Transport

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport about safety measures for fires involving personal mobility devices on public transport. Chee Hong Tat emphasized that commuters are prohibited from bringing fire-risk items onto trains and buses, and only approved mobility devices are allowed. He assured that trains and buses are constructed with non-combustible materials, and have fire safety systems in place for emergency evacuations. In case of a fire, established SOPs are in effect for safe evacuation, with operators trained in using fire extinguishers and conducting regular emergency drills with the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

Yeo Wan Ling asked about regulations regarding taxi and private hire vehicle drivers' obligations when passengers refuse to wear seat belts despite reminders. Chee Hong Tat explained that seat belt regulations require all vehicle occupants, including those in taxis and private hire cars, to wear seat belts, with stipulated penalties for violations. Drivers are responsible for ensuring compliance and may face demerit points if passengers do not wear seat belts. If passengers refuse to wear seat belts, drivers can safely terminate the trip without facing penalties.

Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Transport about the longest average waiting time at PSA ports since January 2024, the current port congestion situation amid global tensions, and plans to alleviate congestion in the next year. Chee Hong Tat reported a 6.1% increase in container handling at the Port of Singapore, with 23.82 million twenty-foot equivalent units processed from January to July 2024. The average vessel wait time for container berths has improved from two to three days in May 2024 to half a day in August 2024, comparable to pre-Red Sea Crisis levels. Further measures to address container handling capacity were mentioned but details were referred to a prior report.

Rachel Ong raised questions about the existence of thermal runaway regulations for electric vehicles (EVs) and whether they include battery safety certifications and manufacturer information for consumers. Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if the government would impose maximum charging limits in residential car parks for fire safety and how to balance EV adoption with fire risks in urban areas. Chee Hong Tat responded that international data shows EVs have lower fire incident rates than traditional vehicles and highlighted the establishment of a multi-agency EV Safety Taskforce to manage fire risks. He mentioned existing regulations mandate strict safety standards for all vehicles, including EVs, and emphasized the importance of building regulations designed to mitigate fire risks in car parks.

Joan Pereira raised concerns about increasing penalties to deter able-bodied individuals from misusing personal mobility aids (PMAs). Alex Yam Ziming requested the implementation of guidelines from the Active Mobility Advisory Panel due to a rise in incidents involving errant PMA users. Dennis Tan Lip Fong sought updates on the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) preparations for enforcing new PMA regulations set for 2025, including engaging current PMA owners and retailers. Xie Yao Quan inquired about the number of non-compliant PMAs impounded in 2023 and the challenges LTA faces in enforcement. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that new regulations accepted in March 2024 will restrict PMA use to certified individuals and lower the speed limit for motorised PMAs, with a transition period for stakeholders to adjust.

See Jinli Jean asked about the process for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to report vaping by passengers and the workplace protections available to them. Ong Ye Kung stated that reporting vaping is not mandatory, but drivers can report incidents to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) through hotlines, with confidentiality assured. He emphasized that drivers will not face penalties for passengers vaping in their vehicles and can seek assistance from authorities if passengers retaliate or are uncooperative.

Desmond Choo and other members asked the Minister for Transport about the sustainability and monitoring of the Point-to-Point Transport (P2P) sector's capacity and driver earnings. The Senior Minister of State for Transport, Amy Khor, explained that the government allows P2P driver supply to adjust based on market demand and does not set fares or cap driver numbers. Although the number of active P2P vehicles has increased, demand for rides has not kept pace, leading to declining earnings for drivers as fares have moderated. The government is reviewing the P2P sector to ensure it operates efficiently and is considering measures to support drivers facing low fares and challenges with vehicle leasing contracts.

• Hazel Poa inquired about the status of plans to construct the Tuas South MRT extension and whether the unused platforms at Gul Circle Station would be utilized for it.
• Chee Hong Tat responded that there are currently no plans to build the extension due to projected travel demand, as it is not deemed viable at this time.
• He added that the unused platforms at Gul Circle Station would only be activated if future travel demand increases and makes the extension viable.

• Ms Hazel Poa requested an update on research proposals for particulate matter from tyres and brakes under the Air Quality Monitoring and Control Funding Initiative.
• Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that the Request for Proposal on vehicular emissions was called in June 2023 and closed in September 2023.
• The project scope was revised to include additional pollutants under new Euro 7 emission standards introduced in April 2024.
• Research proposals received are currently being evaluated.

• The Ministry of Transport is considering encouraging car rental companies to provide cars with assistive driving equipment for drivers with disabilities.
• The government has invested in accessible public transport and is working with taxi and ride-hail operators to improve transport options for persons with disabilities.
• Persons with disabilities who need private cars can apply through the Disabled Persons Scheme to register customised vehicles without paying certain fees.

• He Ting Ru asked whether the Ministry of Transport conducted surveys and longitudinal studies on community support and road safety impacts of Friendly Streets and Silver Zones, and if findings could be shared.
• Chee Hong Tat responded that the Land Transport Authority implements these schemes to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety, with Silver Zones showing an 80% reduction in accidents among senior pedestrians since 2014.
• Community engagement before implementation yielded positive responses, with 90% of residents near pilot Friendly Streets supporting the measures and over 80% of motorists and pedestrians at Circuit Road Silver Zone agreeing it improved safety.

• Saktiandi Supaat inquired whether BCA mandates dedicated waiting or holding areas in residential estates and if regulations for such areas and estate road planning could be enhanced.
• Desmond Lee stated that BCA requires accessible and sheltered passenger alighting points for new or retrofitted buildings from April 2014, while LTA guidelines recommend sufficient waiting areas for logistics in all residential developments.
• HDB and private developers must comply with these regulations, and the government periodically reviews the codes and welcomes suggestions for improvements.

• Saktiandi Supaat asked for statistics on fatal accidents caused by reversing large vehicles over the past 10 years and suggested mandating safety features like blind spot cameras and warning sirens on large vehicles.
• K Shanmugam stated that the Traffic Police does not track data specifically on fatal accidents involving reversing large vehicles.
• K Shanmugam noted that the Land Transport Authority already requires heavy goods vehicles and buses to install devices like blind spot mirrors and camera systems, with penalties for non-compliance.

• Saktiandi Supaat asked the Ministry for Transport to consider procuring or retrofitting buses and trains with luggage racks for travelers between the airport and the city.
• Chee Hong Tat responded that airport-serving buses and trains also serve other areas and dedicated luggage racks would reduce space for other passengers, including wheelchair users and prams.
• He noted that current policy allows luggage in shared spaces when not occupied by wheelchairs or prams, avoiding the need for dedicated racks.

• LTA will convert footpaths adjacent to cycling paths into pedestrian-only paths with physical markings and a grace period before enforcement from 1 July 2025.
• Enforcement will use patrols and mobile CCTVs, with discretion for temporary use like overtaking or transitioning between paths.
• First-time offenders may face fines up to $2,000 or imprisonment up to three months, based on existing rules for pedestrian-only paths.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis raised concerns about the need for increased bus services for residents of the new HDB BTO project at Rivervale Shores to enhance transport connectivity. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that current bus Services 50, 62, and 85 serve these residents, connecting them to key locations. The Ministry of Transport has announced plans for enhancements to bus services under the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme to meet commuter needs, with further details to be provided as changes are implemented.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye questioned the Minister for Transport about regulations regarding vehicles displaying decals that resemble those of police or government agency vehicles. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that vehicles cannot use such decals to avoid misleading the public. He referenced specific laws prohibiting unauthorized use of the Land Transport Authority's symbol and police insignia to prevent impersonation.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked if the LTA has reviewed traffic junctions prone to fatal accidents and if awareness measures can be increased. Chee Hong Tat responded that the LTA continuously analyzes traffic accident data and community feedback to enhance road safety, including implementing Red-Amber-Green arrows at over 1,200 junctions, which have reduced accidents by 40%. The LTA, Traffic Police, and Singapore Road Safety Council are actively placing road safety signs and organizing campaigns to promote safer driving and pedestrian behavior.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye proposed that all electric vehicles in Singapore should have special licence plates to help first responders identify them during accidents. Chee Hong Tat responded that electric vehicles can already be recognized by their unique features, such as specific manufacturer logos and lack of exhaust piping. The Ministry is considering the need for special licence plates for electric vehicles in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport about the tracking of Malaysian-registered cars entering Singapore, including the number receiving LTA approval and their average stay duration. Chee Hong Tat explained that all foreign-registered cars must obtain a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), which is valid for up to a year, and are issued Autopass cards for fee payments. Most foreign-registered cars in Singapore in 2023 stayed for less than seven days, and their daily presence is less than 1% of the local vehicle population.