Transport — Topics

11 May 2015

Upgrading of Chua Chu Kang Bus Interchange

Mr Zaqy Mohamad inquired about plans to upgrade the Chua Chu Kang Bus Interchange to handle increased services, commuter demand, and population growth from new developments, and to develop it into an integrated transport hub.
The Land Transport Authority is collaborating with the Urban Redevelopment Authority and other agencies to review redevelopment plans for the town centre, including assessing the timeline for upgrading the interchange into an integrated hub.
To improve bus flow, the Land Transport Authority has removed a taxi stand, installed railings, and will widen a stretch of Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4 by the second quarter of 2016, while bus operators have deployed marshals to assist with passenger and bus movements.

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11 May 2015

Safe and Adequate Parking Spaces for Tour Buses at Attraction Sites

The government has established temporary roadside and surface coach parks in tourist areas like Chinatown and Merlion Park where state land is available, though proximity to attractions is not always feasible.
The Singapore Tourism Board has issued advisories to tour operators on parking locations and drop-off/pick-up points for popular sites in central Singapore.
Agencies such as the LTA and URA monitor ground conditions and work with developers to plan parking and drop-off spaces in new attractions to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
The debate highlighted concerns about the adequacy of parking spaces for safe tourist boarding and alighting, as well as challenges faced by tour guides and drivers in maintaining safety at crowded attraction sites.

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11 May 2015

Progress on Diesel Hybrid Bus Trials

The two diesel hybrid bus trials from 2010–2012 showed a 25% fuel efficiency improvement but were 140% more expensive than conventional buses, with total trial costs around $1.7 million.
A new diesel hybrid bus trial under the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint 2015 is ongoing without government funding, initiated by SBS Transit and the manufacturer to test performance in local climate.
The government has decided against large-scale adoption of diesel hybrid buses due to high costs and unproven reliability, but will continue monitoring prices and exploring future trials.

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11 May 2015

Track Intrusion at North-South Line near Chua Chu Kang MRT in February 2015

Zaqy Mohamad inquired about the identification and arrest of the track intruder at the North-South Line near Chua Chu Kang MRT on 27 February 2015, and the measures to prevent future intrusions.
Lui Tuck Yew confirmed the suspected intruder was charged in court on 28 April 2015.
SMRT strengthened perimeter fencing and enhanced inspections at at-grade tracks to reduce intrusion likelihood.
The Public Transport Security Committee is implementing additional measures, including crash-rated bollards and strengthened structures against forced entry.

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11 May 2015

Ex-offenders Applying for Taxi Vocational Licence

Lee Li Lian questioned whether ex-offenders can apply for a taxi vocational licence and, if not, the reasons for any restrictions.
The Land Transport Authority assesses offences based on severity, debaring applicants for life for extremely serious crimes like rape and for three to five years for less serious offences such as housebreaking.
Offences like being part of an unlawful assembly do not result in debarment, reflecting a calibrated approach to balance public safety with providing ex-offenders a second chance.

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11 May 2015

Third-Party Taxi Booking Service Providers Bill

The Bill grants the Land Transport Authority (LTA) powers to regulate third-party taxi booking services, requiring those with more than 20 participating taxis to register and imposing penalties for unregistered operations.
It aims to balance consumer protection with innovation by allowing LTA to set conditions on fees, data provision, and service standards, while prohibiting practices like bidding and pre-trip tipping for taxis.
MPs raised concerns about distinguishing taxi services from chauffeured vehicle bookings, ensuring fair treatment of drivers, and preventing market dominance, with the Minister emphasizing ongoing monitoring and enforcement to address these issues.

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11 May 2015

Progress of High-speed Rail Project Connecting Singapore and Kuala Lumpur

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high-speed rail project and the Ministry's plans to ensure its timely completion.
The Minister for Transport stated that both countries are in deep discussions on technical, security, commercial, and regulatory aspects, and are committed to planning and implementing the project well.
When asked about ticket costs, the Minister replied that it is too early to discuss fares but mentioned that express and transit services would be managed separately.

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11 May 2015

Impact of SMRT's Bid for Telecommunications Market Entry on Public Transport Services

SMRT’s bid for a telecom licence with a $34.5 million investment is expected not to affect public transport services, with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) monitoring and enforcing strict performance standards and penalties for non-compliance.
Ministers acknowledged SMRT’s higher profitability from non-fare businesses, but LTA will ensure management remains focused on core transport operations through regulatory oversight and compliance measures.
While SMRT’s non-fare profits are not directly considered in the fare formula, operators must contribute to the Public Transport Fund; suggestions were raised to mandate cross-subsidisation or consider overall profits in future fare reviews.
Parliament questioned whether current penalties are sufficient deterrents, with concerns that fines may be a small percentage of profits, and called for stronger safeguards to ensure public transport service quality is not compromised by other business ventures.

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11 May 2015

Electric Vehicles for General Public

The Ministry of State for Trade and Industry announced that Phase 2 of the EV car-sharing programme is under evaluation, with results expected by the end of 2015, and its 10-year duration aims to allow operators to recoup investments in EVs and charging infrastructure.
The government’s broader transport goal prioritizes reducing private vehicle ownership, and current incentives like the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) offer rebates for low-emission vehicles, but individual EV ownership is not yet part of Phase 2’s scope.
In response to supplementary questions, the Minister emphasized that the 10-year timeline balances investment risks with technological advancements, and any future incentives like COE rebates for EV ownership would be studied by the Ministry of Transport after Phase 2 outcomes are known.

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13 Apr 2015

Singaporeans Driving Malaysian-registered Vehicles into Singapore

Zainal Sapari proposed allowing Singaporeans to drive Malaysian-registered vehicles into Singapore on Fridays after 6 pm without using their 28-weekday provision.
Lui Tuck Yew noted that a concession already allows Singaporeans working in Malaysia to use such vehicles for up to 28 weekdays annually, plus Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Lui explained that restrictions are necessary to prevent circumventing Singapore's vehicle ownership policies and to ensure fairness to owners of Singapore-registered vehicles.

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13 Apr 2015

Measures to Improve SMRT's Train Service Delivery

Dr. Lee Bee Wah asked about a review of MRT maintenance, comparing Singapore’s breakdown frequency with other cities, and exploring alternative incentives for SMRT beyond fines.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew acknowledged the recent disruptions but highlighted improvements, noting that delay rates have declined by over 25% since 2011 and are currently better than New York City’s, though still lagging behind cities like Hong Kong.
SMRT will conduct a thorough maintenance review, including setting up a Maintenance Operations Centre, increasing engineering resources, and training staff to resolve issues promptly, while LTA will enhance audits and provide engineering support.

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13 Apr 2015

Third-Party Taxi Booking Service Providers Bill

The bill is introduced to regulate third-party taxi booking services and make necessary amendments to other relevant laws, presented by the Minister for Transport Mr Lui Tuck Yew.
It has undergone the First Reading and is scheduled for a Second Reading in the next available Parliament sitting.
The bill aims to establish a legal framework for overseeing taxi booking platforms, ensuring safety, fair competition, and consumer protection.
It includes provisions for licensing, operational standards, and enforcement mechanisms for third-party taxi service providers.
The legislation is part of broader efforts to modernize transportation regulations and adapt to evolving mobility services in Singapore.

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13 Apr 2015

Development Plans for Hougang Town Centre under Remaking Our Heartland Programme

Png Eng Huat asked when the plans for the Hougang Town Centre under the 2011 Remaking Our Heartland programme would be released, noting the three-year timeline for launching the site.
Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman explained that the development is complex, involving integration with the MRT and bus interchange, and requires more time for agencies to resolve technical issues before tender.
Png Eng Huat sought a rough timeline for the plan and compared progress with other 2011 ROH sites, while the Minister reassured that work is ongoing but each town’s plan is customised, and the Town Centre’s complexity demands careful coordination.

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13 Apr 2015

Compensation for Commuters Affected by Train and Bus Service Disruptions

The Minister for Transport explained that current compensation for disruptions includes fare waivers, refunds, and free bus services, with the government prioritizing reliability improvements over a new compensation scheme due to the complexity of fairly identifying affected commuters.
Mr Lim Biow Chuan argued that fines on transport operators do not directly appease unhappy commuters and proposed a compensation framework, such as a fixed credit to commuters' cards, to address their inconvenience and loss of time.
The Minister acknowledged the challenge of creating a fair compensation system for varied disruptions and noted that fines contribute to the Public Transport Fund, which supports lower-income families through fare adjustments, but remained open to further suggestions on the issue.

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13 Apr 2015

Extension of Bicycle Crossings at Traffic Junctions

Lee Li Lian asked the Minister for Transport about plans to extend bicycle crossings at traffic junctions to other parts of Singapore.
The Parliamentary Secretary replied that the Land Transport Authority has implemented 14 signalised bicycle crossings and plans to build 38 more, mostly in areas with existing cycling path networks.
The LTA is studying where else to implement such crossings and welcomes suggestions from Members.

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13 Apr 2015

Carpark Provisions for Religious Institutions

Rita Soh asked why carpark requirements for religious institutions are uniform regardless of location and suggested reductions for those near MRT stations or commercial areas, or if they are national monuments.
The Senior Minister of State explained that carpark provisions are needed to prevent parking spillovers during worship hours or festivals, which inconvenience neighboring areas.
Concessions already exist: city centre places of worship get up to 20% less parking, and those with monument or conservation status are fully exempt from parking requirements.
The government will study the suggestion to further reduce parking requirements for places of worship located near MRT stations.

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11 Mar 2015

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Members raised concerns about the reliability of public transport, particularly recent train and LRT disruptions, and sought updates on the implementation of maintenance recommendations and the effectiveness of penalty systems for operators.
Discussions covered capacity improvements, including updates on new train deliveries, bus service enhancements, and the progress of the bus contracting model, with questions on how these measures address crowding and service quality.
Commuter needs were highlighted, with calls for better first- and last-mile connectivity, covered walkways, Wi-Fi access, and the potential introduction of women-only train carriages to address safety and comfort issues.

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5 Mar 2015

Environmental Impact Assessment for Cross-Island MRT Line

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about the progress of the environmental impact assessment for the Cross-Island MRT Line, measures to minimise ecosystem repercussions, and assurances on protecting the central catchment nature reserve.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport confirmed the alignment is undecided, with options to go under or around the reserve, and that the environmental impact assessment was initiated early and scoped with input from nature groups, targeted for completion in 2016.
The government's final alignment decision will balance the assessment findings with engineering feasibility, travel time, cost, and potential impacts on affected residents.

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4 Mar 2015

Malaysian-registered Vehicles Picking Up Passengers and Tourists in Singapore

Ang Hin Kee raised concerns about Malaysian-registered vehicles illegally picking up passengers and tourists in Singapore, competing with local drivers.
The Ministry of Transport requires foreign-registered buses to have an ASEAN PSV permit and for tour buses to carry passengers who started their journey in another ASEAN country.
The Land Transport Authority received seven feedback cases in two years on this issue but found no transgressions during investigations.
Violations of the permit rules can result in fines, imprisonment, and/or revocation of the permit for the vehicle holder.

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3 Mar 2015

Measures to Alleviate Impact of Increase in Bus Fares

The Public Transport Council and the government have implemented several measures since 2011 to make bus fares more affordable, including extending senior citizen concessions and enhancing schemes for students, seniors, National Servicemen, children under seven, lower-wage workers, and persons with disabilities.
A new Adult Monthly Travel Pass was introduced to help frequent commuters cap their expenses, and fares remain unchanged for over 1.1 million vulnerable commuters this year.
Additional financial support is provided through public transport vouchers, with 200,000 vouchers worth $20 issued in 2011 and 250,000 worth $30 in 2014 and this year.

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