Transport — Topics

18 Sep 2023

Impact of Grab's Acquisition of Trans-Cab on Fares, Quality of Service and Drivers' Livelihoods

The Minister emphasized that the regulatory framework for point-to-point (P2P) transport ensures an open and contestable market, preventing exclusive arrangements that lock in drivers and allowing commuters to choose between different services and prices.
The acquisition of Trans-Cab by Grab is under review by the Competition and Consumer Commission Singapore, and if approved, drivers can still operate across platforms, while quality of service standards for safety and performance will continue to apply.
The growth of e-commerce, ride-hailing, and car-sharing has not significantly altered the vehicle population, as the Vehicle Growth Rate remains at 0% for cars and Electronic Road Pricing manages congestion, with no current plans to adjust the COE system.
The P2P industry is undergoing a review to adapt to changing commuter and driver needs, ensuring service availability, resilience, and inclusivity in collaboration with stakeholders.

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3 Aug 2023

Construction of Higher Road Divider Barriers in Accident-prone Areas

Melvin Yong asked the Minister for Transport whether LTA will consider building higher road divider barriers in accident-prone areas to prevent serious injuries and fatalities from speeding vehicles.
The Minister, represented by Chee Hong Tat, stated that LTA regularly reviews accident data to identify high-risk areas and conducts detailed investigations for additional safety measures.
These measures include road improvements like traffic calming, signage, and safety barriers to prevent vehicles from crossing over, as well as education campaigns to promote safer behavior.
LTA and the Traffic Police will also collaborate to increase enforcement at these locations to deter dangerous driving and ensure compliance with traffic rules.

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3 Aug 2023

Update on Development of Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail Project

The Member asked whether the Singapore Government had received any proposals, memoranda of understanding, or agreements from Malaysia regarding the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail project following Malaysia's request for proposals.
The Minister for Transport indicated that the response had already been provided in an earlier reply to Questions Nos 4 and 5 at the 3 August 2023 Parliament Sitting.

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3 Aug 2023

Frequency of Enforcement Actions against Drink-Driving

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the regularity of drink-driving enforcement actions and the number of drivers caught since the last law review.
K Shanmugam stated that the Police conducts daily roadblocks across different locations to deter and detect drink-driving offences.
He noted that penalties for drink-driving were last reviewed and enhanced in July 2019, taking effect in November 2019.
The Minister referred Gan Thiam Poh to the Annual Road Traffic Situation Report on the Singapore Police Force’s website for detailed statistics.

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3 Aug 2023

Harnessing Technology for Better Road Safety Outcomes in Singapore

The debate highlighted that Singapore's road fatality rate, while low globally, is higher than cities like Hong Kong, London, and Tokyo, with a concerning rise in motorcyclist and pillion rider deaths in early 2023.
The Member of Parliament proposed mandating proven vehicle safety technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, to reduce accidents, citing their effectiveness in other regions and potential long-term cost savings.
The Senior Minister of State responded that the government is already implementing technology, road design, and behavioral measures, and is studying the feasibility of mandating additional safety features like ABS for motorcycles while considering cost and industry readiness.

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3 Aug 2023

Update on Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail Project Given MyHSR Corp's Recent Request for Information Exercise

The Ministry of Transport has not received any new proposal from Malaysia regarding the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail project but is willing to discuss any future proposal in good faith starting from a clean slate.
Singapore’s plans for the HSR within its borders, including the Jurong stop, will be considered only upon receipt of a formal proposal from Malaysia, with the government maintaining an open mind for a win-win arrangement.
The Ministry and Land Transport Authority are not involved in the Request for Information exercise conducted by Malaysia’s MyHSR Corp, and no Singapore companies were confirmed to be involved in the initial information-gathering stage.

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3 Aug 2023

Evaluation of Grab's Proposed Acquisition of Trans-Cab for Anti-Competitive Practices

CCCS will evaluate Grab's acquisition of Trans-Cab for anti-competitive effects, following a two-phase review process with stakeholder consultation.
The assessment will consider potential impacts on competition in the taxi, private hire, and overall point-to-point transport markets, including effects on fares, waiting times, and driver incomes.
Public feedback is invited to inform CCCS's decision, with the process allowing for detailed phase-two review if competition concerns arise.

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2 Aug 2023

Concessions for HDB Flat Owners with EV Cars to Park at Closest HDB Car Park with EV Charging Stations

Miss Rachel Ong asked whether HDB will provide concessions for flat owners with EVs to park at the closest HDB car park with charging stations at season parking rates.
The LTA and HDB are deploying EV charging points in nearly 2,000 HDB car parks by 2025.
HDB allows residents to transfer their season parking to another car park with EV chargers at the same rate to support EV charging needs.

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2 Aug 2023

Use of Vacant Premises like Schools to Alleviate Shortage of Heavy Vehicle Parking Lots

Mr Don Wee proposed that URA and SLA use vacant premises like schools to address the shortage of heavy vehicle parking lots.
The Minister for National Development stated that there are currently 41,000 heavy vehicle lots island-wide, which exceeds the 31,800 registered vehicles, indicating an overall sufficiency.
Most heavy vehicle lots are privately provided in industrial estates where vehicles operate, with schools already allowing overnight parking for school buses.

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2 Aug 2023

Study on Particulate Pollution from Growth of Electric Vehicle Population

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment to consider a study on particulate pollution from vehicle tyres and brakes, particularly due to the growing number of heavier electric vehicles, and to identify steps to reduce such pollution.
Grace Fu Hai Yien acknowledged that particulate matter is generated by vehicle tyres and brakes, including electric vehicles which are heavier and cause more tyre wear, and said the issue is being tracked closely.
She added that the National Environment Agency has invited research proposals on particulate matter from tyres and brakes under the Air Quality Monitoring and Control Funding Initiative to improve understanding and guide future steps.
The approach includes monitoring international developments in research and regulation to inform potential actions in Singapore.
The government is using research funding initiatives to gather data and references before deciding on specific measures to address the pollution.

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2 Aug 2023

Categorising All Vehicles Transporting Passengers or Goods for Monetary Gain as Commercial Vehicles under COE Category C

Joan Pereira asked whether the Ministry of Transport would consider categorising all vehicles transporting passengers or goods for monetary gain as commercial vehicles under COE Category C.
The Minister for Transport explained that the COE system allocates quotas based on vehicle type, not intended use, with cars and motorcycles in Categories A and B, and goods vehicles and buses in Category C.
Categorising based on purpose would create rigidity for owners and be difficult to enforce, while the current type-based approach allows flexible use of vehicles for both personal and commercial needs.

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2 Aug 2023

Data on Number of Motorised Bicycles and Tricycles Sold in Past Three Years

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Ministry for Transport about sales data for motorised bicycles and tricycles over the past three years.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister, stated that power-assisted bicycles must be registered with the Land Transport Authority, with registrations rising from about 16,000 in 2020 to 37,000 in 2022.
He clarified that motorised tricycles are prohibited on public paths and roads unless exempted for specific uses.

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2 Aug 2023

Fair Assignment of Ride Hail Cases to Drivers Given Recent Acquisition of Trans-Cab by Grab

Ms Yeo Wan Ling raised concerns about fair assignment of ride-hail cases to drivers following Grab's acquisition of Trans-Cab.
The Ministry of Transport will address these concerns alongside related questions filed by Ms Foo Mee Har and Mr Yip Hon Weng.
The Ministry referenced a prior report on evaluating Grab's acquisition for anti-competitive practices.

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2 Aug 2023

Mandatory Labelling of Personal Mobility Aids to Differentiate from Other Personal Mobility Devices

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether the Ministry for Transport will consider mandatory labelling to differentiate personal mobility aids (PMAs) from other personal mobility devices.
Chee Hong Tat, on behalf of the Minister, explained that PMAs like wheelchairs and mobility scooters have specific design and speed criteria, while devices like e-scooters are regulated separately under the Active Mobility Act with mandatory registration and labelling.
The Minister noted current regulations aim to be inclusive for persons with mobility challenges and that the Active Mobility Advisory Panel is reviewing these rules, including the feedback raised.

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2 Aug 2023

Provision of Point-to-Point Bus Services to Primary School Students during School Peak Periods

Don Wee asked if the Ministry of Education can collaborate with LTA and public bus operators to offer point-to-point bus services for primary school students during peak periods.
Chan Chun Sing explained that public bus services are planned under LTA’s Bus Contracting Model, considering ridership, connectivity, and financial sustainability.
He noted that operators with sufficient capacity are welcome to bid for school bus contracts without affecting public bus services.
The response indicates that the focus is on existing contractual and capacity frameworks rather than new dedicated services.
No direct commitment was made to implement point-to-point services, but the door remains open for operators to participate in the school bus market.

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2 Aug 2023

Permitting One-year Renewals of Certificate of Entitlement in Addition to Five-year and 10-year Renewal Options

Joan Pereira asked if the Ministry of Transport would consider adding one-year COE renewals alongside the existing five and ten-year options.
The Minister for Transport, through Chee Hong Tat, explained that current policy allows five and ten-year renewals as a concession, with each renewal reducing the COE pool for new buyers.
The Ministry opposes one-year renewals because they could worsen COE price cycles by allowing owners to deregister vehicles strategically when prices are low, further tightening supply when prices are high.

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2 Aug 2023

Progress on Consultation for Transporting Migrant Workers by Buses or Other Modes of Transport

The government acknowledges the safety concerns of transporting migrant workers on lorries and has introduced measures such as mandatory front cabin occupancy, canopies, higher railings, and stricter licensing to improve safety, resulting in a reduction in fatalities and injuries.
While recognizing the impracticality of an immediate ban due to operational constraints for SMEs, which could affect projects and livelihoods, the government emphasizes a collaborative approach with industry associations, NGOs, and unions to find workable solutions.
An interagency group already engages stakeholders to address challenges, and suggestions for a new work group with broader representation are being considered to explore timelines and subsidies for safer transport alternatives.

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6 Jul 2023

Efforts to Address Possible Traffic Congestion around Serangoon North Avenue 1

Mr Leon Perera raised concerns about potential traffic congestion near Serangoon North Avenue 1 due to new residents moving into the Affinity@Serangoon condominium and HDB BTO Serangoon North Vista.
The Land Transport Authority requires developers to conduct Transport Impact Assessments for major developments, and the Affinity@Serangoon developer has done so, considering nearby projects.
To manage increased traffic, works are underway to widen Serangoon North Avenue 1 with an additional lane and add turning lanes at the junction with Yio Chu Kang Road, with completion starting this year.
LTA is upgrading bus stops and constructing wider footpaths and cycling paths to encourage walking and cycling to the upcoming Cross Island Line Serangoon North MRT station.
LTA will continue monitoring the area after the developments are completed and implement further improvements as needed.

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6 Jul 2023

Progress of Initiative to Install Speed-management Devices on Lorries that Ferry Migrant Workers

The Ministry announced in March 2022 that lorries with a maximum laden weight between 3,500 kg and 12,000 kg will be required to have speed limiters.
The Traffic Police is working with industry stakeholders to evaluate devices and develop an implementation plan, with feedback indicating a need for time to reconfigure products and ramp up supply.
The Minister of State did not provide a specific timeline but assured that the government is working closely with the industry to address costs, availability, and installation issues in a timely manner.

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5 Jul 2023

Transportation of Workers on Back of Lorries

Louis Ng argues that transporting workers on the back of lorries is unsafe, citing fatal accidents, and demands a ban with a roadmap, interim bus pilots, and designated drivers, contrasting it with higher safety standards for schoolchildren and soldiers.
Senior Minister of State Amy Khor agrees on safety concerns but opposes an immediate ban, citing practical constraints like insufficient buses, driver shortages, and operational challenges for SMEs, while outlining ongoing measures to improve safety.
Ng presses for a specific timeline for a ban, comparing it to climate goals, and questions why the government discounts advice from lorry suppliers who deem the practice unsafe.
Khor responds that transitioning will require industry collaboration and time, noting current measures are in place and safety improvements are already seen in fatality and injury statistics.
The debate highlights tension between urgent safety demands and gradual policy implementation, with both sides acknowledging the need to protect workers while managing economic and logistical realities.

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