Transport

He Ting Ru asked for an update on plans to phase out hybrid vehicles to provide certainty for businesses and consumers. Jeffrey Siow responded that all new car registrations must be cleaner-energy models starting in 2030, with a target for all cars to be cleaner-energy by 2040, which includes electric and hybrid vehicles. There are currently no plans to phase out hybrid cars, and the Ministry is monitoring the adoption of cleaner-energy vehicles.

Tin Pei Ling raised concerns regarding the potential increase in illegal ride hailing in Singapore over the past six months and sought information on the extent of this increase and further enforcement actions by the LTA. Jeffrey Siow referenced a previous written reply provided for a related question addressed during the Parliament Sitting on September 23, 2025, indicating that additional details would be available in that document.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport about streamlining the Travel Smart Journeys initiative to enable automatic fare incentives at payment instead of requiring prior enrolment through the SimplyGo app. He also inquired about the current adoption rate of the initiative, its impact on participation, and any plans for increasing it. He Ting Ru questioned whether there has been a noticeable reduction in peak-hour crowding at North East MRT Line stations due to the initiative's enhancements. Jeffrey Siow explained that the Travel Smart Journeys initiative, enhanced in January 2023, has encouraged roughly 7,000 more commuters to adjust their travel times, with many shifting to less busy periods or taking buses instead, but noted that the overall adoption rate remains low. The Land Transport Authority plans to further improve the program to encourage more participation.

Sharael Taha asked the Acting Minister for Transport about the criteria for success in the Punggol autonomous vehicle (AV) trials, public and passenger safety measures, and insurance liability issues for AV operations. Jeffrey Siow responded that these questions will be addressed in a comprehensive manner at the next Sitting on 25 September 2025, along with similar inquiries.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked whether the Ministry of Transport has studied the link between rail service reliability and public transport adoption. Jeffrey Siow responded that such studies have not been conducted, but noted that as of 2024, 66% of peak period journeys are made by public transport and this figure has been steadily increasing, with most journeys being completed without issues.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik requested ridership statistics and average load factors for City Direct Services 675, 676, and 677 since their launch in January 2025. Jeffrey Siow reported that the morning peak load factors for these services have stabilized at approximately 35% to 45%, while evening peak load factors are around 10% to 15%.

Lee Hong Chuang asked for an update on the implementation of ERP 2.0, including its benefits and data privacy measures. Jeffrey Siow reported that over 75% of vehicles have installed the ERP 2.0 On-Board Units, with full installation expected by 2026. The OBU offers real-time traffic updates, estimated travel times, and allows payment of missed ERP charges. Strict safeguards are in place to ensure data privacy, with LTA using anonymised data for traffic management and adhering to government data security standards.

Shawn Loh asked about the number of taxi and private hire car drivers turning 75 from 2022 to 2024 and the rationale for maintaining a maximum age limit of 75 for vocational licenses. Jeffrey Siow provided the requested data on drivers turning 75. He emphasized the importance of ensuring drivers' fitness to drive for safety reasons, noting that the age limit was established after reviewing accident statistics and consulting the Singapore Medical Association.

Cai Yinzhou asked if regulations for Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) and Power-Assisted Bicycles (PABs) could require periodic inspections for safety compliance, similar to the requirements for Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs). Jeffrey Siow explained that PMDs must meet the UL2272 fire safety standard and undergo inspections every two years, while PABs must conform to the EN15194 standard before registration, which includes anti-tampering measures. There are currently no widely recognized international fire safety standards for PMAs, and the government will keep monitoring developments in this area. The Land Transport Authority enforces strict measures against illegal modifications of motorized active mobility devices.

Cai Yinzhou questioned the Acting Minister for Transport about public feedback on irresponsible riding behaviors and related enforcement actions by the LTA. Jeffrey Siow responded that from 2022 to 2024, the LTA received over 1,800 feedback cases, leading to enforcement actions against more than 100 riders for irresponsible behaviors like speeding. Additionally, over 3,000 active mobility devices were seized due to offences involving non-compliant devices. The LTA acknowledged that most riders operate safely and will continue promoting responsible riding through education and outreach.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about the declining reliability of MRT services since 2020, questioning the factors contributing to breakdowns and the effectiveness of upgraded signaling systems. Jeffrey Siow referenced a previous parliamentary discussion on the topic, indicating that the issues raised had already been addressed in detail during the September 2025 Parliament sitting.

Edward Chia Bing Hui asked if the Ministry of Home Affairs will consider using cameras to enforce illegal U-turns and inquired about the monthly deployment of enforcement personnel for traffic violations. K Shanmugam responded that Traffic Violation Enforcement Cameras will be introduced by 2026 to help enforce various traffic rules, including illegal U-turns. He noted that the Traffic Police deploy officers across Singapore, prioritizing accident-prone and violation hotspots, with deployment numbers varying based on operational and manpower needs.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik questioned the necessity for Town Councils to bear costs associated with connecting linkways and footpaths for LTA projects on HDB land and requested a review of this cost allocation. Jeffrey Siow explained that while the LTA funds the construction of covered linkways and lifts for pedestrian overhead bridges to promote public transport usage, additional linkways requested by residents may require co-funding by Town Councils if existing connections are already in place. This policy aims to balance convenience for residents with fiscal responsibility.

Poh Li San asked the Acting Minister for Transport about considerations for lowering rebates for Band A1 vehicles, excluding rebates for hybrids, and ending the EV Early Adoption Incentive after 2026, amidst rising electric vehicle and hybrid ownership and high COE prices. Jeffrey Siow explained that the VES and EEAI were established to promote cleaner-energy vehicles by reducing the upfront cost difference with internal combustion engine cars. Factors such as adoption rates and total ownership costs were considered during the review of these schemes. Additional context can be found in a prior response regarding COE.

Saktiandi Supaat raised concerns about potential increases in Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums in late 2025 due to expected vehicle demand linked to changes in the electric vehicle rebate schedule. Jeffrey Siow indicated that measures are being implemented to stabilize COE supply, including advancing quotas from future de-registrations and adding up to 20,000 COE quotas since February 2025. He noted that COE prices depend on supply and demand dynamics, with an expected increase in supply reaching its peak in 2026, and encouraged potential car buyers to be cautious about entering the market now.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis raised concerns about train operators potentially failing to notify commuters of MRT delays over ten minutes and asked about penalties for non-compliance by operators. Sharael Taha questioned whether the Ministry would consider increasing the Mean Kilometres Between Failures (MKBF) target for the MRT network and sought comparisons with international rail networks. Jeffrey Siow indicated that these queries were addressed in previous parliamentary discussions on MRT reliability and penalties.

Valerie Lee asked about the factors influencing the Ministry of Transport's decisions on adding bus routes and adjusting bus service frequency or capacity. Jeffrey Siow explained that the Land Transport Authority assesses factors such as ridership demand, journey times, travel patterns, alternative travel options, and resource availability. He noted that, particularly for new Housing and Development Board estates, the authority aims to provide bus services in advance when possible, considering resource constraints like the limited availability of bus drivers.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye inquired about work-related road fatalities and injuries in the first half of 2025, the installation timeline for mandatory lorry speed limiters, and safety plans for workers transported in lorries. K Shanmugam stated that data for 2025 injuries will be released next year, while 2024 recorded four fatalities and 20 major injuries. Lorries within certain weight categories must have speed limiters by deadlines ranging from January 2026 to July 2027, with initiatives underway to incentivize early installation. The Government is promoting worker safety by reducing transportation needs, encouraging bus use over lorries, and implementing protective measures for workers using lorries.

He Ting Ru asked the Acting Minister for Transport if studies have been conducted to assess the economic impact of banning workers from being ferried on lorries and requested details of these studies. Jeffrey Siow highlighted the Ministry's focus on improving safety for all road users through various measures, including safety equipment for lorries and lower speed limits. He mentioned that while the economic impact of such a ban is challenging to quantify due to both direct and indirect effects, there are concerns about the need for additional bus drivers to replace lorry transport. The Ministry is committed to ongoing collaboration with industry partners to enhance worker transportation safety.

Lee Hui Ying asked about the frequency of reviews by the LTA on pedestrian and traffic volumes at Khatib MRT station's pedestrian overhead bridges (POB) and the criteria for expanding these bridges due to population growth from new BTO flats in the Chencharu estate. Jeffrey Siow responded that the LTA actively monitors pedestrian volumes and assesses infrastructure needs. A review earlier in 2025 indicated that the current width of the POB is adequate for existing and projected pedestrian flow from the Chencharu estate.