Transport — Topics

9 May 2016

Insurance Coverage for Private Car Hire

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether passengers using Uber or Grab taxi services are insured in the event of an accident.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that the Motor Vehicles Act requires all motor vehicles, including taxis and private hire cars, to be insured against third-party liability risks such as death or bodily injury to passengers.
Passengers in a taxi booked via UberTaxi or GrabTaxi can claim compensation from the taxi owner or its insurer if involved in a motor accident.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Helmets and Insurance for Users of Personal Mobility Devices

Zainal Sapari asked whether the Ministry of Transport will mandate safety helmets and insurance coverage for personal mobility device users.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that most countries do not require helmets or insurance for PMD users, and Singapore’s current rules restrict PMDs to footpaths and shared paths with speed limits to protect pedestrians.
The Ministry has decided not to impose compulsory helmets or insurance to avoid additional costs for all users, but will monitor the situation and remain open to future changes.
Education and enforcement will continue to ensure PMD users give way to pedestrians and follow safety rules, emphasizing considerate and gracious behavior.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Update on Development of Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-speed Rail

Khaw Boon Wan reported good progress on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-Speed Rail, noting a joint market sensing exercise received positive feedback and both countries are now refining the commercial model and procurement approach while discussing security and regulatory aspects.
For the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, Malaysia confirmed the station location at Bukit Chagar in August 2015, and Phase 2 of the Joint Engineering Study has begun and will take about 18 months.
Both governments are also discussing the commercial, regulatory, and security aspects of the Rapid Transit System Link project alongside the engineering study.
Gan Thiam Poh sought an update on the High-Speed Rail and the extension of Singapore's MRT line to Johor Bahru, which Khaw Boon Wan addressed in his response.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Cost of Developing New Generation ERP System

Zainal Sapari questioned the $556 million cost of the new GNSS-based ERP system, the large price gap between the winning tender and the next highest quote of $1.2 billion, and how data privacy would be protected.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the tender covers design, backend systems, five-year operations, replacement of OBUs, additional equipment, and value-added services like traffic information and electronic payments.
He noted that both tender bids were technically sound, with price differences arising from varying cost estimates and pricing strategies by the tenderers.
The system is required to anonymise and aggregate ERP data to safeguard motorists' privacy while supporting traffic management and analysis.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

More Financial Incentives and Charging Points to Encourage Electric Car Usage

The Minister for Transport confirmed the government encourages electric car use through the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme and is evaluating proposals for a nationwide electric car-sharing program that includes installing 2,000 charging points.
The Minister emphasized that public transport remains the greenest option and highlighted ongoing trials for electric buses, taxis, and commercial vehicles, with Singapore aiming to be an early adopter of such technology.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah sought clarification on whether the 2,000 charging points would be accessible to the general public or limited to car-sharing scheme participants, to which the Minister responded he needed to check the details.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Green Rebate for Tesla Electric Car

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked if the Tesla Model 3 would qualify for a rebate under the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS), to which the Minister for Transport replied that its eligibility would depend on its energy efficiency when sold in Singapore, with the possibility of a maximum rebate if it is as efficient as the Tesla Model S.
The Minister clarified that a previous controversy arose because the Tesla in question was a second-hand car, which must be retested for CO2 emissions, whereas new Teslas would receive the maximum rebate.
Dr Lee questioned why there was a "hoo-ha" about the Tesla previously and why no rebate was given, prompting the Minister to explain that second-hand cars, regardless of type, require retesting to determine fuel efficiency and emissions.
The Minister emphasized that car condition and maintenance affect fuel efficiency, and the CEVS applies based on accurate energy consumption data for fair assessment.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Increasing Parking Duration for Class 2 Label Scheme Vehicles in Lots for Handicapped

Joan Pereira requested an extension of the parking duration for Class 2 label holders from 60 minutes to two hours to better assist caregivers of persons with disabilities.
The Ministry explained that the current 60-minute limit balances the needs of all label holders, as extending it could reduce the availability of accessible parking lots given the rising number of Class 2 labels.
Pereira proposed creating a Class 2A license for caregivers with specific needs, such as the elderly, to allow longer parking durations on a case-by-case basis.
The Ministry reiterated that the 60-minute duration is reasonable for caregivers to safely assist passengers and that extending it could hinder access for other label holders.
Both sides acknowledged the growing demand for accessible parking, with the Ministry maintaining that the current policy best serves the shared needs of all users.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Aligning Definition of "Animals" in Two Legislation

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the definition of "animals" in the Road Traffic Act should be updated to align with that in the Animals and Birds Act.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs explained that the two Acts have different objectives, with the Road Traffic Act focusing on road user safety and restitution for farm animal accidents.
The Ministry will review the definition in the Road Traffic Act to ensure it aligns with road safety considerations and the protection of all road users.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Provision of Lockers for Storage of Personal Mobility Devices

The Ministry of Transport is expanding bicycle parking spaces at new and existing MRT stations, with new stations having 100–300 lots, and will seek to mandate parking standards for new private developments.
There are no current plans to provide storage lockers for personal mobility devices (PMDs), as users typically carry them, but the Ministry will continue monitoring trends.
Encouraging existing building owners to provide PMD storage is considered, but retrospective requirements are challenging due to constraints; priority is on new buildings and voluntary encouragement where feasible.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Bicycle Terminals at Key Locations in City and Downtown

Darryl David proposed dedicated bicycle terminals at key city and downtown locations with facilities like showers and lockers to support cyclists traveling from home to the city.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport outlined existing bicycle parking at MRT stations and plans for the Downtown Line, plus new requirements for developers to include Walking and Cycling Plans with facilities like showers and lockers.
Darryl David followed up, urging the government to consider providing such facilities at dedicated terminals before developer plans are implemented, citing weather challenges for commuters.
The Senior Minister of State responded that space constraints at MRT stations and the goal of first- and last-mile connectivity mean facilities should be tied to building owners' plans rather than standalone terminals.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Apr 2016

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Minister Khaw Boon Wan addressed the tragic SMRT fatalities, outlined investigations, and emphasized a forward-looking transport vision focusing on first-and-last-mile connectivity, point-to-point transport innovation, and public transport excellence, particularly rail reliability and expansion.
MPs raised issues on shuttle buses for private estates, lift access for the elderly, inclusive transport for persons with disabilities, and sheltered walkway gaps; Minister Josephine Teo responded with plans to enhance walking, cycling, and PMD policies, accepting AMAP recommendations to allow bicycles and PMDs on footpaths with new rules, education, and enforcement.
On COE and ERP, Minister Ng Chee Meng discussed motorcycle COE adjustments, ERP 2.0 privacy safeguards, and point-to-point service regulations, while aviation and maritime updates covered Terminal 5, Changi Airport expansion, and support for maritime jobs amid industry changes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Apr 2016

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Sitoh Yih Pin moved to reduce the Ministry of Transport's budget by $100, citing concerns over public transport safety, reliability, and accessibility for the elderly amid ambitious expansion plans.
Multiple members highlighted recent fatal SMRT accidents and recurring MRT disruptions, questioning safety protocols, maintenance practices, and the need for stricter oversight and penalties.
Discussions focused on future transport trends, including autonomous vehicles, electric buses, and smart mobility, with calls for updated regulations, public consultation, and support for transport workers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Apr 2016

Direct Bus Services to Geylang Serai Market before Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji

Dennis Tan asked whether LTA will plan two direct bus services to Geylang Serai market from Bedok areas before Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji, citing resident feedback on long waiting and transfer times.
The Senior Minister of State responded that existing bus services and feeder routes from Bedok to Geylang Serai are sufficient based on past experience, though Dennis Tan highlighted specific high waiting times for certain bus services.
Dennis Tan noted precedent for festive direct services like Chinatown Direct during Chinese New Year and suggested considering similar services for Hari Raya, but the Senior Minister of State stated LTA’s assessment shows insufficient ridership to justify direct services at present, with consideration dependent on demand.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2016

Location of Merged School at Bedok North Secondary School

Pritam Singh questioned the decision to locate the merged school at Damai Secondary instead of Bedok North, citing better transport links and existing facilities at the latter.
The Minister of State explained that the Damai site was chosen due to its superior location, better transport connections, and planned upgrading to new facilities.
The Minister clarified that while transport and convenience are factors, they are not the sole considerations, and the Bedok North site will be assessed for future use if no longer needed by MOE.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2016

In-vehicle Register for Heavy Vehicles to Record Exceeding of Speed Limit

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry for Home Affairs to consider installing speed counters on heavy passenger vehicles and creating a fine and demerit system for speeding detected by these counters.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs explained that heavy vehicles already have speed limiters capped at 60 km/h, require annual inspections, and face fines or demerit points for speeding, with reviews underway.
Louis Ng clarified his suggestion is based on military vehicle systems and emphasized the need to prevent accidents involving speeding heavy vehicles carrying passengers.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs responded that the suggestion would be considered during the ongoing review of measures to curb heavy vehicle speeding.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Apr 2016

Vehicles and Stations under Car-sharing Scheme

There are currently three car-sharing operators with about 300 cars, supported by over 300 government-managed parking lots.
Utilisation rates are healthy and growing, with higher demand on weekends and public holidays, though exact figures are competitive information.
The government is evaluating proposals for an electric vehicle car-sharing programme targeting up to 1,000 electric cars within 10 years.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Apr 2016

Priority Seats for the Elderly and Pregnant Women on Public Transport Systems

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about campaigns, enforcement, and complaint statistics for priority seats, as well as more frequent reminders on public transport.
Khaw Boon Wan reported about 130 feedback instances over three years and highlighted ongoing public education campaigns with high message recall rates.
The government emphasized promoting gracious behavior through education rather than regulations, noting an increase in commuters observing seat-giving from 2012 to 2014.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Apr 2016

Trial of Electric Vehicle Car-sharing Programme

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked for an update on the electric vehicle car-sharing programme trial, the number of private electric cars registered in the past two years, and the Ministry's stance on encouraging electric car adoption.
The Land Transport Authority and Economic Development Board have evaluated proposals for the car-sharing programme and will announce results soon.
Only two private electric cars, a new Peugeot Ion and a used Tesla Model S, were registered in the past two years.
The Ministry is neutral on car technology and focuses on encouraging environmental friendliness and minimizing emissions.
The response indicates a cautious approach to electric vehicle promotion, with no specific incentives mentioned for car owners to switch.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Apr 2016

Tax Rebate Eligibility for Electric Cars

The criteria for electric car tax rebates under the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) assess the equivalent CO2 emissions from electricity generation, not just tailpipe emissions, and rebates or surcharges are applied based on whether the car produces low or high equivalent CO2 emissions.
For new electric cars, CO2 emissions are determined from manufacturer test reports, while used imported electric cars must be tested at accredited centres to establish their emissions.
The tax rebate or surcharge is applied immediately at the point of vehicle registration, with no separate processing time for applications.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Apr 2016

Information on Specifications of Cars Manufactured Abroad

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired how LTA and inspection centres track changes in foreign car specifications and why some car exhaust systems are disallowed despite meeting noise limits.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that LTA requires importers to submit full vehicle specifications for approval before registration, which allows LTA to monitor any specification changes.
He added that car exhaust systems must comply with both LTA safety regulations and NEA noise and emissions standards; systems meeting noise but not emissions or safety standards are not permitted.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source