Transport — Topics

16 Sep 2013

Conversion of Military Driving Licence to Civilian Licence

Pritam Singh asked about the criteria for NSmen to convert their military driving licences into civilian ones.
Teo Chee Hean stated that conversion requires at least 22 months of military service, 7,000 km of driving, and a clean record with no more than seven demerit points or a one-year suspension.
Those who do not meet the criteria must undergo the Traffic Police's standard driving tests to qualify for a civilian licence.
The criteria account for the differing demands of military versus civilian driving environments.
Further assessments are mandated for servicemen who fail to satisfy the conversion requirements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 Sep 2013

Impact of New BTO Flats in Yishun Area on Public Transport Loads

Dr. Lee Bee Wah inquired about the expected increase in public transport commuters due to new BTO flats in Yishun over the next four years.
Lui Tuck Yew confirmed a 20% rise in Yishun's public housing units from 2013 to 2016, with corresponding increases in rail and bus ridership and plans to enhance transport capacity.
Measures include adding 41 new trains by 2016, upgrading the North-South Line signaling to reduce wait times, and planning the Thomson Line for future expansion.
The LTA will also introduce new bus services or reroute existing ones as needed to maintain adequate bus capacity in the area.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 Sep 2013

GST Levied on Taxi Rentals

Ang Hin Kee questioned the GST on daily taxi rentals and requested a review or removal to alleviate drivers' financial burdens.
The Ministry of Finance explained that GST is applied broadly to keep rates low, but offered to collaborate with taxi associations to explore options for better GST cost recovery.
Ang Hin Kee expanded the discussion to include a $5,100 annual diesel tax levy, suggesting it be reviewed due to advancements in vehicle efficiency.
The Ministry noted the diesel tax is already a concession compared to volumetric fuel taxes and has remained unchanged since 1998, advising a separate question for further details.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 Sep 2013

Punishment for Drink-driving

Baey Yam Keng asked if the Road Traffic Act can be amended to differentiate punishments between accidents caused by carelessness versus drink-driving, especially for fatal or injurious incidents.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs explained that existing laws already provide a range of offences and penalties for both negligent and drink-driving accidents, with intoxication treated as an aggravating factor, and thus no need for immediate amendments.
Baey Yam Keng argued that drink-drivers who knowingly exceed legal limits should not be let off lightly and suggested reviewing penalties, including minimum sentences for first-time offenders causing death.
The Minister responded that drink-driving accidents have actually decreased, and mandatory minimum sentences are reserved for exceptional cases, but the government will monitor and review if circumstances change.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 Sep 2013

Update on Rollout of Bus Service Enhancement Programme

The Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) has added about 250 of the 550 government-committed new buses, introduced 14 new routes, and improved 111 existing services in its first year, with positive public feedback.
The Ministry plans to accelerate the rollout, aiming to deploy the bulk of the 550 buses by the end of 2014 instead of 2016.
The Minister endorsed the suggestion to shorten long bus routes to improve reliability, noting that shorter routes are empirically more reliable and that optimization will continue when opportunities arise.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 Sep 2013

COEs for Commercial Vehicles

Ang Wei Neng questioned the Minister for Transport about the number of commercial vehicles replaced under the Early Turnover Scheme for Cat C vehicles between April and August 2013 and proposed measures to assist owners with high COE prices.
The Minister for Transport reported that 101 commercial vehicles were replaced under the scheme, with increased interest in August, and highlighted the Budget announcement allowing five-year Cat C COE renewals, which has been widely adopted by 96% of renewals.
Ang Wei Neng thanked the Minister and suggested enhancing the Early Turnover Scheme to make it more attractive and splitting Cat C COEs into categories based on vehicle weight to support small and medium enterprises.
The Minister acknowledged the suggestions, noted feedback on the Early Turnover Scheme would be considered, and stated the Ministry would review the Cat C COE categorization to address concerns about smaller commercial vehicles being disadvantaged.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Aug 2013

Enhancement of Barrier-free Facilities on Roads and in Estates

Mr Png Eng Huat asked whether the Ministry will work with LTA and HDB to enhance barrier-free facilities in light of Singapore's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Government affirmed its commitment to creating an accessible environment through the Enabling Masterplan, citing ongoing improvements such as ramps, tactile paving, accessible public transport, and Universal Design in HDB flats.
MSF highlighted the $40-million Accessibility Fund and the ongoing review of the Accessibility Code to expand accessibility features for the disabled, elderly, and families.
The Minister stated that more can be done and MSF will continue collaborating with other agencies, businesses, and the community to address accessibility needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Aug 2013

Parking Facilities for Commercial Tour Buses

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap raised concerns about insufficient parking for commercial tour buses at tourist sites, the government's efforts to address it, and potential increases in Malaysian buses illegally ferrying tourists.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew acknowledged that agencies receive feedback on coach parking shortages and have implemented temporary parking where feasible, along with issuing advisories on parking locations.
For new attractions, LTA works with developers to include coach parking, while the government notes that cases of Malaysian buses illegally operating in Singapore have been minimal, with only one recorded in 2013.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Aug 2013

Malaysian-registered Motor Vehicles Entering Singapore

In the past six months, foreign-registered vehicles made about 9 million trips into Singapore, with 67% motorcycles, 24% cars, and the rest other vehicles, and over 90% of trips were for two days or less.
Singapore citizens and permanent residents are not allowed to drive or use foreign-registered vehicles in Singapore unless they work and reside in West Malaysia, have paid Singapore registration fees and taxes, and are limited to 28 weekdays per year plus weekends and public holidays for entry.
All drivers of foreign-registered vehicles must pay a Vehicle Entry Permit fee (e.g., $20 per day for cars) and cannot stay in Singapore for more than 14 days per visit, with enforcement actions including fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment up to six months for violations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Aug 2013

Installation of Noise Barriers along Stretches of Central Expressway

Ang Hin Kee requested a pilot trial of noise barriers along Central Expressway sections facing residential areas to reduce elevated noise from expanded lanes and vehicles.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that the Land Transport Authority is launching a three-year trial of road noise barriers at three locations to assess technical feasibility and effectiveness.
The trial will determine the potential for wider implementation, while existing measures for CTE include tree planting and porous road pavement to lower noise.
LTA will continue exploring additional noise reduction measures with relevant agencies for Central Expressway.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Aug 2013

Demand for Heavy Vehicle Parking Space

Mr David Ong Kim Huat asked the Ministry for National Development about the current monthly applications for heavy vehicle season parking, the sufficiency of such parking spaces, and plans to meet demand if insufficient.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that URA and HDB receive about 430 monthly applications, with 40,650 licensed heavy vehicle lots available for 33,800 registered heavy vehicles, ensuring adequacy, and 10,200 lots are near housing estates for convenience.
The government is exploring new heavy vehicle parking options in high-demand areas, such as requiring developers in Woodlands to provide at least 80 additional lots, but faces challenges due to noise, safety, and limited land in residential estates.
Business owners are urged to ensure parking solutions and transportation arrangements for drivers rather than relying solely on public parking.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Aug 2013

Appeals by Families against Court Sentences for Road Accidents

The Minister clarified that fatal road accidents can lead to both criminal prosecution by the state and civil claims for compensation by the victim's family.
In criminal cases, only the state (through the Attorney-General's Chambers) can decide to appeal a court sentence; families cannot directly appeal but may raise concerns for the prosecution’s consideration.
Civil proceedings for compensation can be initiated by the deceased’s estate against the errant driver, separate from any criminal sentence.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Aug 2013

MRT Service Disruptions on Newer Lines

Png Eng Huat questioned why nearly half of major MRT disruptions from 2010 to mid-2013 occurred on newer lines, with the Circle Line accounting for about 30% of breakdowns.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that the Circle Line’s disruptions were mainly due to teething issues with its new power system, with cable replacement and increased maintenance expected to reduce future incidents.
He noted that the North East Line faced recent disruptions due to stress corrosion cracking in overhead power components, a unique issue in certain tunnels, which is being addressed through part replacement and material assessments.
Both lines are undergoing targeted interventions by LTA and operators to improve service reliability, with measures expected to yield results soon.
The Minister emphasized that the newer lines’ challenges stem from their advanced but initially less proven technologies, which are being systematically resolved.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Aug 2013

Prevalence of Accidents at Lentor Avenue-Yio Chu Kang Junction

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about fatal accidents, penalties for motorists causing death, and safety improvements at the Lentor Avenue-Yio Chu Kang Junction.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew confirmed one fatal accident in the first half of the year and noted no major accidents in the prior three years, with a review leading to full traffic light control for right-turn movements by year-end.
Motorists causing death through reckless driving face up to five years’ imprisonment, fines, and a driving ban, aligned with penalties under the Penal Code for unintentional death.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Aug 2013

Take-up Rate for Early Morning Free Peak Hour Travel on MRT

Mr R Dhinakaran asked about the take-up rate and impact of the early morning free peak hour travel trial on the MRT.
The one-year trial offered free travel for commuters exiting 16 city stations before 7:45 am, with a discount up to 50 cents for exits between 7:45 am and 8:00 am.
Early results show a 7% decrease in exits during the 8:00 am to 9:00 am peak period and a 19% increase in exits during the 7:00 am to 8:00 am pre-peak period.
The ratio of peak to pre-peak exits dropped from 2.7 before the trial to 2.1 after implementation, indicating a smoothing effect on morning travel demand.
Authorities noted it is too early to draw final conclusions and will continue monitoring the trial for a more detailed assessment later.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jul 2013

Request for Public Bus Service Plying between Potong Pasir and Orchard Road

Sitoh Yih Pin requested a direct public bus service between Potong Pasir and Orchard Road.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that the LTA balances connectivity with limited resources and cannot fulfill all such requests.
Existing transport options, including walking to Potong Pasir MRT, Service 142, and Upper Serangoon Road bus services, provide sufficient connectivity to Orchard Road.
Due to these existing connections, there are currently no plans for a new direct bus service between Potong Pasir and Orchard Road.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jul 2013

Incidence of Hit-and-Run Accidents

From 2008 to 2012, hit-and-run accidents decreased by 60%, falling from 330 to 133 cases annually.
Between 2010 and 2012, heavy vehicles were involved in approximately 2.6% of hit-and-run incidents each year.
The Traffic Police enforce strict penalties, including licence suspension, fines up to $3,000, imprisonment up to one year, and mandatory disqualification from driving for at least one year.
Authorities continue education and enforcement efforts to encourage hit-and-stay behavior, urging motorists to stop and assist after accidents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jul 2013

Investigations into Claims of Police Brutality for Bus Drivers on Strike

The Police Internal Affairs Office and the Attorney-General's Chambers completed an investigation into claims by former SMRT bus drivers He Jun Ling and Liu Xiangying that they were abused by Police during investigations related to their involvement in an illegal strike, and found the allegations to be baseless.
The drivers' allegations were made in online video clips months after their arrest and release, despite numerous prior opportunities to report abuse, including during medical examinations, court appearances, and bail; they later retracted their statements during the investigation.
The investigation involved interviews with 10 people, including six Police officers, and concluded the allegations were not substantiated, a finding endorsed by the Attorney-General's Chambers.
The government emphasized that it takes allegations of police abuse seriously and investigates them thoroughly, but will also defend officers against baseless and false accusations that undermine public trust.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jul 2013

Emergency Response to MRT Disruption along North East Line in June 2013

Sylvia Lim questioned the adequacy of SBS Transit and government agencies' response to the June 2013 North East Line disruption and asked if the government could be more proactive in helping operators improve incident management plans.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that while standard procedures were initially followed, the push-out operation failed, leading to detrainment, and acknowledged that incident management could have been better, particularly regarding timely information and bus boarding difficulties.
LTA is investigating the delay in detrainment and has been working with operators to refine incident management plans, update codes of practice, and conduct exercises and audits to enhance preparedness.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jul 2013

Free Pre-Peak Hour Travel on MRT Trains

The government initiated a one-year trial of free pre-peak MRT travel from 24 June 2013 to reduce crowding on city-bound routes during morning peak hours.
Early results showed a 6-7% decrease in peak period exits and an 18-19% increase in pre-peak exits, with the peak-to-pre-peak ratio dropping from 2.7 to 2.1.
The trial’s success relies on flexible work arrangements, with the Public Service and some private employers adopting them to help spread travel demand.
This measure is part of broader long-term efforts to increase rail capacity, including new lines, additional trains, and signalling upgrades.
The government remains committed to both short-term and long-term solutions to reduce train crowding and improve commuter comfort.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source