Transport — Topics

22 Mar 2023

Rejection of Applications for Vocational Drivers' Licences due to Criminal Record

In 2022, 226 vocational licence applications (about 1.5% of 15,000) were rejected due to criminal records, and 72 out of 169 appeals against such rejections were approved, with LTA balancing public safety and applicants' chances to reintegrate.
LTA screens all vocational licence applications to safeguard commuters, considering the severity and nature of offences, but does not apply a fixed list of disqualifying offences beyond rape, murder, and kidnapping.
Appeals are assessed case-by-case based on factors like offence severity, timing, and mitigating circumstances, aiming to provide a second chance while ensuring passenger safety and public confidence.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

22 Mar 2023

Working with Hospitals to Increase Use of Infant Car Seats

Mr Louis Ng asked the Ministry of Transport about steps to work with hospitals to increase access to infant car seats.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary replied that there are no plans to partner with hospitals, noting that parents are generally aware of the child restraint requirements and market solutions are available.
Mr Ng followed up, asking if his previous recommendations—such as including infant car seat education in prenatal classes and providing seats at discharge—had been shared and considered by relevant stakeholders.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed the recommendations were reviewed, and highlighted existing collaboration between Traffic Police and KK Women's and Children's Hospital to educate parents on road safety and child car seat usage.
He also stated that infant car seats are not covered under Ministry of Health subsidies, as healthcare funds focus on basic healthcare services, drugs, and medical technology.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

22 Mar 2023

Provision of School Bus Services

The Ministry of Education is monitoring school bus services, noting a stable demand but facing challenges from a shortage of drivers and rising fuel costs, which have led to fare increases of up to 10% in 2023, with Special Education schools seeing higher hikes due to fewer providers.
To improve affordability, the school bus subsidy for lower-income students was enhanced from 60% to 65% of monthly fares, and additional financial support is available through schools, while eligible Special Education students can apply for the Enabling Transport Subsidy.
The Ministry is engaging with stakeholders to address the industry's viability, including the fragmentation with many sole proprietors and potential aging exits, and Special Education schools specify required skills in contracts rather than MOE providing direct operator training.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Mar 2023

Traffic Accidents Involving Food Delivery or Courier Riders

Melvin Yong asked whether the Ministry of Home Affairs will collect data on traffic accidents involving motorcycles, power-assisted bicycles, and personal mobility devices used by food delivery or courier riders, and if the Traffic Police will increase road safety campaigns for these users.
K Shanmugam responded that the Traffic Police do not currently track the occupation of accident-involved road users but are enhancing public education efforts through partnerships with the National Delivery Champions Association and delivery companies like Grab and foodpanda.
The Traffic Police collaborate with the Ministry of Manpower, Workplace Safety and Health Council, and Land Transport Authority, including the Delivery Safety Workgroup, which released guidelines for delivery companies to improve rider safety through telematics, engagement, and risk reduction measures.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Mar 2023

Motorists Charged for Obstructing Emergency Vehicles

Member He Ting Ru asked for statistics on motorists charged for obstructing emergency vehicles and a breakdown by vehicle type over the past three years.
Minister K Shanmugam explained the legal penalties, including composition sums and demerit points, and noted that no court charges were brought between 2020 and 2022.
The number of motorists offered composition sums was four in 2020, two in 2021, and zero in 2022, with a breakdown by vehicle type provided.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Mar 2023

Electric Vehicles Deployed by Public Sector and Plans to Convert More Vehicles into Electric Ones

The public sector has deployed 89 electric vehicles as of February 2023.
All new cars procured by the public sector from this year will be electric or zero-tailpipe emission alternatives under the GreenGov.SG initiative.
Other vehicle types procured from this year will also run on cleaner energy, provided suitable models are available to meet agencies' operational needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Mar 2023

Revision of Household Income Eligibility Criteria for Disabled Persons Scheme Given Rising Cost of Living

Dr Tan Wu Meng questioned when the household income eligibility criteria for the Disabled Persons Scheme (DPS) were last revised and whether they are being evaluated for relevance amid inflation and rising costs of living.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary responded that the DPS income criteria were last revised in 2017, and highlighted enhancements to the Taxi Subsidy Scheme and increased transport options for persons with disabilities.
Dr Tan followed up with supplementary questions on whether household dependents are considered in DPS assessments and how the 2017 income threshold compares to current household income percentiles.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that holistic family circumstances are considered in assessments, but did not have specific data on income percentile comparisons between 2017 and today.
The Ministry committed to ongoing monitoring of the transport landscape to ensure accessibility and affordability for persons with disabilities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Mar 2023

Average Response Time for Emergency Vehicles

The Minister for Home Affairs reported that the median response time for emergency ambulances was approximately seven minutes in both 2020 and 2021, and about eight minutes in 2022.
Delays in emergency vehicles reaching destinations are commonly due to traffic congestion during peak hours and weather conditions such as heavy rain affecting visibility.
Another frequent cause of delay is the need to dispatch vehicles from further-away bases when the nearest ones are fully engaged with other incidents.
The response was provided to address Ms He Ting Ru’s question on average response times and reasons for delays over the last three years.
The information highlights consistent response times with slight variation, underlining the impact of external factors on emergency service efficiency.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Mar 2023

Guidelines on Use of Vernacular Languages for Wayfinding Signs and Public Address Systems in Healthcare Institutions and MRT Stations

Gerald Giam asked if the Government issues guidelines on using vernacular languages in wayfinding signs and public address systems at healthcare institutions and MRT stations to assist elderly Singaporeans.
The Senior Minister of State replied that agencies assess the use of mother tongue languages independently, with staff assistance in healthcare and key information in all four official languages at MRT stations.
Giam followed up to inquire if the Government plans to publish a guide for developers and institutions to include vernacular languages in wayfinding, especially in places frequented by seniors.
The Minister reiterated that it is the responsibility of individual Ministries and agencies to assess and decide the use of mother tongue languages based on stakeholder needs.
No specific national guidelines were confirmed, but the response emphasized contextual use of vernacular languages where relevant.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Mar 2023

Measures to Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect from Transport Infrastructure

Leon Perera asked about measures to reduce the urban heat island effect from transport infrastructure like flyovers, viaducts, and MRT tracks in residential areas.
S Iswaran outlined steps such as using Green Mark standards, planters, and shaded structures to cut heat absorption, plus energy-efficient designs like solar panels and LED lighting in stations and depots.
The government promotes public transport to slash carbon footprints and is electrifying vehicles to further lower emissions, while reviewing designs and exploring cooling technologies like plastic-bituminous asphalt for roads.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Mar 2023

Efforts to Prevent Jaywalking and Improve Traffic Infrastructure for Safety of Elderly Pedestrians

Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Home Affairs how the Ministry would collaborate with LTA to prevent jaywalking and enhance traffic infrastructure, such as by adding more lifts in pedestrian overhead bridges, to improve safety for elderly pedestrians.
K Shanmugam noted that while accidents involving elderly pedestrians rose from 2021 to 2022, the 2022 figures are comparable to pre-pandemic levels and referenced past replies on Traffic Police and LTA cooperation to deter jaywalking.
He also mentioned that LTA has plans to progressively install more lifts at overhead bridges across Singapore to address safety concerns.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Mar 2023

Disruptions to Regular Train Services on Thomson-East Coast Line Since Opening of Line's Stage 3 Segment

Melvin Yong asked the Minister for Transport about the number of disruptions on the Thomson-East Coast Line since its Stage 3 opening and their causes.
S Iswaran reported four train faults causing delays over five minutes and one slower-speed incident due to a signalling fault, totaling five issues.
Two faults were due to resolved software issues, three were hardware malfunctions with components replaced, and root cause investigations are ongoing.
Extensive pre-opening testing is conducted, but early-stage operational issues can arise due to the complexity of interlinked hardware and software systems.
Authorities urge commuter patience as they work to resolve disruptions quickly.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Mar 2023

Proposal to Install Double-glazed Windows in New HDB Flats Being Built in Areas Close to Main Roads, MRT Tracks or RSAF Flight Paths

Mariam Jaafar asked whether HDB can install double-glazed windows in new flats near main roads, MRT tracks, or RSAF flight paths to reduce noise.
Desmond Lee explained that complete soundproofing is not feasible in HDB's high-density, naturally ventilated design, and double-glazed windows require closed windows to be effective.
HDB conducts noise impact assessments and uses design features like overhangs and canopies to mitigate land transport noise for new flats near roads and MRT tracks.
For aircraft noise, HDB is testing noise-cancelling technologies and innovative facade designs and will introduce them when ready.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Mar 2023

Number of Complaints Pertaining to Road and MRT Track Noise

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Transport about the number of complaints on road and MRT track noise over the past five years.
The Minister for Transport, S Iswaran, responded that there were 6,470 feedback entries on road traffic noise.
He also stated that there were 1,101 feedback entries on MRT track noise in the same period.
The Minister noted that explanations on noise sources and mitigation measures had been provided in previous Parliamentary Question replies.
The figures provided cover the five-year period prior to the debate.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Mar 2023

Prevalence of Potholes on Public Roads

In response to Mr Melvin Yong's questions, Minister S Iswaran noted that more potholes were observed in 2021 and early 2023 due to heavy rainfall, with fewer occurring when rainfall was lower, such as in early 2022.
The Land Transport Authority monitors over 9,000 lane-kilometres of roads, analyses data to prioritise resurfacing on roads prone to potholes, and is using AI and video analytics to aid maintenance.
During heavy rainfall, LTA dedicates more resources to inspections and repairs, and undertakes preventive measures like sealing minor cracks and regularly resurfacing roads.
LTA is also studying high-performance asphalt mixes and encourages motorists to report defects via the LTA website, MyTransport.SG, or OneService apps.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Mar 2023

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

The Ministry of Transport reported strong recovery across aviation, maritime, and land transport sectors post-pandemic, with Changi Airport returning to 80% of pre-COVID passenger traffic and plans to expand infrastructure, including the Tuas Port and new rail lines.
Sustainability initiatives were emphasized, including electrification of vehicles, cleaner energy public buses, and new targets for maritime and aviation sectors to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, supported by incentives and infrastructure like EV charging points.
The ministry addressed concerns over high motorcycle COE prices, outlining measures to curb speculation and improve affordability, while also launching community-focused projects like "Friendly Streets" to enhance pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Mar 2023

Conducting Island-wide Noise Management Studies in Areas Affected by Multiple Construction Projects

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) conducted an islandwide noise measurement study in 2018 to identify locations near MRT stations where noise exceeded recommended thresholds, with a targeted noise impact assessment for Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 completed in 2019 prior to North-South Corridor construction.
LTA and its contractors implement various noise mitigation measures such as erecting noise barriers and enclosures, using mufflers and rubber mallets, and scheduling noisier works during the day, with stakeholder notifications for necessary night works like diaphragm wall construction.
For residential developments affected by multiple construction projects, NEA requires continuous noise monitoring, and LTA installs noise barriers at source for national projects like the NSC, though complete noise elimination is not always feasible due to safety-critical works.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Mar 2023

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Multiple MPs raised concerns about the rising costs and sustainability of transport, including high COE premiums for motorcycles, subsidies for public transport, and the financial viability of transitioning to electric vehicles and infrastructure upgrades.
Discussions emphasized the need for enhanced infrastructure for active mobility, such as dedicated cycling paths, pedestrian-friendly streets, and safety measures for PMDs, bicycles, and delivery riders, while balancing inclusivity and affordability.
The debate highlighted the aviation and maritime sectors' recovery post-COVID, plans for Changi Airport Terminal 5, and strategies to maintain Singapore’s global hub status amid sustainability goals and competition.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Mar 2023

Request for Pedestrian Overhead Bridge along Upper Serangoon Road

Dennis Tan requested that LTA prioritize installing lifts at the pedestrian overhead bridge near Blocks 362 and 363 Hougang Avenue 5 due to the high concentration of seniors in the area.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that LTA prioritizes such bridges based on senior and commuter numbers, proximity to transport and healthcare, and will give this location due priority.
Dennis Tan asked for an estimated timeline for the lift installation, noting community appeals and the bridge’s importance for accessing the MRT, bus interchange, and polyclinic.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary stated that LTA is in Phase 4 of retrofitting, aiming for completion by 2028, and that the Hougang bridge will be ranked higher due to its senior population and nearby facilities, urging patience from residents.
The Speaker also mentioned the need for a pedestrian overhead bridge in Ubi, extending the discussion.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Mar 2023

Investigation into Feedback Received on Speeding Vehicles with Modified Engines

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about feedback on speeding vehicles with modified engines, the timeframe for LTA investigations, and whether traffic cameras can capture related footage.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport confirmed that in 2022, the Traffic Police received about 420 speeding complaints and LTA received about 3,600 reports on illegal modifications, with investigations typically taking eight weeks.
Dr Lim suggested using noise-detection cameras to address vehicle noise complaints, particularly at night, but the Senior Minister of State responded that there are currently no plans to deploy such technology due to challenges in accurately attributing noise to specific vehicles.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source