Transport

Dennis Tan Lip Fong requested updates on the progress and opening months for Circle Line Stage 6, Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 5, and Downtown Line 3 extension. Jeffrey Siow stated that tunnel strengthening for Circle Line must be completed before resuming further testing, with an expected opening in the first half of 2026 if on schedule. Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 5 and Downtown Line 3 extension are projected to open in the second half of 2026. Additional details on specific opening dates and service adjustments will be provided later.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye raised concerns regarding the adequacy of training for investigators distinguishing between system faults and human error after an autonomous vehicle collision. Jeffrey Siow stated that the Land Transport Authority collaborates with the Traffic Police and fleet operators for AV investigations. Current AV trials are conducted within a regulatory sandbox framework, facilitating a deeper understanding of the technology. The Government is reviewing accountability frameworks and plans to introduce AV-specific legislation to clarify responsibilities of key actors in the industry.

Jamus Lim asked the Acting Minister for Transport about the criteria used by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for prioritizing rail line upgrades, specifically regarding the Punggol LRT compared to the Sengkang LRT. Jeffrey Siow explained that Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) for the Sengkang-Punggol light rail transit can operate across all loops, with new two-car LRVs added first to Punggol for operational reasons to minimize disruption. By February 2026, Sengkang and Punggol will receive additional LRVs, with further deployments based on crowding levels and operational needs.

Poh Li San asked whether the Ministry of Transport would consider raising the age limit for Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licences above 75 years, given proper medical certification. Jeffrey Siow responded that the age limit will remain at 75, citing concerns about safety and higher accident rates among older drivers. He noted the increasing incidence of health issues in those aged 70 and above and assured that the age limit will be periodically reviewed.

Cai Yinzhou asked about traffic accidents on Tanah Merah Coast Road from 2020 to 2025, specifically the number of incidents involving cyclists. The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs reported an average of 20 accidents annually during this period, with approximately nine involving cyclists. Key causes of cyclist accidents included disorderly cycling, lack of proper lookout, and poor control of vehicles. The Traffic Police conduct regular enforcement at accident hotspots and collaborate with organizations to promote cycling safety and awareness among both cyclists and motorists.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye questioned the Minister for Manpower regarding the effectiveness of the voluntary Safety Time-out from January 13 to 27, 2026, aimed at improving vehicular safety, highlighting concerns over enforcement and operational pauses. The Minister of State for Manpower, Dinesh Vasu Dash, explained that no inspections were enforced during the Safety Time-out, but companies were encouraged to review safety protocols after recent fatalities. Yong raised issues about driver fatigue and the low uptake of vehicular safety technology, asking if the Ministry would consider mandating such technologies in high-risk sectors. Dinesh acknowledged fatigue as an important concern and noted ongoing investigations, while mentioning the availability of grants to support companies adopting safety technologies and emphasizing a balanced approach to enhancing vehicular safety culture.

He Ting Ru questioned the Acting Minister for Transport regarding the analysis of the marginal bidder effect in COE auctions and how corporate bids might influence clearing prices in Categories A and B. Jeffrey Siow explained that COE bidding operates as a uniform price auction, where the clearing price is determined by the highest unsuccessful bid plus one dollar. He noted that a majority of COEs in Categories A and B were won at bids close to the clearing price, refuting claims that a Pay-As-You-Bid system would lower prices. He also provided evidence that corporations showed price sensitivity, as demonstrated by a decrease in winning bids from car-leasing companies in recent auctions.

He Ting Ru queried the Acting Minister for Transport about stress-testing on car-leasing sector defaults impacting COE prices and the used-car market, as well as measures to address in-house financing practices. Jeffrey Siow responded that private hire cars make up about 15% of the car population, and defaults are unlikely to significantly affect COE prices or the used-car market long-term. Financial institutions must follow MAS's motor vehicle financing rules, but alternative arrangements by dealers are unregulated, prompting the government to monitor the situation and potentially tighten regulations to prevent abuses.

Valerie Lee asked about the measures in place to assist bus captains during route diversions and the possibility of enhanced navigation tools. Jeffrey Siow explained that bus captains can communicate with the Operations Control Centre for real-time support and receive briefings with maps for diverted routes. The Land Transport Authority is collaborating with bus operators to assess and implement technological solutions, including a mobile navigation app used by SBS Transit for bus captains on unfamiliar routes during rail disruptions.

Yeo Wan Ling requested data from the Acting Minister for Transport regarding the approvals and renewals of Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licences (PDVL) and Taxi Driver's Vocational Licences (TDVL) over the past five years. Jeffrey Siow responded with the details on first-time approvals for both licenses and the numbers for renewals. He also indicated that each license has a validity period of three years. Specific numerical data was not provided in the text.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about noise from North-South Corridor works and MRT tracks in Yio Chu Kang, asking about noise fatigue for residents, maintenance of noise barriers, and plans for proactive barrier installation. Jeffrey Siow responded that noise mitigation measures are implemented to keep cumulative noise levels within guidelines and that noise barriers are regularly maintained near residential areas. Contractors for the North-South Corridor must perform noise impact assessments and employ measures to minimize noise during construction. Railway noise is monitored, and if levels exceed guidelines, additional mitigation strategies will be enacted.

Yip Hon Weng questioned the Acting Minister for Transport about changes in aircraft flight altitudes over residential and school areas in Yio Chu Kang in the last six months. Jeffrey Siow confirmed that there has been no decrease in flight altitudes during this period and specified that the minimum altitude restriction is approximately 210 metres for safety at Seletar Airport. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has implemented measures to reduce noise, including routing aircraft away from residential areas when possible and restricting flights during certain nighttime hours, except for emergencies.

Fadli Fawzi raised concerns about an accident involving an autonomous vehicle on January 17, 2026, asking if the Ministry could provide details on the vehicle's response to detecting a small object and whether the accident was due to human error during a manual takeover or the vehicle's response. Jeffrey Siow replied that the question was previously addressed in a response during the February 4, 2026 Parliament sitting.

David Hoe raised concerns about improving pedestrian flow and safety at the Clementi MRT station link bridge to Clementi Mall due to peak-hour congestion and requested long-term upgrades for future foot traffic from the new Cross-Island Line interchange. Jeffrey Siow responded that two additional entrances and link bridges were added in 2015 to alleviate crowding and that service ambassadors help manage pedestrian flow during peak hours. The Land Transport Authority plans to replace the current link bridge with a wider one as part of the Cross Island Line project to accommodate the expected increase in foot traffic.

Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for Education about the reasons for the significant increase in school bus fares at Pathlight School and inquired about the tender process details. Desmond Lee stated that the question had been previously addressed in a response to another oral question and referred to the official report for the specifics on the number of bidders and other details.

Hany Soh asked about the number of feedback cases received by the LTA regarding bus captains' handling of passengers with strollers or prams in the past three years and whether training for bus captains would be enhanced. Jeffrey Siow reported an average of one complaint per month on this issue from 2023 to 2025. New bus captains receive training at the Singapore Bus Academy to assist passengers needing special help, and existing captains participate in refresher programs to stay informed on best practices.

Sharael Taha asked about the expected benefits of the Loyang Viaduct for commuters and businesses traveling between Pasir Ris, Changi, and the Airport Cargo Complex. Jeffrey Siow explained that the viaduct is part of the Changi Northern Corridor developments aimed at supporting industrial and aviation growth in the region. It will provide an alternative road corridor, alleviate traffic on existing roads, and enhance road network resilience. Travel times from Tampines Expressway and Loyang Avenue to Nicoll Drive during peak hours are anticipated to decrease by about 30%, from 22 minutes to 16 minutes.

Rachel Ong raised concerns about worker safety in lorries during high-impact collisions, asking if new measures would be introduced to prevent mass casualties and whether passenger restraints might be mandated. Jeffrey Siow responded that safety measures to improve worker safety on lorries have been regularly reviewed and include requirements for canopies, higher protective railings, lower speed limits, and mandatory speed limiters for certain lorries by July 2027. The upcoming Land Transport and Related Matters Bill 2026 will impose heavier penalties for speed-limiter offences to enhance safety further. However, adding seatbelts to lorries’ rear decks is complex due to structural integrity concerns, potential new safety risks, and liability issues from manufacturers.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the number of high-speed police pursuits in Singapore over the last three years and their outcomes, as well as if the Ministry would review safety protocols for these pursuits and alternative tracking methods for fleeing vehicles. K Shanmugam explained that the Police do not specifically track the number of high-speed pursuits or the resulting traffic accidents. He emphasized that safety is prioritized in police protocols, with specific training for officers and the use of sirens and blinkers during pursuits, which may be terminated if deemed dangerous. The details regarding the Police's tracking capabilities for fleeing vehicles are not disclosed for operational reasons.

Poh Li San questioned the Acting Minister for Transport regarding the management of issues related to the implementation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) shuttle in Punggol after a recent accident. Jeffrey Siow emphasized the importance of the familiarization phase for both autonomous vehicles and safety officers to adapt to local conditions. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and ComfortDelGro are reviewing operating procedures for transitioning between autonomous and manual driving. LTA will continue to collaborate with fleet operators to ensure the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles.