Transport — Topics

3 Nov 2014

Use of Electric Scooters on Roads and Walkways

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about enforcement against electric scooters on roads and walkways, why they are allowed to be imported, and whether importers will be actioned.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that electric scooters cannot be used on public roads under current rules but can be imported and used on private premises with owner consent, while Traffic Police caution their use on footpaths due to speed concerns.
He noted that current regulations may be too rigid and a committee is reviewing how to reasonably facilitate personal mobility devices while ensuring safety.

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3 Nov 2014

Developing a National Integrated Cycling Strategy and Policy Framework

Irene Ng emphasized the urgent need for an integrated national cycling strategy, highlighting infrastructure gaps, legislative inconsistencies, and safety concerns for cyclists, while proposing specific targets like achieving 5% cycling modal share by 2020.
The government response acknowledged cycling’s growing role, outlined ongoing efforts like the National Cycling Plan to build 700 km of paths by 2030, and stressed the need for clearer rules, education, and public engagement to enhance cyclist safety and integration with public transport.
Both sides stressed the importance of coordinated policy across agencies, better infrastructure design to accommodate different cyclist types, and balanced space-sharing between cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists to foster a sustainable and inclusive urban environment.

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3 Nov 2014

Evaluation Study on Road Management Measures

The Minister confirmed that the 18-month evaluation study found the GNSS-based ERP system can effectively manage congestion, collect traffic data, and offer additional services like electronic parking, with ongoing tender preventing disclosure of detailed cost projections but noting the current system's maintenance is financially imprudent.
The new system is expected to free up land from gantries for greener spaces, introduce more equitable distance-based pricing for motorists, and use vehicle sensors to provide real-time traffic data, though its overall success depends on complementary measures like vehicle growth controls and public transport enhancement.
Privacy concerns were addressed by assuring that data will be anonymized and aggregated, with the system designed to protect individual privacy while improving traffic management, similar to existing mobile device data practices.

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8 Oct 2014

Bus Announcements to Assist Visually-impaired Commuters

LTA is developing a central bus management system to provide real-time announcements on buses and through apps by 2017, but currently lacks infrastructure for audible bus stop announcements.
The government acknowledges the need to assist visually-impaired commuters but cites concerns about noise disturbance near residential areas and the preference for on-demand, push-button systems.
Alternatives like tactile announcements or bus-based announcements when pulling into stops are suggested, with the Ministry committing to explore feasible solutions.

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8 Oct 2014

Free Wifi Service Trials at Selected MRT Stations

The free WIFI@MRT trial launched in August 2014 at City Hall, Orchard, and Raffles Place stations was well-received, with user numbers growing from over 100,000 on the first day to more than 145,000 daily.
The service will be extended to Khatib MRT station by next year as a priority station due to its high commuter traffic, though the specific month is not confirmed.
The Ministry plans a phased rollout, starting with interchange and high-traffic stations like Choa Chu Kang, with the goal of expanding to all MRT stations if the trial continues to be successful.
Beyond MRT stations, the Ministry is also assessing how to provide wi-fi services on buses and in interchanges to enhance the overall travel experience.
The Parliamentary Secretary assured that the Ministry is committed to a nationwide rollout of free wi-fi in all MRT stations in a well-managed manner.

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8 Oct 2014

Update on Vehicle Early Turnover Scheme and Impact on COE Prices

The Parliamentary Secretary reported that 3,212 vehicles were replaced under the enhanced Early Turnover Scheme (ETS) by end-September 2014, representing 77% of all replacements since the scheme began, with the COE of deregistered vehicles not contributing to the Category C quota but allowing direct registration of a new vehicle.
He stated that the ETS impact on COE prices is uncertain as prices are influenced by multiple factors like economic conditions and vehicle statutory life, and that not channeling the COE to the quota takes demand out of the system.
Ang Wei Neng asked for data on how many ETS-scrapped vehicles changed hands before scrapping to assess if agents or owners benefit, and suggested reducing the proportion of COEs channelled to the Open Category to help companies without old vehicles.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained that ETS provides multiple options for vehicle purchase, including renewing an existing COE, buying an ETS-eligible vehicle, or bidding for a new COE, and mentioned commercial vehicles benefit from lower taxes like a 5% Additional Registration Fee compared to cars.

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8 Oct 2014

Eligibility of Sponsored Students for the Tertiary Student Transport Concession Card

Mr Baey Yam Keng questioned why students receiving allowances from organisations are ineligible for the Tertiary Student Concession Card and why diploma and undergraduate students on scholarships or bursaries are treated differently from ITE and junior college students.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport explained that concessions are cross-subsidised and generally reserved for financially dependent students, but the Public Transport Council has asked operators to consider extending concessions to all full-time students, including those receiving income, as the distinction is not always clear.
It was clarified that ITE-sponsored students are currently not eligible for concessions, but their CEPAS cards are issued for school functions, which may create a perception of different treatment, though the policy is intended to be consistent across institutions.
Mr Baey Yam Keng highlighted a perceived unfairness in the current rules, noting that sponsored students in polytechnics and universities are ineligible while those in ITEs and junior colleges appear to qualify, and sought normalisation of the criteria.
The Minister confirmed that if operators agree to the Council’s request, sponsored students in ITEs, polytechnics, and universities would all become eligible for the Tertiary Student Concession Card.

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7 Oct 2014

Single Certificate of Entitlement Category for Motorcycles

The debate focused on whether to maintain a single COE category for motorcycles or split it by engine capacity corresponding to Class 2, 2A, and 2B licences.
Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap questioned the rationale for a single category and proposed splitting it to align with motorcycle licence classes.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that Category D exists to prevent motorcycles from competing with other vehicles, but further splitting could reduce quota and increase price volatility.

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7 Oct 2014

Certificates of Entitlement Issued by Category and Resident Status

Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Transport for the number and proportion of Certificates of Entitlement issued to Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and non-resident foreigners across vehicle categories over the last three years.
Lui Tuck Yew provided a breakdown of vehicle registrations for individuals in 2012, 2013, and the first eight months of 2014, including vehicles registered using COEs from the Open Category (Category E).
The data excludes vehicles registered to companies and is presented in a table on page 149 of the debate records.

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7 Oct 2014

Plans to Improve Connectivity in MRT Network

Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about plans to improve MRT connectivity from the north-eastern and northern parts of Singapore to the East-West sector and their implementation timeline.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew stated that current lines like the North-South and North-East Lines already connect to the East-West and Circle Lines, providing basic connectivity.
The Downtown Line will enhance links by connecting to the North-South Line by 2016, while the Thomson-East Coast Line will offer direct access from Woodlands to the eastern region.
The Cross-Island Line, slated for completion around 2030, will connect northern towns like Hougang and Punggol to both eastern and western Singapore.
These upcoming lines are part of ongoing efforts to improve network connectivity across different regions of Singapore.

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7 Oct 2014

Eliminating ERP Charges on Friday Afternoons

Gan Thiam Poh proposed eliminating ERP charges on Friday afternoons to support pro-family measures, asking the Transport Minister to consider stopping all charges by noon.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that ERP aims to manage congestion, and stopping charges by noon on Fridays could worsen traffic on roads like Havelock Road and the northbound CTE.
He argued that increased congestion would negatively impact quality of life, family life, the living environment, and economic efficiency.

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7 Oct 2014

Concessionary Public Transport Travel for Senior Citizens

Chen Show Mao inquired about the percentage of senior citizens with concession cards, peak usage times, and potential fare reductions or a study on the economic benefits of lower fares for seniors.
Lui Tuck Yew responded that 84% of eligible seniors have concession cards, with no distinct peak usage periods throughout the day and week.
Seniors currently receive discounts of 25% to 55% off fares and have access to a monthly concession pass capped at $60, with the Public Transport Council regularly reviewing concessions.

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7 Oct 2014

Secured Bicycle Parking Facilities in HDB Estates

Ong Teng Koon asked if there are plans to install more secured bicycle parking facilities in HDB estates to support cycling towns.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that new HDB developments since 2014 include dual bicycle racks at void decks, with one rack for every six units to deter theft and save space.
For existing estates, secured racks will be added at commercial clusters and park entrances, and Town Councils can install more under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, which has expanded coverage and funding.
HDB will collaborate with agencies to make HDB towns more bicycle-friendly.

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7 Oct 2014

Economic Impact from Increase in Causeway Tolls

The Minister for Trade and Industry stated that the overall economic impact of the Causeway toll increase on Singapore is expected to be small, as land transport costs form a minor part of total business costs for most firms, though some SMEs in sectors like food and wholesale may be more affected.
The government acknowledged that some SMEs might see reduced profit margins and minor pass-through effects on inflation, but noted that many firms are adapting by improving trip scheduling and consolidation, and the majority of imports use other transport modes.
Officials confirmed that there has been no major operational feedback regarding worker mobility issues affecting SMEs, and the government will continue monitoring the situation and working with trade associations to assess if further support measures are needed.

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9 Sep 2014

Progress of Sleeper Replacements for MRT Tracks

Alex Yam inquired about the progress of MRT sleeper replacements, any delays, and when train speeds would return to normal on the Kranji-Yew Tee-Keat Hong segment.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that sleeper replacement is on schedule, with 43% completed on the North-South Line and full completion expected by Q2 2015.
Train speeds will be restored to 60-80 km/h by end-September 2014 for Kranji-Yew Tee and by Q1 2015 for the Keat Hong segment.
For the East-West Line, the tender is in progress, with sleeper replacement scheduled for completion by end-2016.

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9 Sep 2014

Revisions to ERP Rates

The Minister reported that over the past three years, 78% of ERP gantries did not require rate changes, with most revisions aimed at maintaining optimal traffic speeds and the satellite-based system planned to improve fairness by charging based on distance traveled.
The government explained that ERP rate adjustments are based on traffic speed ranges to avoid frequent changes, and when rates are changed, they are significant enough to influence driver behavior by prompting reevaluation of travel patterns.
A member questioned the potential confusion from frequent ERP tweaks and whether the low revision rate for many gantries indicates limited impact on traffic volume, while the Minister clarified that infrequent but notable changes help motorists notice and respond to congestion pricing.

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9 Sep 2014

Matching Toll Charges at Causeway and Second Link

Pritam Singh asked whether Singapore will continue to match Malaysia’s toll charges at the Causeway and Second Link, and if a study assessed the impact of higher tolls on Singapore businesses in Iskandar, Johor.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport explained that matching toll charges ensures fair revenue distribution and prevents one side from offsetting lower tolls with higher charges on the other; Singapore has announced it will match Malaysia’s increased tolls from 1 August 2014.
The government has limited data on costs for Singapore businesses in Iskandar but noted potential impacts; it will also match Malaysia if tolls are reduced or removed.
Pritam Singh further asked if Malaysia forewarned Singapore of the toll hike, if Singapore informed Malaysia of its VEP fee increase, and whether Malaysia could tag the additional toll to the Eastern Dispersal Link.
The Senior Minister of State replied that Singapore was not informed in advance of Malaysia’s toll increase but did inform Malaysia in advance of its VEP fee hike; Singapore welcomes joint discussions to manage toll costs and avoid penalizing drivers not using the Eastern Dispersal Link.

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9 Sep 2014

Rationale for Vehicle Entry Permit Fees for Foreign-registered Cars

The Vehicle Entry Permit fee for foreign-registered cars was raised from $20 to $35 per day and the Goods Vehicle Permit from $10 to $40 per month to equalize costs with Singapore-registered vehicles, given higher local taxes and the Certificate of Entitlement system, marking the first VEP hike in 20 years and unchanged GVP since the 1960s.
The fee revision is not aimed at revenue generation, with only about 1 in 10 foreign-registered cars affected due to existing VEP-free days and hours; buses, taxis, and motorcycles remain exempt.
Singapore has not been officially informed of Malaysia’s proposal to impose entry fees on non-Malaysian vehicles entering Johor, has sought details, and will decide its response after receiving clarification, while noting concerns about potential impact on Singapore vehicles.

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8 Sep 2014

Study on Re-classification of Category C Certificate of Entitlement

The Ministry is reviewing Certificate of Entitlement policies on an ongoing basis but has not specified a timeline for completing any study on re-classifying Category C COEs.
Commercial vehicles benefit from lower taxes, including a reduced Additional Registration Fee, lower road tax, and exemptions from diesel fuel taxes, to ease costs for businesses.
SMEs can access repeated five-year COE renewals for better cash flow management and the Early Turnover Scheme for discounts and smoother replacement of pollutive diesel vehicles.

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8 Sep 2014

Updates on Peak Period Short Services

Alex Yam asked about the ridership and effectiveness of the Peak Period Short Services (PPSS), differences in service standards among providers, and the potential introduction of a PPSS for Service 302 in Yew Tee.
The PPSS have an average ridership of about 650 rides per day and have reduced crowding by decreasing utilisation on parent feeder services by 5-7% during peak hours.
All PPSS meet contracted service standards, with no major differences among providers, and there are no current plans for a PPSS on Service 302 due to upcoming improvements to the parent service.

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