Transport — Topics

14 Jan 2013

Lifts at Overhead Bridges

Lim Biow Chuan asked the government to consider installing lifts at overhead bridges in estates with many elderly residents.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) began retrofitting lifts at six pedestrian overhead bridges near MRT stations in 2012 due to high usage and lack of nearby barrier-free alternatives.
LTA has studied expanding lift provision to more overhead bridges to better serve the elderly and other groups, and has decided in principle to launch a new programme for this.
More details on the new programme will be announced in the coming weeks after finalisation.

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14 Jan 2013

Improvements to Bus Service Standards after Initial Roll-Out of Buses under BESP

The Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) has reduced crowding and waiting times by adding 780 weekly bus trips to 54 services, launching five new routes, and injecting about 250 new buses, increasing the fleet by 6% against ridership growth of 3%.
The Ministry aims to ramp up bus capacity over five years by adding 800 new buses, with 70% (about 550) to be implemented by end-2014, focusing on improving existing services and launching new routes to reduce MRT crowding and meet new developments.
LTA uses a balanced approach with community leaders to prioritize service enhancements where most needed, while also improving driver recruitment and retention to support future service expansion.

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14 Jan 2013

Rewarding Taxi Drivers for Meeting New Taxi Availability Standards

Ang Hin Kee proposed rewarding taxi drivers who meet the new Taxi Availability standards and ensuring that any penalties on operators are not passed on to drivers.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that the standards were developed with stakeholders and are aimed at improving commuter experience, with LTA facilitating but operators deciding on driver incentives.
The Minister noted that no financial penalties will be imposed for the first six months of implementation, with a review to follow, and urged operators not to shift penalties to drivers, citing Comfort Delgro's commitment to support rather than burden its drivers.

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14 Jan 2013

Reviewing COE System for Buses and Goods Vehicles

Pritam Singh asked the Ministry for Transport to review the COE system for goods vehicles and buses to help small businesses and SMEs manage costs.
Lui Tuck Yew stated there are no plans to review the COE system for these vehicles, noting existing concessions such as separate bidding in Category C and lower vehicle taxes like the 5% ARF for most goods vehicles.
He highlighted that businesses already benefit from not competing with private car buyers in Categories A and B, and SMEs can tap various government schemes for growth and productivity.
The government will continue to assess SME needs during annual budget exercises to determine if additional support is required.
The response emphasized that the current system is designed to alleviate business costs without requiring a review of the COE framework for buses and goods vehicles.

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14 Jan 2013

Impact of Bus Drivers' Illegal Strike on Singapore-China Relations

Arthur Fong asked whether the illegal strikes by SMRT Chinese drivers had damaged Singapore-China bilateral ties.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that the drivers' actions are being handled under Singapore law, which applies equally to all residents.
He emphasized that the government views the incident strictly as a matter of law enforcement.
The Minister expressed that the incident is not expected to affect relations between Singapore and China.

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16 Nov 2012

Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill

The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill introduces the Carbon Emissions-Based Vehicle (CEV) scheme, which replaces the Green Vehicle Rebate with rebates and taxes to encourage lower-emission vehicle purchases.
It extends licensing and security measures to bus depots, allowing for conditions on maintenance and crisis management, and empowers officials to conduct bag checks in buses and interchanges.
The bill enhances penalties for illegal vehicle modifications, including impounding vehicles for up to three months, and expands owner liability for traffic offenses like illegal parking and driving in bus lanes.

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16 Nov 2012

Regulation of Despatch Riders with Foreign-registered Vehicles

Foreign despatch riders using foreign-registered vehicles must hold valid work passes under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act and comply with LTA insurance rules; violators face fines up to $20,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The Ministry of Manpower has not recorded any recent cases of employers being prosecuted for hiring foreign despatch riders without work permits, and all workers are covered under the Work Injury Compensation Act.
Employers are responsible for ensuring their foreign despatch riders have proper work passes and insurance, with LTA requiring compulsory insurance for foreign-registered vehicles used commercially.

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15 Nov 2012

Update on Plans to Promote Eco-friendly Transport

Under the National Cycling Plan, more than 50km of dedicated off-road cycling paths will be provided at seven HDB towns by 2014, linked to the Park Connector Network where feasible.
Additional secure and well-lit bicycle parking spaces are being added at major transport nodes, with 900 more racks at 10 more MRT stations by 2Q2013.
A $74 million programme to build covered link-ways connecting transport nodes to key amenities is largely completed, with plans to review its extension.

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15 Nov 2012

Vehicle Inspections

Foo Mee Har inquired about vehicle inspection failure rates at different car ages, the impact of poor maintenance on breakdowns and accidents, and the possibility of reducing inspection frequency to save costs and time for car owners.
The Minister for Transport responded that inspection failure rates over the last 10 years were 6.3% for three- and five-year-old cars, and 7.1% and 8.7% for seven- and nine-year-old cars respectively.
The Ministry noted it lacks data linking breakdowns and accidents directly to poor maintenance but emphasized the importance of vehicle inspections for road safety, with regular reviews of inspection standards in line with international practices.

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15 Nov 2012

Replacement of MRT Circle Line Power Cables

The Circle Line power cable faults were traced to a combination of manufacturing defects, installation damage, and accelerated deterioration from water seepage, with an 18-month replacement programme for over 1,000 cables set to begin in January 2013, costing $12 million borne by the contractor and $2–3 million by LTA for higher-grade cables.
The Minister highlighted that while international standards were followed, microscopic defects not detectable by factory or site tests were found, leading to increased inspection frequency and the use of higher-grade cables in areas with high water tables.
Lessons learned include reviewing cable specifications and installation methods for future lines like the Downtown and Thomson Lines, and implementing measures such as cable troughs and water pumps to prevent water exposure.

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15 Nov 2012

Update on MRT Downtown Line 2 Construction

The Minister confirmed the Downtown Line Stage 2 remains on track for a 2015 completion, though some sections along the Bukit Timah corridor have faced delays due to adverse soil conditions and restricted working hours from resident complaints.
LTA is implementing measures to mitigate slippage, such as extending project hours and exploring ways to shorten track and E&M work periods, without revising the overall timeline.
LTA pledged to keep the Member informed on progress and speed-up opportunities, and appreciated the cooperation of residents and advisors in supporting the construction.
LTA is focusing on improving the last-mile experience by designing thoughtful pedestrian pathways and extending sheltered linkways beyond the current 200-meter radius around stations like Bukit Panjang.

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15 Nov 2012

Budgeting for Infrastructure Projects

Christopher de Souza asked whether the Ministry of Transport would conduct an internal, confidential cost calculation for infrastructure projects before tendering to ensure proper funding and avoid pressuring sub-contractors' fees.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) prepares cost estimates based on norms and market rates, keeps them confidential, and calls competitive tenders while assessing quality and value for money, without influencing sub-contractors' fees.
De Souza clarified his concern was about sub-contractors, questioning whether LTA would reject bids significantly lower than its internal estimate to prevent unsustainable projects and further squeezing of sub-contractors.
The Parliamentary Secretary reassured that LTA assesses projects accurately, consults the industry, and considers quality and feasibility, not just the lowest bid, to ensure realistic project implementation.

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15 Nov 2012

Rationale for Recent ERP Rate Increases

The Minister explained that ERP rate increases are quarterly routine adjustments based on traffic speeds falling outside the optimal range, citing specific gantries on CTE and ECP where speeds dropped below 45km/h.
The Minister emphasized that the primary aim of ERP is congestion management, not revenue generation, and noted that more ERP decreases than increases occurred over the past two years, including reduced operating hours.
The Minister stated that no road tax reduction is planned as ERP adjustments are traffic-responsive, and confirmed public transport can cope with any shift from car owners affected by the rate changes.
Dr Lee questioned the lack of road tax reduction despite increased ERP revenue and expressed concern over the $4.00 rate on CTE, especially after lane expansions, and asked if evening ERP would be scrapped.
The Minister clarified that ERP offers travel choices, such as smoother rides before 8:00 PM by paying the fee, and highlighted historical ERP rate reductions to provide perspective on the current adjustments.

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14 Nov 2012

Orchard Road Underground Pedestrian Links

URA is developing a comprehensive underground pedestrian network for all-weather connectivity in Marina Bay, CBD, and Orchard Road, with land sale conditions facilitating links in newer developments.
Progress on Orchard Road has been slow due to existing buildings, with limited links at MRT stations for newer sites, while older developments face challenges and low take-up for the Cash Grant Incentive Scheme.
The links aim to improve Orchard Road traffic flow by encouraging MRT use and reducing pedestrian crossings and related incidents, though owners have concerns about construction disruptions and space loss.

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14 Nov 2012

Reasons for Higher Bill for Downtown MRT Line

The significant cost increase for the Downtown Line, from an original $12 billion budget to $20.7 billion, was primarily due to rising construction and material prices from 2007 onwards, along with project enhancements like an extended alignment, an additional station, and more entrances for better connectivity.
The Transport Minister explained that price fluctuation clauses in contracts, which are standard practice, allowed the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to bear the risk for key material cost increases, resulting in lower initial tender prices but also leading to higher costs when market prices surged.
The government emphasized that LTA follows best practices in procurement, including a two-stage tender process evaluating quality and price, and aims to increase competitiveness by inviting more firms, including local and international contractors, to bid for projects.

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12 Nov 2012

Determination of Quantum of ERP Rate Charges at Quarterly Reviews

ERP rates are adjusted quarterly by the Land Transport Authority based on traffic speeds falling outside optimal ranges, generally by $1 increments, with no maximum fee set at any gantry.
Road capacity planning considers existing and projected traffic conditions, including residential, commercial, and industrial growth, as well as new MRT lines and demand management measures like ERP and reduced vehicle growth rates.
The Land Transport Authority collaborates with other government agencies, such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority, in transport planning to enhance the road network and manage travel demand.

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12 Nov 2012

Expected Average Car Speed during Peak Hours

David Ong asked about the expected average car speed during peak hours given the increase in buses and current car population.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that measures like bus lanes and priority schemes are in place to promote public transport use.
The Land Transport Authority monitors traffic to maintain speeds between 20–30 km/h on arterial roads and 45–65 km/h on expressways during peak hours.
Efforts aim to balance transport solutions due to Singapore's land constraints, encouraging a shift from cars to public transport for sustainable traffic flow.

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12 Nov 2012

Traffic Congestion after the Havelock Road Exit from the CTE

Ellen Lee inquired about plans to alleviate traffic congestion at the Havelock Road exit from the CTE due to nearby traffic light junctions and the timeline for implementation.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that traffic lights are already optimized for high throughput, with congestion typically contained within the slip road but occasionally causing tailbacks.
He noted that road capacity cannot be increased due to the densely built-up area, but the government plans to build the North-South Expressway and Thomson MRT Line to provide alternatives to the CTE for accessing the CBD from the north.

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12 Nov 2012

Heritage Roads in Singapore

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked how many heritage roads exist in Singapore, what criteria determine their selection, and whether specific maintenance guidelines are in place.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed there are five gazetted heritage roads under the Parks and Trees Act, selected for their lush, mature roadside trees and vegetation, with protection for green buffers up to 10 metres on both sides.
Maintenance for these roads includes regular tree pruning, annual inspections, and ad-hoc checks after storms to ensure public safety and long-term sustainability.

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12 Nov 2012

Installation of Red Light Cameras at Traffic Junctions

Ellen Lee questioned whether red light cameras would be installed at all traffic junctions due to the rising number of motorists beating red lights.
Teo Chee Hean explained that the Traffic Police uses a targeted approach, deploying cameras at problematic junctions based on accident data and feedback, while using mobile enforcement elsewhere.
The Traffic Police reviews camera deployment periodically and plans to upgrade to digital technology for more effective enforcement.
The minister emphasized the need for both enforcement and education to promote road safety.

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