drivers, to ensure coverage for injuries and damage to passengers, road users, and private property.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that all motor vehicles, including private hire cars, must be insured against third-party liability risks under the Motor Vehicles Act, covering death or bodily injury to passengers and other road users.
Private hire cars are additionally required to have insurance that covers their use for hire and reward, providing more than basic third-party liability coverage.
It is an offence to use a vehicle without appropriate insurance, with penalties including fines up to $1,000, imprisonment up to three months, or both, and a 12-month licence disqualification.

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10 Oct 2016

Plans to Augment LTA's Capabilities Given Expanded Roles

LTA has increased its headcount by about 35% since 2013 and will add 900 more engineering positions in the next two years to support its expanded roles.
LTA is learning from international models through advisory panels and study visits to places like Hong Kong, Taipei, London, and countries such as the UK, Sweden, Australia, and Germany.
LTA has restructured into four new specialist teams for rail and bus asset management, bus tendering and contracts, and High Speed Rail, with plans to further reorganise as projects evolve.

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10 Oct 2016

Benefits of Noise Barriers along MRT Tracks

The Minister confirmed that noise barriers along MRT tracks have successfully reduced noise levels by about five decibels.
The Ministry is focusing installation efforts on residential areas where noise exceeds the 67 decibels per hour threshold, citing resource and maintenance constraints.
Alternative noise mitigation measures, such as noise-dampening wheels, improved track materials, and more frequent servicing, are being explored in parallel.

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10 Oct 2016

Grounds for Dismissal of SMRT Employees for 22 March Fatal Train Incident

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Ministry of Manpower whether it had sought the full grounds for dismissal of the two SMRT employees sacked over the fatal 22 March 2016 train incident and what those grounds were.
The Minister for Manpower, Lim Swee Say, stated that two SMRT trainees were killed in the incident and that SMRT dismissed a train driver and an Assistant Engineer on 13 September, with the union filing appeals to SMRT and later to MOM.
MOM has requested the grounds of dismissal from SMRT and will facilitate conciliation between the parties, and if unsuccessful, will conduct an inquiry to determine if there was just cause for dismissal.
The National Transport Workers' Union is assisting the two dismissed employees and is helping to secure new employment for them.

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10 Oct 2016

Rationale for Staff Disciplinary Actions before Conclusion of Coroner's Inquiry for 22 March Fatal Train Incident

Yee Chia Hsing questioned the timing of SMRT's disciplinary actions against staff before the conclusion of investigations and the coroner's inquiry into the 22 March 2016 fatal train incident.
Khaw Boon Wan acknowledged SMRT's prerogative to act per its procedures but suggested waiting for ongoing investigations by LTA, MOM, and Police to conclude could have been preferable.
Khaw noted that NTWU had appealed on behalf of the staff and SMRT had convened an Appeal Panel to review the case fairly, considering all relevant factors.

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10 Oct 2016

Fall-proof Covered Gratings along Pedestrian Walkways

Joan Pereira asked the Ministry for Transport to consider replacing covered metal gratings with smoother, higher-friction surfaces to reduce slips and falls, especially among the elderly.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the Land Transport Authority has been applying anti-slip coatings on gratings at locations frequented by the elderly and youth, such as hospitals and schools, and on steep footpaths.
He added that the LTA will progressively expand the use of anti-slip coatings to more locations.

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10 Oct 2016

Progress of Implementation of Silver Zones

As of end-August 2016, eight Silver Zones have been completed out of 50 planned by 2023, with the next one in Hougang to be finished by the end of the month.
The Ministry of Transport seeks community support through flyers, notices, site walks with grassroots leaders, and continuous feedback collection, which has resulted in strong backing even from motorists.
The implementation has significantly reduced traffic incidents involving children and the elderly, with only one such accident reported in the eight completed zones since their introduction, compared to 48 accidents in the five years prior.

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10 Oct 2016

Sensors in Buses to Prevent Elderly from Falling

Joan Pereira proposed requiring all buses to be fitted with intelligent sensors to help drivers align buses properly with kerbs and prevent elderly passengers from falling while alighting.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that bus captains are already trained to stop within half a metre of the kerb and ensure safe alighting before moving off.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is currently studying the feasibility of using sensors to detect kerbs and objects around the bus to assist drivers.

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10 Oct 2016

Publication of SMRT's Financial Statements after Take-over by Temasek Holdings

Leon Perera asked whether SMRT will continue to publish detailed financial and operating information after being fully acquired by Temasek Holdings.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that under the Companies Act, SMRT must file its annual audited financial statements with ACRA, and this information will be publicly accessible.
The Minister's response indicates that while detailed reporting will be mandatory, public access may be through ACRA rather than direct publication by SMRT.
The debate highlights the balance between regulatory compliance and transparency expectations for a publicly listed company even after privatization.
No direct commitment was made on proactive disclosure beyond the statutory requirements.

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10 Oct 2016

Enforcement against Errant Users of Personal Mobility Devices

Parliament members expressed concerns about the safety risks posed by personal mobility devices, requesting details on enforcement, accident statistics, and measures such as insurance and speed limiters.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport outlined new regulations, including device restrictions, speed limits, increased enforcement, and education campaigns, while noting that registration and compulsory insurance were deemed too onerous.
The government emphasized building a culture of responsible sharing of public paths and highlighted that pedestrians can seek compensation through civil lawsuits or settlements in accident cases.

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13 Sep 2016

Covered Linkways as a Compulsory Feature in All New HDB Developments

The Minister for National Development confirmed that HDB already incorporates covered linkways as a standard feature in new public housing developments, connecting residential blocks to nearby bus stops and other precinct amenities.
New connectivity features in upcoming developments like Punggol North, Tampines North, and Bidadari will include enhanced pedestrian walkways with landscaping and routes lined with shops and social facilities.
For existing estates, connectivity upgrades such as new walkways, covered linkways, cycling and park connectors are being implemented through rejuvenation programmes like the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme and Remaking Our Heartland to improve first- and last-mile journeys.

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13 Sep 2016

Review for Driving Instructors Reaching 70 Years of Age

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked for a case-by-case review allowing driving instructors who are fit and well to continue teaching after turning 70.
The Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, responded that the Traffic Police is currently reviewing the upper age limit for driving instructors.
The government will announce the outcome of the review once it is completed.

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