Transport

Poh Li San asked the Acting Minister for Transport about advancing the implementation of new rules for motorized personal mobility aids (PMA) and plans to communicate these changes to PMA users. Jeffrey Siow responded that the Ministry accepted recommendations to tighten PMA regulations to enhance safety and curb misuse, which include reducing the speed limit and requiring certification for mobility scooter use. The legislative amendments are planned for October 2025, with implementation expected in early 2026 to ensure a smooth transition for stakeholders. Publicity efforts and engagement with PMA users will be intensified to inform them about the upcoming changes.

Victor Lye asked about the Ministry's regulations regarding foreign vehicles used by workers with valid work passes for commuting and commercial purposes in Singapore. Jeffrey Siow responded that all foreign vehicles must obtain a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and pay a daily fee to enter Singapore. Foreign workers can use their personal foreign-registered or Singapore-registered motorcycles for their employer's trade, but foreign-registered goods vehicles are prohibited from delivering services within Singapore.

Edward Chia Bing Hui questioned the considerations guiding Singapore's approach to cross-border ride-hailing and how to balance user convenience with local driver protections. Jeffrey Siow reported that since July 2025, enforcement against unlicensed foreign vehicles providing P2P services has increased, resulting in over 70 vehicle seizures, aimed at ensuring passenger safety and supporting local drivers' livelihoods. The government plans to enhance the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme and develop new options for diverse passenger needs, while continuing to enforce against illegal services with increased penalties. Ongoing discussions with the National Taxi Association and National Private Hire Vehicles Association will inform these efforts, incorporating feedback to maintain safety while addressing commuter demand.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the LTA's plans to address train congestion and increase train frequency on the North-East Line (NEL) for northeast commuters. Chua Kheng Wee Louis requested information on the current number of trains, maximum passenger capacity, and utilization during peak hours. SBS Transit is currently operating 40 trains during peak hours, with a wait time of less than two minutes, but some commuters may have to wait for additional trains. The LTA has also enhanced bus services and improved incentives to encourage commuters to adjust their travel times or modes. Future projects include the delayed Cross Island Line completion and feasibility studies for a new Seletar Line to improve connectivity.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about the implementation timeline and rollout factors for the new two-carriage trains for the Sengkang-Punggol LRT.
• The Acting Minister for Transport, Jeffrey Siow, confirmed that the full deployment of the new Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) is expected by the end of 2028.
• Two LRVs have already been deployed, with the remaining units to be rolled out based on operational needs and passenger demand.

• The debate focused on the lift retrofitting plans for overhead bridges in Fernvale and the potential extension of the programme to Sengkang West.
• Ng Chee Meng inquired about the current status and future plans for the lift retrofitting programme.
• The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will prioritize lift installations at pedestrian overhead bridges in Sengkang West, particularly near Block 496B, due to higher pedestrian traffic and the presence of seniors.
• Three additional bridges along Sengkang West Way will receive lifts in the next phase, while the remaining bridges in Fernvale are deemed adequately accessible with existing ramps or nearby crossings.

• The median cost for EV charging is $0.66/kWh in HDB carparks and $0.74/kWh in private commercial carparks.
• Charging prices are determined by operators and vary based on location and charger power rating.
• Tenders for EV charging points in HDB carparks prioritize quality over price in their evaluation framework.
• Operators do not have exclusive rights in HDB carparks, allowing for potential future tenders to install more EV chargers.

• Jackson Lam raised concerns about long-term engineering upgrades for MRT lines, specifically regarding point machines and track components, and inquired about the inspection and maintenance regimes for the East-West Line.
• He also questioned the frequency and impact of signalling-related disruptions on the North-South MRT Line, seeking details on a specific fault and planned remedial actions.
• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked if lapses in routine maintenance contributed to recent power faults on the Sengkang-Punggol LRT and whether the current maintenance schedule is deemed adequate.
• Jeffrey Siow referenced previous discussions in Parliament regarding the causes of recent MRT and LRT breakdowns and measures to improve rail reliability.

• The debate focused on the future adjustments to the Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) and the Electric Vehicle (EV) Early Adoption Incentive beyond 2027.
• Melvin Yong Yik Chye sought clarity on how these adjustments would align with the SG Green Plan and impact the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) market.
• Jeffrey Siow confirmed that the EV Early Adoption Incentive will end on January 1, 2027, while the VES will continue until the end of 2027, with future reviews considering EV adoption rates and cost differences among powertrains.

• The sinkhole on Tanjong Katong Road South on 26 July 2025 was caused by the failure of a caisson ring during sewer construction works, leading to soil collapse.
• An independent investigation by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and an internal investigation by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) are underway to determine the cause and prevent future incidents.
• Safety assessments were conducted on surrounding roads, revealing no abnormalities, and affected road sections were progressively reopened starting 2 August 2025.
• The investigations are ongoing, and preliminary findings have not yet been released; the process is expected to take several months.
• Questions were raised by various members of parliament regarding the structural integrity checks, potential penalties, and lessons learned from the incident.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Lim questioned the rationale behind the engine capacity, maximum power, and open market value thresholds for the Disabled Persons Scheme (DPS) in relation to COE premium and ARF waivers.
• The DPS provides exemptions for eligible persons with disabilities who cannot use public transport, allowing them to purchase cars for work without paying certain fees.
• Specific limits are set for engine capacity (1,600cc), maximum power output (97kW), and open market value ($20,000) to ensure affordability and fiscal responsibility.
• The Minister indicated that appeals regarding these criteria can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• There was a 21.2% increase in outrage of modesty cases in the first half of 2025, while voyeurism cases decreased by 2.3% compared to the previous year.
• Over half of the outrage of modesty cases involved offenders known to the victims, with public transport being a significant location for incidents involving unknown offenders.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing initiatives to prevent sexual offenses, including training for school and community counselors and collaboration with public transport operators for crime advisories.
• Public vigilance is emphasized as crucial in addressing these crimes, with initiatives like the "Riders-on-Watch" group encouraging commuters to report suspicious behavior.
• The Ministry is exploring further steps to enhance protection for women and minors against such offenses.

• The debate focused on the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system in Singapore, with Assoc Prof Jamus Lim proposing refinements to make it more equitable for specific groups in need of private transport, such as families with young children, caregivers, and the disabled.
• Lim suggested implementing discounts on COE prices for these groups to bridge the gap between need and affordability, while acknowledging the existing system's efficiency in managing road congestion.
• The Acting Minister for Transport, Jeffrey Siow, emphasized the importance of the COE system in managing limited road space and funding public transport, arguing against a needs-based allocation due to its subjective nature and potential divisiveness.
• Siow highlighted the government's efforts to stabilize COE prices and improve public transport, asserting that the current market-based system is the fairest and most effective method for resource allocation.
• Both speakers acknowledged the challenges of rising COE prices and the need for continued discussion on balancing car ownership with public transport accessibility.

• The debate focused on recent MRT and LRT breakdowns, with multiple members of parliament seeking updates on investigations, maintenance safeguards, and measures to improve rail reliability.
• The Acting Minister for Transport acknowledged that rail reliability has declined to its lowest level since 2020, but emphasized that Singapore's MRT remains one of the most reliable systems globally.
• A Rail Reliability Taskforce has been established to address systemic issues, enhance maintenance processes, and improve service recovery for commuters during disruptions.
• Financial penalties for rail operators have been discussed, with concerns raised about their effectiveness in deterring future incidents, especially following recent reductions in penalties.
• The Ministry of Transport is committed to investing in infrastructure upgrades and worker training to ensure the rail system can meet increasing commuter demands and maintain reliability.

• The Ministry of Transport (MOT) aims to enhance Singapore's status as a global sustainable aviation and maritime hub while expanding transportation options for residents.
• Changi Terminal 5, set to open in the mid-2030s, will significantly increase passenger capacity and air cargo handling, alongside the development of the Changi East Urban District.
• The Tuas Port expansion will boost container handling capacity and support automation, while the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System will strengthen ties with Malaysia.
• MOT plans to expand the rail network and improve bus connectivity, investing nearly $1 billion to enhance public transport access in new residential areas.
• The ministry will also focus on integrating autonomous vehicles into the transport system and upgrading infrastructure to create more accessible and welcoming public spaces.

• The Ministry for Transport is collaborating with taxi operators to ensure street-hail services remain viable for seniors.
• Measures are being introduced to improve the commercial viability of taxis, including allowing the sale of older taxis and reducing regulatory differences with private hire cars.
• The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is implementing initiatives to reduce operating costs for taxi drivers, such as extending the statutory lifespan of taxis and lowering vocational licence fees.
• The LTA is also exploring ride-hail services to better meet the needs of senior commuters, including a new co-funding grant for ride-hail operators to enhance service accessibility.

• Sylvia Lim inquired about the specific pedestrian overhead bridges along Hougang Avenue 3 prioritized for lift installation and the timeline for the works.
• The Minister for Transport, Chee Hong Tat, confirmed that the bridges near Blocks 101, 172, 241, and 248 are prioritized for lift retrofitting.
• The lift installation works are set to begin progressively from the fourth quarter of 2025.

• Ms. See Jinli Jean raised concerns about battery degradation in electric taxis and private-hire vehicles (PHVs) and its impact on the adoption of electric vehicles in Singapore's point-to-point transport sector.
• She inquired whether the Ministry for Transport would study the state of battery degradation and provide support to early adopters who may have experienced significant degradation after three years of use.
• Minister Chee Hong Tat explained that battery health is affected by various factors, including battery chemistry and usage patterns, and that fleet owners are best positioned to choose suitable EV models.
• He noted that electric taxis and PHVs purchased after January 2021 received subsidies but indicated there are currently no plans for additional subsidies for these vehicles.

• Joan Pereira proposed the idea of mandating speed limiters for vehicles in Singapore, referencing similar initiatives in the European Union and Northern Ireland.
• Chee Hong Tat explained that the EU initiative involves an Intelligent Speed Assistance system for newly registered vehicles, which differs from existing speed limiters for heavy goods vehicles in Singapore.
• The EU is currently assessing the effectiveness and reliability of these technologies, and Singapore's Land Transport Authority will monitor these evaluations to enhance road safety.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim raised concerns about noise levels from LRT track maintenance and passing trains, asking the Minister for Transport about monitoring practices and the possibility of building noise barriers.
• He inquired whether the Land Transport Authority (LTA) monitors noise levels during maintenance and for passing trains, and requested information on average noise levels.
• Chee Hong Tat responded that LRT systems are designed to minimize noise and that the noise generated is within the National Environment Agency's guidelines.
• He mentioned that for temporary maintenance works, the LTA implements noise mitigation measures, such as noise blankets, to manage noise levels.