Transport — Topics

9 Jul 2014

Penalties and Service Expectations of Bus Operators Following Roll-out of Bus Service Reliability Framework

The Bus Service Reliability Framework was introduced to improve the predictability of waiting times for commuters by better managing bus headways.
Incentives and penalties were not applied during the initial trial period from February to May 2014, allowing operators time to build capabilities.
Operators enhanced their services by hiring more controllers, training bus captains, and improving management systems to monitor and regulate bus performance.
Results showed reduced bus bunching and lower excess waiting times for 12 out of 15 services during the trial period.

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8 Jul 2014

Fusion Analytics for Public Transport Emergency Response (FASTER) Project

The FASTER project aims to enhance emergency response capabilities for public transport by analysing data from multiple sources to determine commuting patterns and assess incident impacts.
The two-year programme costs about S$6.3 million, with LTA funding S$2.7 million and IBM funding S$3.6 million, while other partners gain business benefits through developing new services and capabilities.
Safeguards for passenger privacy include anonymising telecommunications data to prevent individual identification and enforcing strict non-disclosure agreements among all partner organisations.

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7 Jul 2014

Use of Data Analytics as Predictive Tools for Commuter Transport Demand and Supply

Ang Hin Kee asked the Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth about using data analytics from new sources like third-party taxi apps to predict transport demand and supply for events at the Sports Hub and to compare such data with major events like the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Lawrence Wong responded that Sports Hub Pte Ltd has conducted traffic and commuter flow studies and is collaborating with Sport Singapore, LTA, and SMRT to monitor and improve management, considering the member's suggestion on data analytics.
The Sports Hub is designed to encourage public transport use, and for major events, a pre-sold car parking system is used to provide certainty to visitors, similar to practices in other countries like France.
As the Sports Hub is new, travelling habits will take time to adjust, and SHPL will continue engaging the public and refining arrangements based on feedback and actual experiences.

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7 Jul 2014

Details of Rail Financing Model Proposed by SMRT

Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Transport for details on SMRT’s proposed rail financing model.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that discussions between SMRT and LTA are confidential and he cannot disclose the proposal details.
He noted a significant gap between SMRT’s expectations and LTA’s position, with LTA emphasizing that SMRT’s business valuation must account for existing assets and future capital expenditure obligations under current licenses.

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7 Jul 2014

Apportionment of Costs between SMRT and LTA under Rail Asset Renewal Plan

The government funds infrastructural assets like track sleepers, while SMRT funds operating assets like signalling systems, with SMRT applying for a Replacement Grant to cover inflation costs for the latter.
For the $900 million North-South-East-West Line renewal plan, LTA will fund sleeper replacement as an infrastructural asset, and SMRT will fund the signalling upgrade as an operating asset, pending Grant approval.
The Rail Financing Model proposal by SMRT does not affect the current renewal plan, as discussions are ongoing and no agreement has been reached, so the existing financing framework remains in place.

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7 Jul 2014

Rationale for Biennial Roadworthiness Inspections for Vehicles Three Years Old and Above

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah questioned why cars three years and older need biennial roadworthiness inspections when new cars are covered by warranties and suggested reviewing the requirement to start only at eight years old.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that Singapore's inspection regime aligns with EU practices, requiring inspections from the third year onward to ensure regular maintenance and compliance with roadworthiness and emission standards.
Lui Tuck Yew cited LTA studies showing the current rigorous inspection is necessary, noting that in 2012 nearly 30% of road breakdowns due to mechanical issues involved cars under five years old.

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7 Jul 2014

Construction Progress of King Albert Park, Sixth Avenue and Tan Kah Kee Downtown Line 2 Stations

Mr. Christopher de Souza requested an update on the construction progress, estimated completion date, and operational timeline for the King Albert Park, Sixth Avenue, and Tan Kah Kee Downtown Line 2 stations.
The Minister for Transport, Lui Tuck Yew, reported that construction has progressed well after the appointment of new contractors.
Assuming no further unexpected events, Downtown Line 2 is expected to open by mid-2016.

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7 Jul 2014

Business Model for Government Projects

Mr Teo Siong Seng inquired whether the bus contracting model, where the government owns infrastructure and private operators run services, would be extended to other sectors like MRT and healthcare.
The Senior Minister of State for Finance responded that while the model is relevant for public transport, its application depends on sector-specific goals and circumstances, citing examples like the New Rail Financing Framework for MRT and corporatised hospitals in healthcare.
The government currently uses a mix of public-private partnership models, such as leasing nursing homes and having private operators fund and run water plants, to balance efficiency, affordability, and quality of public services.

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7 Jul 2014

New Bus Contracting Model

The Government is transitioning from a privatised bus model to a Government Contracting Model, where LTA owns buses and routes, and operators bid competitively to improve service quality and cost-efficiency, with the aim of benefiting commuters.
The Minister declined to disclose specific budgets or subsidy amounts before tenders are issued to avoid skewing bids, emphasizing that the overall bus system costs must be covered by fares or subsidies, and regular fare adjustments are necessary for financial sustainability.
To ensure contestability and lower barriers to entry, the government will own bus assets, structure tenders simply, and offer five-year contracts with two-year extensions, while being open to new local and overseas players, with all 12 bus packages eventually tendered.
Financial sustainability will be managed by judiciously assessing new routes and service standards, avoiding low-ridership routes, and adhering to the established fare review mechanism to balance affordability and operational costs.

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29 May 2014

Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High Speed Rail Project

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef sought an update from the Minister for Transport on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High Speed Rail project.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew stated that discussions are preliminary, with a working group formed under the Iskandar Malaysia Joint Ministerial Committee to address design, security, immigration, financing, and legal arrangements.
LTA is conducting an engineering feasibility study to be completed early next year, which will determine possible alignments and station locations in Singapore.

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29 May 2014

Number of Vehicles Using Marina Coastal Expressway during Peak and Non-peak Hours

Mr Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the average number of vehicles, speeds, and potential ERP adjustments for the Marina Coastal Expressway during peak and non-peak hours.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew reported that 6,300 vehicles per hour use the MCE westbound in morning peaks and 5,700 per hour eastbound in evening peaks, with about 3,000 vehicles per hour in each direction off-peak.
Traffic speeds during peak hours range between 45 km/h and 65 km/h, which is considered optimal.
The Land Transport Authority will review ERP rates quarterly and consider reductions if speeds exceed 65 km/h.
No immediate changes to ERP levies were confirmed, pending ongoing traffic condition assessments.

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29 May 2014

Illegal Vehicles Operating as Taxis

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked about enforcement against private vehicles operating as taxis, the number of illegal vehicles caught in the past year, and a regulatory framework for third-party taxi booking apps.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew stated that under the Road Traffic Act, only licensed taxis can operate for hire, with penalties including fines up to $3,000, imprisonment up to six months, or vehicle forfeiture.
There were no convictions for unlicensed taxis in the past year.
The Land Transport Authority is reviewing the impact of third-party taxi booking applications on the industry and will share details later.

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29 May 2014

Ridership on Downtown Line

The Downtown Line 1 (DTL1) recorded an average weekday ridership of about 58,000 passengers daily from January to April 2014, with 40% travelling during peak hours, primarily serving city connectivity rather than alleviating loads on the North East Line (NEL) or Circle Line (CCL).
The full Downtown Line, when completed in 2017, is expected to relieve congestion on the North-South and East-West Lines and busy city interchange stations, but not specifically the NEL or CCL.
Additional train capacity for the NEL and CCL from 42 new trains by 2015 will increase fleet capacity by up to 70% and 60% respectively, providing alternative relief for peak-hour loads.

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16 May 2014

Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Transport will enhance Singapore's public transport system by expanding the rail network, introducing a new financing framework for rail, and restructuring the bus industry with a contracting model to improve service standards and responsiveness.
Initiatives include extending rail lines, upgrading signalling systems, adding more trains, and encouraging off-peak travel to reduce crowding, while ensuring fare affordability and financial sustainability through regular adjustments and assistance for needy citizens.
The government will develop alternative transport options like sheltered walkways and cycling paths, limit private car growth, improve accessibility for the elderly, and promote cleaner vehicle technologies to support a sustainable, liveable city.
The maritime and aviation sectors will be strengthened through port expansions, talent attraction, and productivity initiatives to maintain Singapore's global connectivity and economic competitiveness.

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14 Apr 2014

Relocation of Bus Terminal at Queen Street

Ang Hin Kee asked the Ministry for Transport about plans to relocate the Queen Street bus terminal to ease traffic and create a dedicated facility for buses and taxis between Singapore and Malaysia.
Lui Tuck Yew responded that traffic at Queen Street is currently manageable and a new purpose-built facility is not needed in the near to medium term based on projected demand.
In the longer term, LTA and URA will explore relocating the bus terminal to a suitable site at Ban San Street (Queen Street).

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14 Apr 2014

Breakdown of Motorcycle Population and COE Revenue Collected

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap requested a breakdown of the Class 2, 2A, and 2B motorcycle populations and COE revenue for 2011 to 2013, and asked whether Class 2B COEs could be abolished to support lower-income users.
Lui Tuck Yew provided a table with the requested population and COE revenue data for the three motorcycle categories over 2011 to 2013, though the table is not included in the text.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that the COE system aims to manage vehicle population in line with road capacity, and since all motorcycles occupy similar road space regardless of engine size, exempting Class 2B motorcycles from COE is not appropriate.

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14 Apr 2014

Reviewing Job Structure for Taxi Drivers

Tan Su Shan questioned whether the Ministry of Transport will collaborate with taxi operators to restructure taxi drivers' jobs to enable employer CPF contributions.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that taxi drivers currently prefer self-employment, making them responsible for their own CPF contributions.
A Drive-and-Save Scheme was introduced in 2011 where taxi companies co-contribute $15 to drivers' Medisave accounts if the drivers contribute at least $15 themselves.

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14 Apr 2014

Measures to Protect and Ensure Safety of Taxi Drivers

Ang Hin Kee asked about the number of taxi drivers robbed in the past two years, existing safety measures, and the possibility of mandating in-car cameras with voice recording.
Teo Chee Hean reported 18 robberies in 2012 and 2013, a decrease from previous years, and outlined current measures like police coordination, driver handbooks, distress buttons, and GPS systems.
The government welcomed ComfortDelGro’s plan to install in-vehicle cameras and indicated it may consider recommending additional measures after monitoring outcomes.

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14 Apr 2014

Number of Cyclist Accidents at Crossings and Cyclist Safety

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong requested an annual breakdown of cyclist fatalities and injuries at pedestrian and zebra crossings from 2009 to 2013, along with data on penalties for motorists and whether cyclist accidents are increasing, suggesting a targeted safety campaign.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean reported that accidents at signalised pedestrian and zebra crossings averaged 16 per year with one fatality, while overall cyclist accidents declined from 592 in 2009 to 371 in 2013, with no clear trend in crossings-related incidents.
Penalties for motorists causing injury or death vary by case, with imprisonment and driving bans in severe cases; the government educates road users and collaborates on safety initiatives, and will consider a campaign focused on cyclist safety.

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14 Apr 2014

Coach Bays at Schools for Private Buses

Mr Teo Siong Seng asked the Minister for Education to consider opening more school coach bays for private school buses during non-peak hours and evenings.
Minister Heng Swee Keat stated that 169 schools currently provide 630 overnight parking lots for school buses.
MOE works with school bus operators on new parking requests, prioritizing school safety and security.

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