Transport

Saktiandi Supaat initiated a discussion by suggesting a budget cut for the Ministry of Transport, highlighting past achievements in Singapore's transport system and inquiring about future enhancements, particularly in rail and bus services. The Minister for Transport articulated plans to invest $1 billion over the next five years to enhance rail capabilities while also addressing public bus reliability and connectivity, including the introduction of new bus services. Multiple MPs raised concerns about public transport safety, commuter behavior, and the challenges faced during recent disruptions, while also emphasizing workforce development amidst the transition to autonomous vehicles. Further discussions addressed the need for improving infrastructure and integrating technology in both maritime and air transport sectors, including plans for enhancing the passenger experience and the push for electric and alternative fuel vehicles to support sustainability goals.

Joan Pereira raised concerns about traffic accidents in 2024 hitting a five-year high, asking for profiles of speeding motorists, potential adaptations to public education and penalties, reasons for speeding violations, and measures to reduce drink-driving incidents. Minister of State Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim reported that speeding offenders are predominantly male, Singapore Citizens, and car drivers, with various public education campaigns targeting road safety and vulnerable users. Common reasons for speeding violations include lack of awareness of speed limits and urgency, while increased penalties and stricter enforcement against drink driving are being implemented, including reviews of alcohol concentration limits. Additionally, the use of red-light cameras for speeding enforcement has shown effectiveness in deterring violations, with plans for further activation in 2025.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about the increase in non-compliant active mobility devices (AMDs) and AMD-related fires, asking for better detection measures, enforcement training, and increased inspections of retailers. Baey Yam Keng confirmed that a multi-faceted enforcement approach is in place, including collaboration with customs to prevent non-compliant AMDs from entering Singapore and regular training for enforcement officers. He noted efforts to strengthen regulations for online sales of AMDs and emphasized accountability for retailers selling non-compliant devices, as well as penalties for illegal modifications. Dennis Tan highlighted the need for stricter border control on illegal AMD imports and requested more resources for the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to enhance enforcement against non-compliant devices.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport about the number of private hire cars registered for ride-hailing that were sold to individuals or converted out of the chauffeured scheme within three years of acquisition over the past five years. Chee Hong Tat responded that more details regarding the review of the point-to-point transport sector will be provided during the upcoming Committee of Supply debate, where the question will also be addressed.

Leong Mun Wai raised concerns about the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) regulatory role in ensuring fair practices for taxi drivers at Changi Airport, particularly related to Ground Transport Concierge (GTC) operations. Xie Yao Quan sought details on the events leading to a meeting with premium cab drivers and lessons to prevent future issues. Chee Hong Tat clarified that the Changi Airport Group (CAG) manages GTC operations independently, and a recent minibus service introduced by Woodlands Transport Service (WTS) raised concerns among large-taxi drivers about perceived preferential treatment. Following driver complaints, CAG suspended the minibus service and strengthened oversight of WTS, emphasizing a collaborative approach to resolving disputes among stakeholders at the airport.

Xie Yao Quan questioned the Minister for Home Affairs about a police investigation into a meeting of premium cab drivers at Changi Airport on February 13, 2025. K Shanmugam responded that the police made inquiries and found the meeting was a pre-planned dialogue regarding concerns about new minibus services. There were no strikes, protests, or law-and-order issues during the meeting. The police concluded that no offenses were disclosed and will not pursue further investigation.

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the Minister for Transport about the safety standards for pedestrian crossing bollards and their effectiveness in protecting pedestrians from vehicle collisions. Dr. Amy Khor clarified that the bollards installed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) are designed to absorb impact and protect pedestrians, but they are not as rigid as security bollards meant for critical infrastructure. She emphasized that these safety bollards balance protecting both pedestrians and vehicle passengers while improving visibility for motorists at crossings. Giam raised concerns about public perception that the bollards provide complete protection, to which Khor acknowledged the need for road safety education and emphasized the role of user behavior in safety outcomes.

Mariam Jaafar asked about the potential impact of a new rule requiring businesses to retain private-hire cars for three years on the COE market and prices. The Senior Minister of State for Transport, Amy Khor, acknowledged the question and stated that more information regarding the review of the point-to-point transport sector would be provided in the upcoming Committee of Supply debate. Khor also expressed gratitude for the inquiry.

• Louis Ng Kok Kwang proposed increasing the rebates under the Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) scheme and extending it to the end of 2026.
• Senior Minister of State Dr. Amy Khor confirmed that the EEAI scheme, introduced in 2021, has successfully increased electric vehicle adoption, with one-third of new car registrations being electric.
• The Ministry of Transport plans to review the EEAI later this year, considering factors like EV adoption rates and cost differences between electric and internal combustion engine vehicles.

• The unintended release of information regarding a three-year lock-in period for private-hire vehicles was due to a deployment error by the IT system vendor, NCS, which revealed the information prematurely.
• The Land Transport Authority (LTA) had planned to announce the policy change during a later debate but had to make a public announcement to ensure fairness during an ongoing bidding exercise.
• NCS has acknowledged the error and implemented additional checks and a buddy system to prevent similar incidents in the future.
• Hazel Poa raised concerns about the impact of the early implementation on the policy's execution and sought clarification on the steps taken to prevent recurrence.

Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Transport for detailed cost data regarding the transition for companies using lorries to transport workers to safer transport modes, broken down by company size. Chee Hong Tat acknowledged the question and indicated that similar inquiries had been addressed in a prior Parliament Sitting on February 26, 2025.

Hazel Poa requested data from the Minister for Transport regarding injuries and fatalities among workers on Work Permits or S Passes transported on lorries over the last decade. Chee Hong Tat reported a more than 25% reduction in injuries from 215 (2015-2019) to 161 (2020-2024) and noted an average of one fatality per year over the past ten years. The Ministry does not track the specific permits of workers involved in these accidents, focusing instead on overall worker safety improvements.

Leong Mun Wai requested an update on the assessments by commercial operators regarding the viability of a new ferry service between Puteri Harbour and Tuas. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that the parties involved are currently evaluating the commercial viability of this potential ferry service.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns to the Minister for Home Affairs about the rise in road accidents since 2020, specifically asking for data on lane hogging, potential increases in penalties, and the impact of rear-end collisions near red-light cameras. K Shanmugam responded that the Traffic Police do not track accidents directly related to lane hogging, which can contribute to dangerous behaviors but is not usually a direct cause of accidents. Current penalties for lane hogging and heavy vehicle offenses are being reviewed to determine their effectiveness. The Traffic Police also emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe following distance and adherence to traffic signals as part of their public education efforts.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong requested an update on the progress of the MRT renewal works for the North East Line (NEL), including enhancements and future sustainability. Chee Hong Tat reported that the renewal project began in 2019, focusing on refurbishing 25 first-generation trains and upgrading key systems, with completion initially planned for 2024. Most track, power, signalling, and platform screen door upgrades were completed by 2021, while refurbishment of 16 trains had been finished by January 2025, with the remaining nine trains expected to be ready by early 2026. The upgrades aim to enhance commuter experience with smoother rides and improved train performance monitoring.

Yip Hon Weng questioned the Minister for Home Affairs about the frequency of spot checks by Traffic Police on commercial vehicle drivers, particularly foreigners, regarding their driving licenses, and the number of drivers found without valid licenses over the past five years. The Minister of State for Home Affairs responded that Traffic Police do not conduct spot checks at workplaces but do perform checks on public roads, revealing an annual average of 270 foreign drivers caught without valid licenses, with a 47% increase in 2024 to 292 cases. Yip expressed concern about road safety and asked about employer accountability for ensuring valid licenses, to which the Minister assured that penalties for unlicensed driving apply to employers as well, and emphasized ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower and industry stakeholders to enhance enforcement and public education on this issue.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked about the number of registered electric motorcycles in Singapore as of January 2025 and the plans to support the transition from petrol to electric motorcycles. Chee Hong Tat responded that there are 313 registered electric motorcycles, making up 0.2% of all registered motorcycles. Electric motorcycles can charge at designated EV charging points, but direct charging from wall sockets is not allowed to prevent fire risks. The Land Transport Authority is working with the industry to promote safe charging options, including Battery Charge and Swap Stations, and will continue exploring solutions that prioritize safety.

Leong Mun Wai queried the Minister for Transport about the reasons for the amendment of Bus Service 14, the impact of the $900 million Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme on Dover Crescent, and details on potential improvements. Chee Hong Tat explained that Service 14 was adjusted in 2018 to directly connect new flat developments along Commonwealth Avenue West to Buona Vista MRT. Residents near Dover Road and Dover Avenue are still served by other bus services (33, 74, 166, and 196) that connect to MRT stations and Service 14. The Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme has resulted in more trips added to Service 33 to improve connectivity.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Transport about the possibility of expanding the Taxi Subsidy Scheme or introducing measures to cap surcharges for motorised wheelchair users who need affordable travel options beyond school or work. Chee Hong Tat responded that point-to-point and private transport operators have wheelchair-accessible vehicles for persons with disabilities, who can access financial assistance through existing schemes. The Land Transport Authority will collaborate with relevant ministries and operators to enhance the accessibility of point-to-point transport for passengers with diverse needs.