Transport

• The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) proposed a hybrid Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system that incorporates both economic and social factors to make car ownership more equitable, particularly for families with specific needs.
• The proposed system would distribute COE credits to adult Singapore citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to bid for COEs based on their needs, with additional credits for families with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
• PSP suggested implementing a base fee for COEs to maintain government revenue, with options for a fixed fee or a percentage of the car's market value, while also proposing an additional tax for households owning multiple cars.
• The Senior Minister of State for Transport, Dr. Amy Khor, expressed concerns about the complexity and potential inefficiencies of the proposed credit system, emphasizing the effectiveness of the current COE system in managing vehicle population and congestion.
• The government plans to increase COE supply through various measures to address high prices while promoting a car-lite vision that prioritizes public transport and shared mobility solutions.

• The Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill aims to recalibrate penalties for traffic offences, removing mandatory minimum sentences for first-time offenders while enhancing enforcement powers against errant motorists.
• Concerns were raised by several members regarding the potential perception of leniency and the impact on public safety, especially in light of rising traffic fatalities and serious accidents.
• The Bill introduces flexibility in sentencing, allowing courts to consider the circumstances of each case, but some members argue this could undermine deterrence against dangerous driving.
• Amendments also include provisions for immigration officers to conduct breath tests at checkpoints and streamline the process for handling seized vehicles, while ensuring that penalties remain severe for serious offenders.
• The debate highlighted the need for public education on road safety and the importance of maintaining a balance between enforcement and judicial discretion to ensure fair outcomes.

• The Ministry for Transport emphasized that the entry of two new ride-hailing operators in 2025 will increase choices for drivers and commuters, driven by demand for point-to-point trips rather than a cap on operator numbers.
• The Ministry has no plans to cap the number of platform operators, as regulations promote open competition, multi-homing for drivers, and transparency in fares and commissions to benefit both drivers and commuters.
• COE prices are influenced by multiple factors, including macroeconomic conditions and quota supply, and the Ministry cannot draw a causal link between new ride-hail operators and COE prices.
• The government noted that COE supply for Categories A and B is projected to increase quarterly until 2026, with demand largely from local individual buyers.

• The $900 million Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme aims to improve bus access for residents in newer housing precincts like Keat Hong Close, Choa Chu Kang Avenue 7, and Keat Hong Link, which are farther from town centres and MRT stations, with ongoing LTA reviews and stakeholder engagement.
• Current services include eight bus routes and the Keat Hong LRT, with recent additions like service 983M to Teck Whye schools and service 188 to Jurong East Central, alongside existing connections to Choa Chu Kang amenities via services 172, 307, 991, and others.
• Residents in Keat Hong Close have raised concerns about limited connectivity due to it being a closed loop with only one bus service, prompting a call for a thorough review to enhance accessibility and safety.
• The Minister of State assured continued LTA collaboration with community stakeholders to review bus services under the BCEP, especially for new precincts, to address feedback and improve connectivity.

Hazel Poa requested an update on the investigation into the collision of the Singapore-registered container vessel Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau is collaborating with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board on the marine safety investigation. The NTSB provided an investigative update on 11 September 2024, indicating that investigations are still ongoing.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis raised the question of whether parents could apply for Child Concession Cards online through the LifeSG app for delivery at home after verification. Chee Hong Tat clarified that all concession cards require in-person identity verification to ensure proper receipt. Currently, children under seven travel for free on public transport, and the cards are optional for those under 0.9 meters tall. Parents can obtain child concession cards for taller children under seven by applying and verifying in person at designated service counters. The Minister stated that moving to online applications wouldn't improve convenience as in-person checks remain necessary.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about the current structure of COE categories, particularly the use of power output for categorization, due to the influx of new electric vehicles affecting COE prices and family car affordability. See Jinli Jean inquired about conducting a study on the impact of increased COE injections from February 2025 on the point-to-point transport sector, including taxis and private-hire vehicles. Chee Hong Tat indicated that these questions were previously addressed during a parliamentary session on November 12, 2024.

He Ting Ru raised concerns regarding the impact of an increase of 20,000 additional Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) on Singapore’s "car-lite" ambitions and the potential rise in private car use. She also inquired about the specific parameters that the Ministry of Transport would consider for implementing distance-based charges under the ERP 2.0 system in light of the increase in COEs. Chee Hong Tat indicated that these questions had been previously addressed in a recent parliamentary session focused on related transport policies and issues.

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport about the number of complaints received regarding loud conversations and videos on public transport over the past five years. Chee Hong Tat stated that the response to this question was included in a written reply issued on November 12, 2024, addressing measures taken to discourage such behavior on buses and trains.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis requested information from the Minister for Transport regarding the average monthly public transport fare for adult commuters, the pricing determination for the Adult Monthly Travel Pass (AMTP), and the average value used by AMTP holders. Chee Hong Tat responded that the average monthly expenditure for adult commuters is approximately $45, while AMTP holders would spend about $140 without the pass. He noted that the AMTP aims to assist frequent users with cost management, with its pricing set at $128 and remaining unchanged in the latest fare adjustments.

Ong Hua Han raised concerns regarding the clarity and consistency of information displayed on LCD systems above MRT train doors, suggesting enhancements such as displaying both current stops and route maps. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Baey Yam Keng, noted that feedback on clarity issues is minimal, comprising less than 1% of total feedback received by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and that no specific MRT line received significantly more complaints. Ong emphasized the importance of consistent and clear information for all commuters, particularly for those with mobility challenges, and expressed a desire for a timeline on when enhancements could be expected. Baey agreed to follow up with Ong to explore ways to improve the commuter experience based on specific feedback provided.

Saktiandi Supaat requested updates on the Bus Safety Tripartite Taskforce, including its key focus areas and stakeholder engagement efforts to enhance bus and commuter safety. The Minister of State for Transport, Murali Pillai, reported that the Taskforce has been engaged in consultations since its formation in July 2024 and is concentrating on improving safety protocols, staffing, road infrastructure, and technology use. Preliminary findings suggest that while safety standards onboard buses are generally viewed positively by commuters, the Taskforce is open to further enhancements and will engage international experts for best practices. There will also be ongoing consultations with seniors and consideration of input from healthcare professionals regarding the safety needs of elderly bus users.

Jamus Jerome Lim raised the need for a feeder bus service for Compassvale Crescent, highlighting its lack of service compared to nearby areas. Chee Hong Tat responded that residents are already serviced by 14 bus routes along Sengkang East Road, providing access to various destinations, including Sengkang town centre. Additionally, those near Compassvale Street can reach the MRT and LRT stations within a 10-minute walk. The Land Transport Authority is reviewing feedback on bus network enhancements as part of the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme.

Hazel Poa raised questions regarding the need for a centralized bus terminal for inter-city services between Singapore and West Malaysia, based on a previous study from 2010. Chee Hong Tat clarified that the disamenities at Tuas Link were due to illegal parking by tour buses, not inter-city express buses, and emphasized that all buses must comply with traffic regulations. He noted that inter-city express services have fixed routes with only one designated stopping point in Singapore, which is determined based on commercial needs. The LTA will evaluate traffic conditions at these stops before issuing operating licenses, maintaining that a centralized terminal would limit connectivity advantages for passengers.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the expected operational date for the three-runway system at Changi Airport and the projected increase in passenger handling capacity. Chee Hong Tat referred him to a previous written reply given during the 4 October 2022 Parliament Sitting for detailed information.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about current measures by bus and rail operators to prevent loud videos or music from commuters. Chee Hong Tat stated that loud noises are discouraged and non-compliant individuals may be reported to the police. The Land Transport Authority and public transport operators are working with organizations like the Singapore Kindness Movement to promote courteous behavior through various campaigns and community engagement. The Graciousness on Public Transport Campaign specifically aims to remind passengers to minimize noise for a more enjoyable commuting experience.

Gan Thiam Poh questioned the Minister for Transport about the utilization rate of the Thomson-East Coast MRT Line (TEL) since the opening of its latest stage and whether assessments were made on traffic conditions in the east coast region post-launch. Chee Hong Tat responded that average weekday ridership on the TEL increased from around 200,000 in May 2024 to over 250,000 by October 2024, with expectations for further growth as new developments progress and TEL Stage 5 opens in 2026. Additionally, there has been a 15% improvement in traffic speeds during peak hours along Marine Parade Road, parallel to Stage 4 of TEL.

Yip Hon Weng raised questions regarding the impact of the upcoming additional 20,000 Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) on traffic congestion and alternative measures to manage vehicle density. Melvin Yong inquired about reviewing the zero percent vehicle growth rate and the effects of the COE increase on pricing stability. Assoc Prof Jamus Lim sought clarity on revising the Vehicle Quota System, potential studies on COE price impacts, and the balance between electric vehicle (EV) subsidies and achieving a car-lite vision. Minister Chee Hong Tat emphasized the government’s commitment to a car-lite vision while cautiously managing car population and congestion through pricing and ownership controls, as well as monitoring traffic patterns closely after COE adjustments. The discussion highlighted the challenges in separating vehicle categories and managing COE supply amidst changing travel behaviors and the introduction of Electronic Road Pricing 2.0.

• Yip Hon Weng asked for updates on noise barrier installations near Nuovo condominium in Yio Chu Kang, new noise assessments at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, maintenance effectiveness on ageing MRT tracks, and further collaboration to address noise where barriers are challenging.
• Chee Hong Tat explained that noise barriers are installed only where residential developments are close to MRT viaducts and noise exceeds guidelines, and that LTA also works with manufacturers and operators to reduce noise at the source through various measures.
• The MRT viaduct near Nuovo condominium is not slated for noise barriers as the nearest residences, including Nuovo condominium at about 70 metres away, are beyond the typical distance requiring such installations.

• The average waiting time for Class 4 driving licence applicants to start lessons was about five months between October 2023 and September 2024, due to increased foreign worker demand and a shortage of instructors.
• Traffic Police will allow driving schools to hire foreign instructors to boost training capacity and will prioritize applicants who need the licence for occupational purposes.
• Traffic Police is prepared to license additional driving centres beyond the current sole provider to expand Class 4 training facilities and address the backlog.