Transport — Topics

5 Feb 2024

Weekly Hour Limit for Full-time Taxi Drivers

Yeo Wan Ling asked the Ministry for Transport to review the current 12-hour daily work limit and consider implementing a weekly work hour limit for full-time salaried taxi drivers.
Chee Hong Tat noted that most point-to-point drivers are self-employed and set their own hours, but guidelines encourage limiting shifts to 12 hours.
For the small group of salaried taxi drivers under ComfortDelGro’s employee-driver scheme, their contracts cap work at an average of 44 hours per week over three weeks, with a daily limit of 12 hours excluding overtime.

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5 Feb 2024

Facilitating Transition to SimplyGo Fare Platform

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) initially planned to phase out the card-based ticketing (CBT) system for adult commuters by June 2024 to transition fully to the SimplyGo account-based ticketing (ABT) system, which supports bank cards and mobile wallets but does not display fare deductions or card balances at gates due to latency issues.
After strong public feedback, LTA reversed its decision and will maintain the CBT system for adult commuters until at least 2030 at an estimated cost of $40 million, funded by the government and not affecting fares, to provide commuters with a choice between systems.
LTA will work to improve SimplyGo's features and explore technical solutions to display fares and balances at gates without delays, while also integrating the two CBT systems over time and consulting more widely, especially with seniors and less tech-savvy commuters, to avoid similar issues in the future.

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10 Jan 2024

Impact of Speed Limit Reduction on Personal Mobility Aid Users to Safely Cross Roads in Time

Dennis Tan questioned whether the recommended speed limit of six kilometres per hour for motorised personal mobility aids (PMAs) would allow all users to safely cross all roads, including those with multiple lanes, in time.
The Minister's response noted that the six km/h limit is based on normal walking speeds (four to six km/h), suggesting PMA users can cross roads safely like pedestrians.
The Minister asserted that the speed limit ensures PMA users have adequate time to cross, aligning with pedestrian safety standards.
The debate centers on balancing safety for PMA users with the practicality of crossing roads within signal timings, especially on wider roads.

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10 Jan 2024

Update on Sheltered Bicycle Parking Facilities at MRT Stations and Possibility of Such Installations

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport about the number of MRT stations with sheltered bicycle parking, plans for all stations, and reasons for any limitations.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister, stated that 13 MRT stations currently have sheltered bicycle parking within their premises.
He added that some stations have sheltered parking provided by adjacent developments, and such facilities are installed only when space is available due to site constraints.

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10 Jan 2024

Possibility of Working with Online Map Providers to Update Maps After Building New Roads

Hazel Poa asked if the Land Transport Authority (LTA) collaborates with online map providers to update maps after new roads are built in areas like Tengah and Bidadari, and how such updates can be more timely.
LTA publishes new road network data on LTA Data Mall, consolidating information from agencies like HDB and JTC, as well as private developers.
LTA proactively informs online map providers of road changes before openings to give them time for updates.
LTA will continue working closely with all relevant parties to ensure map information is updated in a timely manner.

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10 Jan 2024

Update on Extension of Bus Service 992 to Serve West Scape at Bukit Batok

Leong Mun Wai asked if Bus Service 992 could be extended to serve West Scape at Bukit Batok.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister for Transport, replied that West Scape is already served by Services 160, 180, 947, and 993.
Service 993 was introduced in September 2023 to replace service 160M and enhance connectivity to West Scape.
There are no plans to extend Service 992 because Service 947 already provides a direct alternative for residents.
Extending Service 992 would cause longer travel times and higher fares for other commuters, including residents of Tengah town.

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10 Jan 2024

Update on New Bus Services Introduced in Tengah New Town to Institutes of Learning

Leong Mun Wai asked if new bus services would be introduced to connect Tengah new town to nearby primary schools in Bukit Gombak or other schools with high enrolment of Tengah residents.
Chee Hong Tat, for the Minister for Transport, replied that current bus services 870 and 992 provide direct connections to schools in Bukit Batok, and residents can also use service 188 to connect to schools in Bukit Gombak.
The Land Transport Authority will monitor travel patterns as more Build-To-Order flats and schools are completed in Tengah and make adjustments where necessary.

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10 Jan 2024

Rationale for Reinstating Bus Service 167 after Discontinuation Announcement

The Minister explained that Service 167 was reinstated at a reduced frequency to give commuters more time to adjust after the Thomson-East Coast Line opened, as it serves a long trunk route affected by other service changes, and this adjustment reduced its annual subsidy from $6.2 million to $3.6 million.
The rationale for retaining Service 167 does not automatically extend to reinstating other discontinued services, such as those along Bedok Reservoir Road, because those routes have seen sustained low ridership and commuters have largely switched to the Downtown Line, making it unnecessary to restore them.
The Government will continue to monitor bus services and make adjustments, reallocating savings from service rationalisations to support new routes and feeder services for new housing estates, while noting that it is not financially sustainable to add new services without reducing underused ones.

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10 Jan 2024

Support for SMEs to Manage Rising Vehicle Costs

The Minister explained that there are no specific schemes to help SMEs with rising COE prices for commercial vehicles, but broad-based and sector-specific programmes like the Enterprise Financing Scheme-Working Capital Loan and Enterprise Development Grant are available to support operational cash flow and business growth.
Regarding the pilot for consolidating last-mile delivery via third-party logistics, the Urban Logistics Offsite Consolidation Centre pilot in 2018 had low adoption with only 13 companies participating, as businesses preferred maintaining existing logistics contracts for control over delivery frequency and did not achieve cost efficiencies due to multiple handling of goods.
The Ministry indicated that while the pilot had limited success, SMEs can explore existing support schemes through the GoBusiness portal, and no specific plans were announced to further encourage adoption of 3PL services based on the pilot’s outcomes.

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10 Jan 2024

Extension of Grace Period for Parking at HDB and URA Car Parks for Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked if the grace period for parking at HDB and URA car parks for taxi and private hire drivers could be extended.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that the grace period was 10 minutes before April 2020, extended to 20 minutes during COVID-19, and adjusted to 15 minutes from September 2022 as the situation stabilized.
HDB and URA assessed that the current 15-minute grace period is sufficient for motorists to find parking or perform drop-off and pick-up activities.
The grace period is kept short to ensure quick vehicle turnover, prevent congestion, and protect the interests of residents with season parking.
The authorities will continue to monitor the situation and review the grace period if necessary.

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10 Jan 2024

External Auditors for Verifying Charges Generated by Ride-hailing Platforms' Technological Systems

Murali Pillai proposed that the Land Transport Authority require licensed ride-hailing operators under the Point-to-Point Passenger Transport Industry Act to appoint external auditors to regularly verify fare data and compliance with regulatory standards.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister for Transport, stated that operators must comply with fare pricing policies set by the Public Transport Council and face penalties such as fines up to $100,000 for non-compliance.
The Minister clarified that the Land Transport Authority does not prescribe specific methods for operators to meet regulatory standards, focusing instead on enforcement of compliance.

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9 Jan 2024

Reports of Incidents Involving Transportation and Escorting of Elderly Patients

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Ministry of Health about incidents in transporting elderly patients, responsibility for gig-platform services, and potential regulatory tightening.
Over three years, 10 safety incidents were reported for transport services appointed by MOH and AIC, with no incidents involving gig-platforms.
Service providers must follow standards and training requirements, and MOH will continue reviewing policies to ensure safety.

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9 Jan 2024

Data on Mean and Median Time between Trips for Private Hire and Taxi Drivers

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Ministry for Transport for data on the mean and median time between trips for private hire and taxi drivers, and whether this has increased over the last three years.
Minister Chee Hong Tat responded that such time between trips is not tracked as drivers control their own working hours and breaks.
He explained that because drivers decide when to accept bookings, the data is not considered a meaningful indicator.
The debate concluded that there is no existing data on this metric, so no trend analysis can be provided.

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9 Jan 2024

Requests from MCSTs to Build Covered Linkways to Their Developments

Over the last five years, the Land Transport Authority received 86 requests from condominiums to build covered linkways to transport nodes, approving 28 of them.
For approved requests, it typically takes six to 10 months from approval to the start of construction, including technical studies and agency approvals.
The debate focused on providing clear figures on requests and approvals to address concerns about pedestrian infrastructure and accessibility.

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9 Jan 2024

Estimated Costs to Fit Automated Ramps and Assistive Mechanisms in New Buses

Hazel Poa asked the Ministry for Transport for estimates on the cost of installing automated ramps and kneeling mechanisms in new buses to improve accessibility for commuters with disabilities and the elderly.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister, stated that installing an automated ramp on a new bus can cost up to $8,000 per bus.
The kneeling mechanism, which lowers the bus entrance for easier boarding, has been a standard feature on all new public buses since 2018 and costs about $5,000 per bus.
Approximately 70% of the current public bus fleet has been equipped with the kneeling mechanism since its implementation.

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9 Jan 2024

Measures to Prevent Installation of Illegal Vehicle Licence Plates

Joan Pereira asked about enforcement measures to prevent illegal vehicle licence plates and how the Ministry will address owners easily switching between compliant and non-compliant plates.
The Minister for Transport stated that displaying non-compliant licence plates is an offence with penalties of up to $1,000 fine or three months imprisonment for first-time offenders, doubled for repeat offenders.
Enforcement includes checks during periodic vehicle inspections, regular LTA patrols, and acting on public feedback, with over 2,000 vehicles actioned against from January to October 2023.

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9 Jan 2024

Proposal for New MRT Line to Serve Residents in Fernvale, Seletar and Jalan Kayu Estates

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport about the feasibility of a new MRT line for Fernvale, Seletar, and Jalan Kayu estates.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister, stated that the LTA evaluates new MRT lines based on land use, transport options, and engineering factors, with ongoing studies and future updates.
The Minister noted that current residents can access existing MRT lines via bus and LRT, and the upcoming Cross Island Line will also serve these areas.

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9 Jan 2024

Factors Contributing to Companies Being Open to Shift from Transporting Workers on Lorries to Other Modes

Stakeholders cite the availability of drivers and buses as a key factor for shifting from lorries to other transport modes.
Regularity of transport trips influences companies' openness to adopt alternative transportation methods.
The distance of destinations affects the feasibility of using buses or other modes instead of lorries.
The number of workers per trip is a consideration in determining the suitability of alternative transport options.

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9 Jan 2024

Upgrade for Green Link Determining System to Balance Demands between Motorists and Pedestrians

Mr Lim Biow Chuan requested an update on upgrades to the Green Link Determining (GLIDE) system to dynamically adjust traffic signal timings for balancing motorist and pedestrian demands.
Chee Hong Tat, speaking for the Minister for Transport, explained that GLIDE uses detector loops and pedestrian buttons to optimize traffic flows and is being improved through collaborations with industry and research partners.
Any enhancements to the GLIDE system will undergo rigorous testing before being assessed for deployment to ensure they effectively balance demands between motorists and pedestrians.

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9 Jan 2024

Incentivising Families to Use Public Transport, Taxi and Private Hire Cars as Attractive Alternative to Car Ownership

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport about incentives for families to prefer public transport, taxis, and private hire cars over owning cars.
The Minister highlighted that Singapore's trains, buses, and stations have family-friendly features to make public transport appealing.
Families can use point-to-point services like taxis and private hire cars as alternatives.
Car-sharing services were also noted as a way for families to meet their commuting needs without owning a vehicle.

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