Transport — Topics

9 Jul 2013

Impact of Insolvency of Main Contractor for MRT Downtown Line

The insolvency of Alpine Bau GmbH, the main contractor for three Downtown Line stations, has led to a suspension of works, with LTA securing the sites and managing subcontractors to maintain safety and equipment, resulting in an inevitable delay and additional costs for the project.
The government has terminated Alpine's contracts and will pursue claims against the company, leveraging a significant performance bond and retention sum held by LTA to recoup some of the additional costs incurred.
MPs expressed concern over the impact on students and traffic congestion, with the Minister assuring that minimizing delays and completing the line with as little disruption as possible is a top priority.

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9 Jul 2013

Express Bus Terminal for Long-haul Coaches

Teo Siong Seng questioned the need for a new Express Bus Terminal for long-haul coaches, citing a 2010 study that concluded a centralized terminal was unnecessary.
The Parliamentary Secretary responded that projected demand for intercity bus services does not warrant a centralised terminal, noting a 9% decline in intercity bus licenses this year.
The government stated that existing infrastructure used by bus operators remains adequate and that LTA will continue monitoring demand and review the need for a terminal if necessary.

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9 Jul 2013

Award of Contracts for City Direct Public Bus Services

Mr Teo Siong Seng questioned whether the tender for City Direct bus services should exclude companies related to public transport operators to ensure fair competition and better utilize private sector resources.
The Minister for Transport responded that all private bus operators, including those related to public transport operators but with separate management, are allowed to participate if they meet tender requirements and can provide competitive and good service.
Mr Teo expressed concern that companies like ComfortDelGro, though separately run, are linked to public transport operators and have an unfair advantage due to their resources and parent company connections.
The Minister reassured that the tender evaluation process is fair, focusing on operators' ability to fulfill service commitments, financial standing, and delivering improved bus service levels.
The debate centered on balancing inclusivity of private operators with ensuring a level playing field in the Bus Service Enhancement Programme.

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8 Jul 2013

Commuter Capacity of Stadium MRT Station

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene inquired about the current commuter capacity of Stadium MRT station and whether it can handle increased volume when the Sports Hub is operational, especially during major events.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that the station was designed with more fare gates and larger concourses than other stations to accommodate large crowds, with gates at both ends for better accessibility.
SMRT will coordinate with the Sports Hub on crowd management, including running more frequent trains, deploying additional mobile fare gates, and providing signage and ushers to guide commuters.

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8 Jul 2013

Signalised Traffic Crossings along Main Roads for Pedestrians

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Transport about the conditions required to implement signalised pedestrian crossings on main roads.
LTA considers traffic volume, road geometry, and pedestrian safety and convenience when deciding on such crossings.
Signalised crossings are typically provided where there is high interaction between pedestrians and vehicles.
If signalised crossings would slow down bus and traffic speeds, LTA may opt for alternatives like pedestrian overhead bridges or underpasses.

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8 Jul 2013

Rationale for No-Standing Rule on Premium and Bus-Plus Services

Lim Biow Chuan questioned the policy rationale for prohibiting standing on premium and bus-plus services.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that premium bus services offer higher quality, faster, and more direct journeys with guaranteed seats for commuters who pay higher fares.
He noted that if demand increases, operators can add more trips to accommodate passengers instead of allowing standing.

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8 Jul 2013

Vehicle Ownership Transfer Process for Used Cars

Foo Mee Har raised concerns about the risks consumers face during used car transfers, specifically the possibility of paying for a vehicle without proper ownership change, and asked what can be done to improve the process for concurrent payment and ownership transfer.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that used vehicle sales are private transactions where buyers and sellers must agree on the transfer process, and highlighted that LTA has measures enabling concurrent payment and registration if prerequisites like cleared loans and proper documents are met.
LTA issues a notification letter to both parties upon transfer and allows online verification via OneMotoring, and collaborates with CASE and SVTA to promote best practices such as CaseTrust accreditation for dealers.

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8 Jul 2013

Soliciting of Passengers by Drivers of Private Vehicles along Rochor Area

Ang Hin Kee inquired about cases of private vehicles, including Malaysian-registered ones, soliciting passengers in the Rochor area and whether there are plans to regulate or educate on the risks.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that the Road Traffic Act prohibits private vehicles from being used for hire, with enforcement including fines, jail, and vehicle forfeiture, and noted that LTA issued warnings to three Malaysian vehicle owners in 2013 for suspected illegal hire in the area.
He emphasized that passengers using such vehicles risk having no insurance coverage or compensation in accidents, as motor insurance does not cover illegal hire purposes.

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8 Jul 2013

Mandatory Stickers in Taxis to Show Penalties for Cheating and Assaulting Taxi Drivers

Ang Hin Kee proposed mandatory stickers in taxis to display penalties for assault or fare cheating.
Lui Tuck Yew confirmed that decals on fare evasion penalties already exist and are encouraged in taxis.
The government has no plans for stickers on assault penalties, but takes such offences seriously and ensures driver safety through training and distress buttons.

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8 Jul 2013

Number of MRT Breakdown Incidents between 2010 and 2013

Png Eng Huat requested a breakdown of MRT incidents from 2010 to 2013 due to mechanical, electrical, and electronic failures across four main lines.
Lui Tuck Yew reported 32 major incidents (over 30 minutes disruption) from 2010 to June 2013, with 17 on North-South-East-West Line, 9 on Circle Line, and 6 on North East Line.
The Minister noted that disruptions, when normalized per train-kilometre, decreased for the North-South East-West and Circle Lines from January 2011 to May 2013, but may rise slightly for the North East Line due to June incidents.
He explained that incidents are not classified by mechanical, electrical, or electronic failures, but by faults in trains, power, or signaling systems to monitor trends and develop targeted strategies.

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13 May 2013

Traffic Impact Assessment Study on Haus@Serangoon Garden Housing Development

Sylvia Lim asked about the progress of the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) study, mitigation measures for congestion along Serangoon Garden Way, and the timeline for announcing such measures.
Lui Tuck Yew confirmed the TIA study for Haus@Serangoon Garden is complete and found the projected traffic increase is within the existing road network's capacity.
He noted that LTA implemented traffic improvements in 2012, including junction upgrades and additional lanes, and will continue monitoring and considering further measures if needed.

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13 May 2013

Free Travel Scheme for Senior Citizens on Public Transport

Ms Tan Su Shan proposed a free travel scheme for senior citizens on public transport to help ease their cost of living.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew noted that seniors already receive 25% to 55% fare discounts, with full-day concessions since 2011.
The Minister highlighted existing social assistance schemes that support seniors and other Singaporeans with living costs.
The Fare Review Mechanism Committee is currently reviewing transport fare concessions, with its report expected mid-year.
The Minister indicated that the government will consider the committee's recommendations before any new measures.

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13 May 2013

Ladies-only Train Cabins

Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for Transport whether ladies-only train cabins would be considered to improve safety and comfort for female commuters during crowded peak periods.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that the Ministry focuses on safety through patrols and more CCTV, and while ladies-only carriages have been considered, they pose practical challenges like reduced train capacity and social concerns about gender segregation.
The Minister emphasized openness to other suggestions to enhance security or the sense of security for female commuters.

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13 May 2013

Review of Provision of Parking Lots in Condominiums

Sylvia Lim asked for a review of the policy requiring only one parking lot per household in condominiums, especially those in private estates with narrow access roads, to address parking shortages and congestion.
Khaw Boon Wan clarified that the Land Transport Authority (LTA), not the Controller of Housing, sets the minimum parking requirement of one lot per dwelling unit, and developers are encouraged to provide more if needed.
LTA will continue monitoring parking situations in private estates and consider changes to standards if necessary.
For estates with narrow roads, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has guidelines limiting development density to account for local road capacity, as implemented in specific estates like Telok Kurau and Joo Chiat.

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13 May 2013

Update on Integrated Development at Yishun Central

Patrick Tay Teck Guan requested an update on the integrated development at Yishun Central, including a new bus interchange.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that most projects under Yishun's Remaking Our Heartland programme are completed, with the next major development being a mixed-use project featuring a bus interchange, town plaza, residences, and retail spaces.
The project has faced delays due to extensive consultations and site constraints, but preparation works like relocating vehicle lots and site clearing are progressing, with a temporary bus interchange planned to minimise disruption.
Agencies are finalising tender requirements to ensure the development integrates well with the surroundings, including an air-conditioned bus interchange, road widening, and community spaces, with the site scheduled for land sale in June.

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13 May 2013

Road Safety Campaigns

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about road safety campaigns, resources spent, and activities for the UN Global Road Safety Week in 2013.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean announced the Safer Roads Singapore plan, detailing four annual campaigns and $1 million yearly funding from 2010 to 2012.
Over the past three years, over 600,000 road users were reached through 2,400 talks and exhibitions, with partnerships like a road safety luncheon for elderly pedestrians.
In support of UN Global Road Safety Week, the inaugural Singapore Road Safety Month will be held from 6 May to 1 June 2013 with customized activities for various road user groups.
The government encourages community participation to enhance road safety through education and engagement under the Safer Roads Singapore initiative.

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13 May 2013

Applications for Earlier Working Hours in Civil Service

Baey Yam Keng asked the Minister for Transport about the number of civil servants who applied for earlier working hours under a free rail travel trial, the proportion approved, and reasons for rejections.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that about 14,000 public officers in 40 agencies near the trial stations could opt for earlier start times under staggered work policies.
He explained that requests are usually made informally to supervisors and are generally approved if work outcomes and public service deliverables are not compromised.

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13 May 2013

Engineering Study for Malaysia-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link

The Singapore Land Transport Authority and Malaysia's Land Public Transport Commission jointly awarded a US$42 million contract to a consortium led by AECOM for an engineering study on the Malaysia-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link.
Seven other companies bid for the contract, with prices ranging from about S$28 million to over S$60 million.
Singapore's share of the S$52.8 million contract is S$26.4 million, split equally with Malaysia.

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13 May 2013

Managing Traffic Congestion at MRT Stations

Arthur Fong asked the Minister for Transport for measures beyond CCTV installation to manage traffic congestion at Clementi MRT station.
Lui Tuck Yew outlined that LTA uses infrastructure improvements, traffic light adjustments, and enforcement to manage traffic, with specific upgrades like new turning lanes and bus bay extensions at Clementi MRT.
LTA has increased enforcement against illegal parking near the MRT station and plans to install CCTVs as an additional deterrent.

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13 May 2013

Improvements Brought about by Fort Canning Tunnel

The Fort Canning Tunnel, opened in 2007, has successfully diverted traffic from Stamford Road, improved public bus operations, and enhanced the pedestrian experience in the Bras Basah area, meeting its objectives as part of the Civic District Master Plan.
The tunnel's construction method minimized disturbance, saving about 35 trees, including an iconic Terap tree, demonstrating a commitment to preserving tangible and intangible assets like heritage landmarks.
The project's justification extended beyond traffic benefits to include broader public benefits and optimal land use, with a balanced approach that considers both tangible costs and intangible cultural values in infrastructure planning.
Evaluating projects against heritage destruction involves a non-monetary assessment, acknowledging that the preservation of national icons and landmarks is a key consideration in Singapore's planning process, alongside economic factors.

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