Transport — Topics

11 Jul 2016

Making Traffic Light Crossings at Junctions Safer for Pedestrians

Dr Chia Shi-Lu inquired about pedestrian safety at T- and X-junctions where vehicles turn right on green lights, seeking injury and fatality data and details on green arrow durations and vehicle capacity.
Khaw Boon Wan reported 14 pedestrian and cyclist fatalities and 319 injuries from 2011 to 2015 at such junctions, with over 1,450 signalized junctions allowing right turns during pedestrian crossings.
The government is enhancing safety by implementing pedestrian head-start timings, additional road markings, and signs to alert right-turning vehicles.
Green arrows at these junctions typically last 5 to 12 seconds, permitting about three to six vehicles per lane to turn right.

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11 Jul 2016

Making Overhead Pedestrian Bridges Elder- and Disabled-friendly

The Ministry of Transport reported that 33 overhead pedestrian bridges currently have lifts, with plans to install lifts at 34 more bridges by 2018 and an additional 50 bridges thereafter.
Priority for lift installations will be given to bridges near key locations such as transport hubs, hospitals, polyclinics, welfare homes, homes for the aged, and schools for children with special needs.
For bridges regularly used by the elderly and disabled where lifts cannot be installed due to location constraints, alternative solutions like street-level crossings will be explored.

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11 Jul 2016

Extension of Free MRT Travel to Ease Peak-hour Travel

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether the free CBD MRT scheme would be extended, how many commuters have benefited, the percentage of peak-hour improvement, and if it could be expanded to non-CBD industrial and business parks.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed the Free Pre-peak Travel scheme will be extended to June 2017, with about 65,000 commuters benefiting daily and a 7% drop in morning peak-hour exits at city centre stations.
The scheme aims to reduce congestion on the busiest rail stretches during morning peak, supported by the Travel Smart Rewards Programme and Off-Peak Monthly Travel Passes to encourage off-peak travel.

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11 Jul 2016

Impact of Starting Train Operations Later on Sundays on Workers

Ms K Thanaletchimi raised concerns about the delayed MRT train start on Sundays affecting workers, asking about the number of commuters impacted, additional bus services, and collaboration with sectors like hospitals.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that about 13,000 passengers may be affected temporarily, thanking commuters for their patience as the change supports track renewal works.
The Land Transport Authority will add an interim bus service with 10-minute frequency between Bukit Gombak and Joo Koon via Jurong East and monitor the situation to mitigate inconvenience.

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11 Jul 2016

Cycling for Students

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked whether MOE will include cycling lessons in schools and if there is data on students who cycle to school.
MOE focuses on cycling safety, teaching it in Primary 3 PE and offering a voluntary safety programme for secondary students.
No specific plans for broader cycling lessons beyond the safety programme; MOE has no survey data on students cycling to school.
MOE collaborates with LTA and Traffic Police to improve safety infrastructure and will monitor traffic to enhance student safety programmes.

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11 Jul 2016

Impact of Relaxation on Car Loan Restrictions and Raising of Car Park Charges on Building of Car-lite Society

The Minister emphasized that a car-lite society relies on a robust public transport system, highlighting significant upgrades to rail and bus services, with the rail network set to double by 2030 and improvements in connectivity through sheltered walkways and cycling paths.
To manage car usage, public parking rates have been increased for the first time in over a decade to reflect higher costs, though they remain lower than in many global cities, and the government is reviewing parking provisions in buildings.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) adjusted car loan restrictions in response to reduced inflationary pressures and lower vehicle loans, but this policy reset does not hinder the broader goal of limiting car population growth, with the vehicle growth rate to be reviewed next year.
Initiatives such as electric car-sharing programs and active mobility rules are being promoted to offer alternatives to private car ownership, supporting a shift towards more sustainable transportation options.

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11 Jul 2016

Traffic Accidents Involving Foreign-registered Vehicles

About 1,100 accidents per year over the last three years involved foreign-registered vehicles.
Motorists of foreign-registered vehicles are held legally liable for damages if found responsible, just like Singapore-registered vehicles.
All vehicles using Singapore roads must be insured against third-party bodily injury and death under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The Motor Insurers' Bureau of Singapore has agreements with Malaysian insurers to facilitate claims for deaths or injuries caused by Malaysian-registered vehicles.
Third-party claimants in Singapore can file their claims with Malaysian insurers through the MIBS.

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11 Jul 2016

Impact of Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-speed Rail on Jurong East Region

The High-speed Rail terminus in Jurong East aligns with the vision to develop Jurong Lake District into a second CBD and a new gateway to Singapore, leveraging its size and proximity to Jurong Lake Gardens for a sustainable, green district.
The area will integrate with the existing Jurong Gateway precinct, extending pedestrian links to the HSR site and combining business, retail, residential, and leisure uses anchored by Jurong Lake Gardens and the Science Centre.
An extensive transport network is planned to improve connectivity, including links to MRT stations, the integrated transport hub, and future lines, while addressing traffic congestion and planning for autonomous vehicles.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority will launch a Request for Proposal and engage the public to gather feedback on the concept plans for the Jurong Lake District development.

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11 Jul 2016

Government's Engagement of Ride-sharing App Companies and Private Car Hire Drivers

Ang Hin Kee questioned if the Ministry adequately engaged ride-sharing companies on the "light touch" regulations and whether taxi operators could be exempted from certain compliance requirements.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that LTA held consultations with Uber, Grab, taxi associations, car rental firms, and commuters, aiming for regulations that protect safety without stifling innovation.
He explained that taxi operators retain Quality of Service and Taxi Availability standards to ensure minimum service quality for street hail and phone bookings, with noted improvements in taxi availability during peak hours.
The Ministry plans to continue reviewing these requirements as the industry evolves to ensure they remain relevant.

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11 Jul 2016

Segregating COE Bidding for Different Categories of Car Buyers

Zaqy Mohamad asked if the LTA would limit COE bidding categories for private hire cars and taxis compared to individual owners, and if it would consider segregating bidding between individuals and companies, including dealers.
Lim Biow Chuan suggested removing private hire car firms like Uber and Grab from the COE process, treating them like taxi operators to prevent distortion.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that taxi operators already draw COEs from Cat E without bidding, and the LTA will monitor private hire growth before deciding on similar measures.
Khaw stated that most individuals use dealers for convenience, and segregating bids would be artificial and distort demand, recommending the market decide car pricing formats.
The debate highlights concerns about COE system fairness, with officials leaning toward market-driven solutions over artificial segregation.

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11 Jul 2016

Efficient Deployment of Buses during Train Breakdowns to Minimise Disruption to Commuters

Dennis Tan inquired if the Ministry monitors sufficient and efficient bus deployment during MRT breakdowns and whether these factors affect operator performance evaluations.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that rail operators must comply with LTA's standards for bus bridging services, with monitoring and penalties for inadequate deployment.
He emphasized that bus bridging has limited capacity compared to trains and stressed the need to improve train reliability, reduce disruptions, and expand the rail network for better resilience.

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11 Jul 2016

Review of Vehicle Entry Permit Fee for Cars Entering Singapore via Johor

Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Transport for an update on adjustments to the Vehicle Entry Permit fee and toll charges in response to Malaysia's plan to charge RM20 for foreign vehicles entering Johor.
The Minister for Transport confirmed that Singapore’s tolls at the Causeway and Second Link were introduced in 1998 as a response to Malaysia’s tolls, with a policy of matching Malaysia’s charges to ensure mutual consideration of toll plans.
He stated that if Malaysia removes tolls, Singapore will do the same, expressing a preference for a toll-free Causeway and Second Link.
The Minister noted that if Malaysia’s new Road Charge discriminates against Singapore-registered vehicles, Singapore will match it in some form.
The government will confirm its response after Malaysia implements the Road Charge and details become available.

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11 Jul 2016

Different Requirements for Taxi and Private Hire Drivers

Insurance and inspection requirements are the same for taxis and private hire cars, though taxis undergo more frequent inspections due to higher annual mileage.
Taxi drivers complete a longer course (25 hours) than private hire drivers (10 hours) because they can pick up street hails, which involve additional navigational training.
There is no minimum age for private hire drivers, but they must have held a driving licence for at least two years and can be up to 75 years old; PRs and work permit holders can drive for private hire companies but not as sole proprietors via Uber or Grab.

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9 May 2016

Review of L-drivers' Syllabus at Driving Centres and Schools

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about the frequency of syllabus reviews for learner drivers and how driving instructors are regulated to stay current with traffic conditions.
K Shanmugam responded that the syllabus is regularly updated to reflect current traffic rules and safety conditions, with recent additions like slope driving and emergency braking exercises.
Driving instructors are licensed by Traffic Police and must undergo annual evaluations to ensure they remain up-to-date.
Learner drivers must complete the syllabus and pass tests before licensing, with ongoing efforts to educate and enforce road safety.
Traffic Police emphasized that core driving skills taught in the syllabus address issues like vehicle control and awareness, which are linked to recent pile-ups.

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9 May 2016

Extending MRT Downtown Line 3 from Tampines to Pasir Ris, Punggol, Fernvale/Jalan Kayu and Yio Chu Kang

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Ministry would consider extending the MRT Downtown Line 3 from Tampines to Pasir Ris, Punggol, Fernvale/Jalan Kayu and Yio Chu Kang.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the North East region is planned to be served by the upcoming Cross Island Line.
He stated that extending the Downtown Line to those areas is not appropriate as it is primarily designed to serve the corridor between the East-West Line and North-East Line that currently lacks MRT access.

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9 May 2016

Profile of Active Female Taxi Drivers

Ang Hin Kee asked about the percentage of female taxi drivers, their demographics, work challenges, and any specific support measures.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that 2.5% of active taxi drivers are female, with an age profile provided, and noted their primary concern is personal safety.
Taxi companies have installed panic buttons to alert the company, police, and nearby drivers when drivers are in distress, addressing safety concerns for both female and male drivers.

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9 May 2016

Traffic Light Sequence at Potong Pasir Avenue 2 and Potong Pasir Avenue 1 T-Junction

Sitoh Yih Pin requested re-configuring the traffic light sequence at the T-junction of Potong Pasir Avenue 2 and Avenue 1 to prevent near accidents by only allowing right turns from Avenue 2 to Avenue 1 or pedestrian crossings on Avenue 1 at any one time.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the Land Transport Authority will adjust the traffic light timing to give pedestrians a headstart and allow motorists to see crossing pedestrians while waiting to turn right.
Additional road markings and signs will be installed to remind motorists to give way to pedestrians, enhancing safety at the junction.
The measures aim to reduce near accidents by improving visibility and pedestrian priority at the traffic light sequence.
The response addresses the safety concerns raised without implementing the specific exclusive right-turn or crossing-only timing requested.

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9 May 2016

Installing Additional Road Safety Features

Leon Perera inquired about the criteria for implementing road safety tools like speed bumps and raised zebra crossings, the Ministry's initiatives for traffic safety in private estates, and the mechanism to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) introduces safety measures in high-risk or speeding-prone areas, assessing effectiveness by comparing accident rates and vehicle speeds before and after implementation.
LTA and the Traffic Police collaborate with communities to promote road safety in both private and public estates, such as by installing advance "STOP" markings in Gerald Estate based on resident feedback.

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9 May 2016

COE Quota and Pricing Policy for Taxi Hirers

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Ministry for Transport to review the COE quota and pricing policy for taxi hirers due to increasing demand from new competitors and new regulations for these competitors.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that taxis were taken out of the COE bidding process in August 2012, with operators allowed to pay the Category A Prevailing Quota Premium regardless of taxi model, recognizing their public transport role.
The Taxi Availability standards were introduced to increase taxi fleets by up to 2% per year if standards are met, leading to more taxis serving commuters during peak hours with better utilization.
The government currently has no plans to remove the COE concession for taxis or the cap on fleet growth, and will continue to regularly review the issue.

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9 May 2016

Reviewing COE Growth Rate Per Year

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Ministry for Transport to review the current COE growth rate per year.
The current allowable Vehicle Growth Rate is 0.25% per year, effective until January 2018.
The Ministry plans to review the rate in 2017 with the goal of reducing it to zero eventually.
The debate highlights a future policy review to potentially phase out vehicle growth.
The summary captures the question, current rate, and the forward-looking review plan.

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