Transport — Topics

13 May 2013

Summonses for Motorists Who Failed to Give Way to Ambulances

Arthur Fong asked about summonses for motorists who failed to give way to ambulances, stricter penalties, and action taken against a motorist who blocked an ambulance on 14 March 2013.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean stated that about 17 summonses are issued annually, with fines up to $160 and four demerit points, and that enforcement action was taken against the motorist in the 2013 incident.
He noted that most motorists are considerate, but penalties may be reviewed if needed, and agencies will continue to promote awareness on giving way to emergency vehicles.

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13 May 2013

Preparing MRT Stations for Larger Passenger Capacity

Dr Janil Puthucheary asked about future MRT lines accommodating longer trains, future-proofing in new designs, and applying such approaches to existing stations to boost capacity.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew explained that future lines will study feasibility for longer trains as buffer capacity, but this must be balanced against higher costs and land use.
For existing stations, expanding to accommodate longer trains is complex and may require land acquisition and prolonged shutdowns, so enhancements will focus on improving passenger flow instead.

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13 May 2013

Update on Used Cars Industry

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Transport about used car transaction numbers before and after the 2013 financial curb, how many of the 7,000 pre-curb used cars were sold during a temporary 60-day lift, and the number of new cars bought by the physically disabled or their caregivers exempted from the loan curb.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew stated that from August 2012 to January 2013, about 5,000 used cars were sold monthly via the Temporary Transfer Scheme.
As of 7 May 2013, around 3,800 used cars (55% of the 7,000 in stock before the curb) had been sold after the restriction was temporarily lifted from 6 April 2013.
As of 7 May 2013, one application for a loan curb exemption for the physically disabled or their caregivers had been received by MAS, with more expected following the implementation details released on 15 April 2013.

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13 May 2013

Conversion of Military Driving Licences into Civilian Licences

Pritam Singh proposed that the government consider waivers or modified traffic police tests for national servicemen with good driving records who do not meet the standard conversion criteria for military to civilian licence conversion to save them time and money.
Teo Chee Hean explained that the Singapore Armed Forces recommends suitable servicemen for civilian licences only if they meet the existing conversion criteria set by the Traffic Police, due to the differing training requirements between military and civilian driving environments.
He noted that servicemen who do not fulfill the conversion criteria must undergo Traffic Police driving tests to qualify for civilian licences, as military training focuses on operational off-road driving while civilian licensing addresses general road use.
The Ministry had previously shared in January last year that the recommendation process applies to Full-time National Servicemen, Operationally Ready National Servicemen, and SAF Regulars holding military driving licences.
The debate highlighted the need to balance recognition of military driving experience with safety standards for civilian road use, without automatically waiving or modifying the conversion process for all qualified personnel.

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8 Apr 2013

Installation of Surveillance Cameras to Deter Illegal Parking in Sennett Estate

Sitoh Yih Pin proposed installing surveillance cameras at roads and junctions in Sennett Estate to deter illegal parking.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that CCTV installation for illegal parking is prioritized for public roads and LTA will collaborate with the community and agencies for other solutions in Sennett Estate.
The debate centered on addressing localized parking issues through surveillance and community engagement.

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8 Apr 2013

Repainting of Bridge Connecting St Andrew's Village to Flats in Potong Pasir

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Transport about the timeline for repainting the footbridge connecting St Andrew's Village to Potong Pasir flats.
LTA confirmed that a contract for repainting the bridge was awarded, with work starting on 22 March 2013.
The repainting is expected to be completed by the end of April 2013.

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8 Apr 2013

Peak Period Reversible Traffic Lanes

Alex Yam asked the Minister for Transport which stretches of the KJE will be considered for the peak period reversible traffic lanes scheme.
Lui Tuck Yew responded that the LTA has engaged a consultant to study suitable stretches of the KJE and PIE near Jurong, and the study is still ongoing.

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8 Apr 2013

Adjustment of Road Height Difference between Northbound and Southbound Lanes of Woodlands Road between KJE and Mandai Road

Alex Yam inquired about plans to adjust the road height difference between the northbound and southbound lanes of Woodlands Road between KJE and Mandai Road and the possibility of a controlled right turn for a trunk service for residents of Yew Tee and Limbang.
Lui Tuck Yew confirmed that the road level difference will be adjusted after the construction of Downtown Line 2 is completed.
LTA will consider a controlled right turn from Stagmont Ring Road to Woodlands Road.

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8 Apr 2013

Railway Noise Survey and Installation of Noise Barriers

Alex Yam asked about the findings of the railway noise survey, the sites for noise barriers, and whether Yew Tee and Keat Hong would be considered.
The island-wide study found some MRT tracks near residential areas exceed the NEA's 67 dBA guideline, with higher noise at turnout sections.
LTA will install noise barriers at identified hotspots, with the first phase covering 16 stretches from 2014 to 2016, including the Yew Tee area.
The second phase, including Keat Hong, is expected to be completed by 2020, with details being finalized.
The barrier installation will be coordinated with other MRT renewal works due to physical constraints.

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8 Apr 2013

Wheelchair-Accessible Bus Stops

Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for Transport about the number of bus stops still not accessible to Wheelchair Accessible Buses and the target date to make all bus stops accessible.
Lui Tuck Yew responded that out of 4,653 bus stops, 4,484 (96%) are wheelchair-accessible, with 169 remaining inaccessible due to site constraints requiring adjacent property redevelopment.
The Land Transport Authority plans to upgrade the remaining bus stops when opportunities arise, aiming for full accessibility.

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8 Apr 2013

Prioritising Requests for Additional Buses and Bus Routes

LTA prioritises bus and route requests by working with local communities, using planning data, public feedback, ticketing system information, and ground checks, with new routes typically added in new housing areas like Yishun, Sengkang, and Punggol.
To manage increased buses and road congestion, LTA will expand bus priority measures, adding 30 more kilometres of bus lanes and extending the Mandatory Give Way to Buses Scheme to 150 more bus stops over two years.
The number of bus hubs will quadruple from 10 to support more efficient passenger pick-up, and enforcement of bus priority schemes will be strengthened to reduce delays caused by infringements.

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8 Apr 2013

Sinkholes Created by Construction of MRT Downtown Line

Gerald Giam asked for details on sinkholes linked to the MRT Downtown Line, including their number, re-collapse incidents, injuries or vehicle damage, whether they reflect poor planning or execution, and what the Ministry is doing to prevent future occurrences.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that sinkholes can form naturally or from excavation, noting only one sinkhole related to the Downtown Line occurred in March 2013 at Woodlands Road due to a ruptured water pipe, and a road depression in July 2012 was fixed before it worsened, with no injuries or vehicle damage from these incidents.
Other unrelated sinkholes, such as at Keppel Road and Clementi Road, were caused by old water pipes or abandoned utility manholes, with one motorcyclist slightly injured avoiding the Clementi Road sinkhole.
To minimise sinkholes, LTA conducts ground investigations, monitors settlements, inspects roads, and will enhance efforts by adding extensometers, physically checking for voids, and working with utility agencies to inspect and maintain underground structures.
Lui assured that safety is paramount, with strict adherence to tunnelling controls and ongoing improvements to prevent sinkholes that could endanger motorists and pedestrians.

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8 Apr 2013

Layout of Traffic Junctions

Dr. Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about traffic junction safety after recent fatal accidents, asking for studies on layout amendments, safety upgrades at accident-prone junctions like Lentor Avenue and Yio Chu Kang Road, and harsher penalties for reckless motorists.
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew explained that LTA prioritizes safety in junction design, regularly reviews layouts based on international best practices, and has implemented enhancements like separate right-turn traffic lights, lighted road studs, and advance warning lights.
Lui noted that Lentor Avenue and Yio Chu Kang Road have had no major accidents in the last three years but LTA will conduct a safety review for that junction based on the feedback.
Lui stated that current penalties for motorists causing death through recklessness include up to five years' imprisonment, fines, and driving bans, and that the Singapore Police Force regularly reviews these penalties.
The Minister emphasized that the penalty framework aligns with the Penal Code for unintentional deaths and will be adjusted if necessary.

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8 Apr 2013

Accidents at Pedestrian Crossings

Ms Irene Ng asked for accident and casualty statistics at pedestrian crossings from 2008 to 2012, and the Second Minister for Home Affairs provided averages showing 82 accidents per year, with 63% fewer casualties in 2012 compared to 2008.
Ms Ng proposed stricter traffic rules to make vehicles stop completely at red lights when pedestrians have green, along with dedicated safety campaigns and harsher penalties for motorists who hit pedestrians.
The Minister responded that traffic signal rules are under review by a committee, and while education and enforcement efforts continue, there is no immediate plan to enhance penalties as casualty numbers have been declining.

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8 Apr 2013

Recent Changes to Rules for Car Loans

MAS introduced car loan restrictions to promote financial prudence and moderate demand for cars, which helps control COE prices and inflation, and offered a two-month temporary lift for used car dealers to clear pre-policy inventory.
Government officials emphasized that the loan limits were set based on assessments of past trends and the need for significant demand moderation, with tiered limits for smaller vehicles to support first-time buyers while balancing policy goals.
Parliament discussed concerns about the policy’s impact on less cash-rich individuals, used car dealers’ hardships, and potential alternatives, with assurances that the policy will be monitored and recalibrated based on COE market conditions and inflation effects.

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13 Mar 2013

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Multiple MPs proposed reforms to the COE system, such as re-categorizing cars by price (OMV) or emissions instead of engine capacity, to make car ownership more equitable and environmentally friendly; the Minister agreed to study these suggestions but emphasized that recent policy changes (like progressive ARF and loan restrictions) need time to take effect before further adjustments.
Concerns were raised about taxi services, including safety standards, accessibility for vulnerable groups, and the impact of removing taxis from COE bidding; the Minister outlined measures to enhance taxi service quality and availability while reviewing long-term policies for the taxi industry.
MPs highlighted road safety issues, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists, and school zones, and suggested measures like dedicated crossing signals, speed limits, and education campaigns; the Minister announced an inter-agency committee to develop a five-year action plan for pedestrian and cyclist safety.
The expansion of cycling infrastructure was a key topic, with calls for more dedicated paths, secure parking, and integration with public transport; the government outlined plans to expand cycling networks and pilot bike-sharing schemes while emphasizing safety education.
The aviation and maritime sectors were discussed, with updates on Changi Airport's expansion plans (including a new terminal and potential use of a third runway) and efforts to strengthen Singapore's position as an international maritime center, including supporting local talent and reviewing foreign worker policies.

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12 Mar 2013

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Parliamentarians expressed urgent concerns over overcrowding, long waiting times, and unreliability on buses and trains, calling for short-term fixes like accelerating the Bus Service Enhancement Programme and introducing peak-hour incentives such as "Ride-for-Free" schemes.
The Minister outlined near-term capacity boosts, including adding more buses and trains, improving service regularity through better en-route management, and tightening regulatory frameworks with higher penalties for service lapses to restore commuter confidence.
Members urged greater fare concessions for polytechnic students, the disabled, and lower-income groups, while the Minister said the Fare Review Mechanism Committee’s report, due mid-year, would address affordability and fare structures.

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6 Mar 2013

Public Transport Operators' Annual Share of Advertising Licensing Fees from Bus Stop Billboards

Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked about the annual share of advertising licensing fees from bus stop billboards for public transport operators from 2008 to 2012, guidelines for using these funds, and whether the share could be increased.
The Minister for Transport, Lui Tuck Yew, stated that starting FY2012, bus operators SBS Transit and SMRT Buses now retain a portion of these fees based on their operational scale and total fees collected.
For FY2012, SBS Transit is expected to receive about $13 million and SMRT Buses about $5 million, while prior to FY2012, operators received no revenue from these advertisements.

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6 Mar 2013

Emergency Response to Recent Newton MRT Station Fire

Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene questioned the Ministry of Transport on the emergency response to the Newton MRT station fire, including the fire alarm and evacuation procedures, and asked for stronger inspection and maintenance requirements for the rail network.
The Minister for Transport emphasized passenger safety, stated the fire was small and localised, confirmed a preliminary cause of a short circuit due to cable insulation issues, and outlined immediate measures like cable replacement and enhanced insulation tests.
The Minister assured that investigations are ongoing to improve future incident management, noting that SCDF responded swiftly with no injuries, and highlighted the role of regular joint emergency exercises.
Asst Prof Tan expressed concern about passengers milling around and taking photos during the incident, questioning if this aligned with safety protocols, especially in enclosed areas.
The Minister responded that passengers were quickly ushered out of the station, contrary to the impression they were allowed to linger, and acknowledged the need to further examine protocols to prevent photography during emergencies.

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25 Feb 2013

Heavy Vehicles in Residential Areas

Alex Yam raised concerns about heavy vehicles in residential areas, suggesting limits on non-essential access, alternative routes for industrial areas, and improved safety measures near schools, citing a recent accident in Tampines and ongoing issues in Yew Tee with speeding and limited access routes.
The Parliamentary Secretary responded that existing plans already keep industrial traffic away from residential zones, with LTA coordinating access routes and implementing safety measures like school zones and traffic calming, and committed to reviewing further safety improvements.
Baey Yam Keng suggested reviewing the ban on cement mixers on expressways and involving local advisers to plan safer routes for heavy vehicles in residential estates, which the Parliamentary Secretary agreed to consider.
Ang Hin Kee highlighted coordination challenges among multiple government agencies for road access during construction near schools, and the Parliamentary Secretary affirmed a whole-of-Government approach to address safety concerns.
Overall, the debate emphasized balancing infrastructure needs with community safety, with MPs seeking more targeted interventions and the Ministry committing to collaboration and policy reviews.

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