Transport — Topics

3 Oct 2023

Outreach and Design Efforts to Encourage Keeping to Lanes by Different Users on Shared-use Paths

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about current outreach efforts and whether LTA would use consistent lane colours islandwide.
Chee Hong Tat outlined LTA’s public campaigns, enforcement actions, and school programmes to promote path usage guidelines.
LTA has been using red cycling lanes since 2016 and plans to upgrade older paths for consistency, with dashed red borders on shared paths.
LTA will collaborate with other agencies to harmonise markings and signages for clearer public understanding.
The government emphasises ongoing efforts to educate and enforce lane adherence while improving physical demarcations.

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3 Oct 2023

Reasons for 60% Increase in Road Traffic Fatalities in First Half of 2023

The increase in road traffic fatalities in the first half of 2023 was partly attributed to higher traffic volumes following the lifting of pandemic measures, with fatalities rising to 71 from 45 in the same period last year.
Elderly pedestrians and motorcyclists remain disproportionately affected, with jaywalking and lapses in attention cited as key causes, prompting targeted education and engagement initiatives like safety concerts and reward schemes.
The Traffic Police will continue to enforce against dangerous behaviors such as speeding and drink-driving while using technology like enforcement cameras, but emphasizes that road safety is a shared responsibility among all users.

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3 Oct 2023

New Car Registrations Broken Down by Private Cars, Company Cars, Private Hire Cars and So On

The debate centered on a request by Chua Kheng Wee Louis for a 10-year annual breakdown of new car registrations by category.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister for Transport, provided average annual figures for the past decade, stating around 44,000 private cars, 3,000 company cars, 8,000 private hire cars, and 2,000 "other" cars.
The figures for "others" include categories like off-peak and tax-exempt cars.
The Minister advised the Member to check the Land Transport Authority’s website for more frequent quarterly updates on the data.
The response thus summarized the long-term trends and directed the Member to a public data source for more current information.

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3 Oct 2023

Ensuring Sale of Second-hand Power Assisted Bicycles Are in Compliance with Regulations

It is an offence to sell or alter a non-compliant power-assisted bicycle (PAB), whether new or second-hand.
The Land Transport Authority conducts enforcement operations, seizes non-compliant devices, and takes action against violators.
The public is advised to buy only compliant PABs and ensure registration is transferred to their name during purchase.
LTA will continue public education and enforcement with support from stakeholders.

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3 Oct 2023

Update On Effectiveness Of Additional Levy On Cars Sold Between Fourth And Sixth Month Of Ownership

The Senior Minister of State explained that an Additional Levy is applied if a vehicle is transferred between four and six months after registration and the current COE quota premium is higher than the original, with the measure being part of broader efforts to discourage COE speculation.
Over the last five years, about three waiver requests were received annually, with only one granted for a deceased owner's estate, and very few vehicles (about 0.3%) are transferred within this period, indicating the policy's limited but targeted impact.
Alternatives exist to avoid the levy, such as transferring to a registered motorcar dealer for resale within 12 months, and the government is open to reviewing waiver conditions for exceptional hardships like sudden disabilities, while stressing the need for stringent criteria to maintain the levy's effectiveness.

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3 Oct 2023

Impact of Deferring Public Transport Fare Increments

The Public Transport Council approved a 7% fare increase for 2023, far below the maximum allowable 22.6% under the fare formula, deferring the remaining 15.6 percentage points to future years while the government provides $300 million in additional subsidies to cover the funding gap.
Officials argued that expunging the deferred fare increases or freezing future fares is not sustainable, as it would require higher permanent government subsidies funded by taxpayers or strain the financial sustainability of transport operators, affecting service reliability.
To ease the impact on vulnerable groups, the government will reduce prices for hybrid monthly concession passes and introduce a new discounted pass for Workfare Transport Concession Scheme users, benefiting about 60,000 commuters, while Public Transport Vouchers will be increased from $30 to $50.

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19 Sep 2023

Frequency of Inspections for Electric Vehicles, Given Their Higher Reliability

Ms He Ting Ru inquired about potentially reducing inspection frequency for electric vehicles due to their higher reliability compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
The Minister for Transport explained that all vehicles require compulsory periodic inspections to ensure roadworthiness, and electric vehicles have specific high-voltage components that need safety checks.
The government currently has no plans to lower inspection frequency for electric vehicles, but will continue reviewing requirements to align with technological advancements and international standards.

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19 Sep 2023

Use of Smaller-capacity Buses to Increase Frequency of Service

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim proposed using smaller-capacity buses to increase off-peak frequency for bus lines with low occupancy and 15 to 20 minute intervals.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister for Transport, rejected the idea, stating it would raise operating costs for commuters and taxpayers.
He explained that smaller buses would require separate procurement since larger buses are still needed for peak periods, and each would need a dedicated bus captain, increasing staffing costs.
Additionally, smaller buses have different maintenance needs, adding complexity to operations and driving up maintenance expenses.
The minister concluded that deploying smaller buses at higher frequencies is not feasible due to these financial and operational challenges.

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19 Sep 2023

Parking Facilities for Marine Offshore Workers who Carry Heavy Gear to Vessels at Marina South Pier and Marina Bay Cruise Centre

Mariam Jaafar asked if more parking can be provided for marine offshore workers carrying heavy gear at Marina South Pier and Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
Chee Hong Tat stated both locations have limited parking, with Marina South Pier having 59 lots and Marina Bay Cruise Centre having 323 visitor lots, and no plans to expand due to space constraints.
Workers can use loading bays at Marina South Pier and then park at Marina Bay Cruise Centre, a 10-minute walk away, if lots are unavailable.
A new multi-storey car park adjacent to Marina South Pier is planned under "The WAVES" development and will be completed by 2026.
The response notes no season parking at Marina Bay Cruise Centre and includes details on visitor lot availability.

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19 Sep 2023

Traffic Accidents involving Lorries Transporting Workers in Rear Deck that were Attributable to Driver Fault

The Minister for Home Affairs stated that Traffic Police data only covers accidents involving lorries carrying passengers that resulted in casualties or deaths, with no tracking of passenger occupation, seating position, or driver fatigue.
Over the past five years, in such accidents, the lorry driver was at fault in about 45% of cases, while the driver of the other vehicle was at fault in about 56%.
The percentages exceed 100% because some accidents involved shared fault between both drivers, and in some cases, fault could not be determined due to insufficient evidence.

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19 Sep 2023

MRT Stations and Bus Interchanges with at least One Lactation Room and Breastfeeding Room

Louis Ng Kok Kwang requested an update on the percentage of MRT stations and bus interchanges with at least one lactation room and breastfeeding room, and asked if it could be made compulsory for all to have one.
As of 31 August 2023, 60% of bus interchanges and all interchange stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line have a baby care room with nursing facilities, and all new stations and interchanges will include them.
For existing MRT stations and bus interchanges, the Land Transport Authority will consider providing baby care rooms during upgrading works, depending on space and technical feasibility.

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18 Sep 2023

Data Related to Safe Transportation of Workers on Back of Lorries

Miss Rachel Ong questioned whether data on worker transport safety, such as accident and fatality statistics, is included in Workplace Safety and Health assessments and bizSAFE renewal criteria, and if not, why and whether it could be incorporated.
The Minister for Manpower responded that such data helps employers conduct risk assessments but is not sufficient on its own; comprehensive risk management must follow the Risk Management Code of Practice, which covers hazard identification and risk minimization.
The Minister noted that bizSAFE renewal involves auditing a company's risk management, including whether they consider relevant data like safe transport information in their risk assessments.

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18 Sep 2023

Limit of 12 Hours a Day for Workers Driving Lorries with Workers in Rear Deck

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked how the Ministry for Manpower determines the 12-hour daily work limit for drivers of lorries carrying workers in the rear deck.
Dual-role drivers are covered under Part 4 of the Employment Act, which sets a 12-hour work limit per day and requires breaks after six continuous hours.
The Workplace Safety and Health Act mandates a 30-minute rest before driving workers in the rear deck and requires employers to manage fatigue risk with scheduled breaks.
Employers must conduct risk assessments and adjust work hours as needed based on the nature and intensity of the driver’s work.
Guidelines recommend shifts not exceeding 12 hours and advise rest breaks of 15 minutes for every two hours of driving.

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18 Sep 2023

Installation of On-board Units for Next Generation ERP System

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the installation timeline for the next generation ERP system's on-board units.
Chee Hong Tat, speaking for the Minister, confirmed that installation will start this year and be carried out progressively over the next few years.
The Land Transport Authority will provide further details at a later date.

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18 Sep 2023

Anticipated Energy Savings from Each LTA Green Initiative and Cost-benefit Evaluation

Ms He Ting Ru asked for anticipated energy savings and cost-benefit evaluations of LTA’s green initiatives, including turning off escalators at night and lights on covered walkways, considering convenience and safety for vulnerable groups.
Chee Hong Tat, on behalf of the Minister, stated that LTA is committed to reducing carbon emissions and ensures energy-saving measures minimize impact on commuters and prioritize safety.
For escalator turn-offs, trials are only conducted at stations with alternative escalators or lifts; for light turn-offs, they are limited to covered linkways with sufficient street lighting.
The response did not provide specific energy savings figures or detailed cost-benefit evaluations for each initiative.

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18 Sep 2023

Incidence and Causes of Heavy Vehicle Fires

Mr Melvin Yong asked about the annual number of heavy vehicle fires over the past five years, their typical causes, and whether the recent September 2023 fires shared common causes.
The Minister provided data showing lower fire counts in 2020 and 2021 likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with typical causes including frictional heat from worn brake pads, overheating components, or electrical issues.
Investigations into three unrelated heavy vehicle fires in September 2023 at West Coast Highway, Killiney Road, and Kranji Expressway are ongoing, so specific causes cannot yet be disclosed.

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18 Sep 2023

Number of Motorcycle Casualties from January 2022 to June 2023 Involving Young Riders

Ms See Jinli Jean asked for the number and proportion of motorcycle casualties among young riders aged 18–24 and 25–29 from January to December 2022 and January to June 2023.
Minister K Shanmugam provided a table with the exact casualty figures for both age groups and periods.
The response included the proportion of young rider casualties relative to total motorcycle casualties for each period.
The debate focused on highlighting the impact of motorcycle accidents on younger riders in Singapore.
The exchange underscores the government's commitment to tracking and addressing road safety for young motorcyclists.

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18 Sep 2023

Inclusion of Automated Ramps on Buses due for 10th Year Refurbishment

Ong Hua Han asked the Minister for Transport whether LTA would consider adding automated ramps during the 10th-year refurbishment of over 600 buses and address challenges from the 2017-2018 trial.
Chee Hong Tat, for the Minister, stated that LTA observed operational issues like longer bus stop times and failures during the trial, and high retrofitting costs mean no plans to add automated ramps to buses due for refurbishment, with manual ramps remaining in use.
The Minister acknowledged that LTA remains open to future improvements and has included an option for automated ramps in the latest electric bus tender to assess feasible solutions for new buses.

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18 Sep 2023

Investigation into Vehicular Accidents Upon Request Especially when Parties are Not Cooperating in Insurance Claims Process

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked if Traffic Police will investigate vehicular accidents without injuries when parties do not cooperate in insurance claims.
K Shanmugam stated that police resources are limited and must focus on criminal offences and law and order.
He clarified that police should not handle civil matters like insurance claim disputes without injuries.

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18 Sep 2023

Broadening Use of Assistance Dogs to Empower Persons with Disabilities

The Ministry of Social and Family Development, in collaboration with agencies and NGOs, is reviewing how to expand the use of assistance dogs beyond guide dogs for the visually impaired to support a wider range of persons with disabilities.
Efforts include issuing circulars and working with stakeholders like Guide Dogs Singapore and K9 Assistance to raise public awareness and ensure assistance dogs are accepted in licensed food establishments and public transport.
Future plans align with the Enabling Masterplan 2030 to foster an inclusive society, focusing on public acceptance and broader empowerment through assistance dogs.

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