Transport — Topics

9 Jan 2023

Data on Electric Cars Registered to Households broken down by Property Type

He Ting Ru asked for data on electric cars registered to households by property type over the last two years.
S Iswaran provided statistics as of October 2022, showing 17% of electric cars were registered to HDB households.
The data indicated 51% of electric cars were registered to private landed property households.
The remaining 32% of electric cars were registered to private non-landed property households.

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9 Jan 2023

Helping Self-employed Persons or Small Business Owners with Vehicle-related Cost Increases

Ms Carrie Tan asked the Ministry for Transport about the number of heavy and light goods vehicles registered under self-employed persons and requested temporary cost-reducing measures like lower COE prices or subsidies for them and small business owners.
The Minister responded that most goods vehicles are registered by businesses, but the Land Transport Authority does not collect employment data to identify self-employed owners.
The Government offers broad-based business support instead of vehicle-specific subsidies, and owners can find relevant schemes on the GoBusiness portal.

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9 Jan 2023

Audits on Transit Link to Ensure Transport Fares are Charged According to Public Transport Council-approved Fares

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether regular audits are conducted on TransitLink to ensure transport fares are charged according to PTC-approved fares.
S Iswaran confirmed that TransitLink, as the appointed ticketing service provider, reviews approved fares with operators before updating the ticketing system and performs checks to ensure correct implementation at all stations.
TransitLink also conducts regular audits on its systems and processes, including fare collection, to maintain fare accuracy.

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9 Jan 2023

Number and Operating Hours of Immigration Counters at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints

There are 302 immigration counters at Woodlands Checkpoint and 276 at Tuas Checkpoint for motorists entering and leaving Singapore, with about 92% of counters manned during the December 2022 peak period.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority uses dynamic officer deployment, flexible lane conversion, and technology like automated clearance to manage congestion, but limits exist due to heavy traffic and infrastructure constraints.
Longer-term measures include expanding automated in-car clearance, the Automated Clearance Initiative for eligible visitors, and collaboration with transport agencies and Traffic Police, plus upcoming projects like the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link and Woodlands Checkpoint redevelopment to boost capacity.

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9 Jan 2023

Prevalence of Road Touting Cases

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the trend of road touting cases over the past five years and what motorists should do if they suspect they are victims.
K Shanmugam stated that road touting is an offense punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both, and that police reports for such cases have been low, with two or fewer annually from 2018 to 2022.
He noted that the reported figures may not fully capture the prevalence of road touting, as some motorists may handle the matter privately through insurers or legal channels.
Motorists are advised to remain calm and disengage if approached by road touts and to report incidents to the police while seeking advice from insurers or legal counsel for civil remedies.

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9 Jan 2023

Adjusting Public Transport Arrangements to Maximise Efficiency as Flexible Work Arrangements Affect Ridership Patterns

Miss Cheryl Chan raised concerns about shifting CBD commuting patterns due to flexible work arrangements and suggested reviewing bus routes to redeploy services to neighbourhood towns for better last-mile connections.
Saktiandi Supaat queried the Ministry’s response to changing ridership data, the possibility of a study on permanent post-pandemic shifts, and the timeline for such research.
S Iswaran responded that LTA actively monitors and adjusts bus and train services, noting that ridership has recovered to nearly 90% of pre-pandemic levels, with ongoing evaluations to align supply with demand as conditions evolve.

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9 Jan 2023

Monitoring of Evolving COVID-19 Situation and Flights Arriving from China at Changi Airport

Melvin Yong asked the Ministry of Transport how closely it is monitoring the COVID-19 situation in China and whether it plans to enhance airport measures for flights from China at Changi Airport.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary requested permission for the Minister to address the question later during the sitting, which the Speaker approved.
The debate highlights ongoing concerns about the pandemic's impact on travel and the government's responsiveness to evolving health risks.

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30 Nov 2022

Traffic Accidents Involving Children Aged 18 and Below

Between 2018 and 2021, the number of children aged 18 and below who died or were injured in traffic accidents decreased from 500 to 280, with an estimated 350 cases in 2022, indicating a continued downward trend compared to 2018.
The Traffic Police and MOE have launched initiatives such as the Road Safety Challenge online learning resource, school talks, the annual Singapore Traffic Games, and road safety banners at Primary schools to enhance road safety awareness among children.
Collaboration with the Singapore Road Safety Council has produced videos to promote safe driving in school zones, while increased fines and demerit points for traffic offences in school zones since July 2021 have strengthened regulation and enforcement to protect children.

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30 Nov 2022

Converting Underutilised Multi-storey Car Parks and Other Common Areas into Bicycle Parking Spaces

Edward Chia inquired about converting underutilised multi-storey car parks and other common areas for bicycle parking, citing potential space optimisation.
Desmond Lee responded that HDB will consider repurposing such spaces subject to technical feasibility, safety, and resident disamenity factors, but noted current safety codes may not permit conversions in existing car parks.
He added that new housing developments already include bicycle parking at void decks, and the Green Towns Programme will add dual bicycle racks in existing towns by 2024.
For high-demand areas, Town Councils can seek HDB approval to install additional bicycle parking racks at void decks or nearby locations.

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30 Nov 2022

Electric Vehicles Charging Bill

The Electric Vehicles Charging Bill aims to ensure EV chargers are safe, reliable, and accessible nationwide, mandating regulatory oversight by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to achieve Singapore's 2050 net-zero emissions target.
Key provisions include licensing for charging operators, safety standards for charger models, and a requirement for new buildings to provide EV charging infrastructure, with flexibility in implementation to balance costs and user needs.
Parliament debated concerns over compliance costs, market competition, charging point adequacy, and behavioral issues like hogging, with the Minister affirming the government's commitment to monitoring and adjusting policies as EV adoption grows.

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30 Nov 2022

Opening Rail Lines to New Operators

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to open the rail market to new operators beyond the two existing ones.
The Minister for Transport explained that while contestability is important to spur improvements, the rail industry's complexity and need for economies of scale must be balanced, and the New Rail Financing Framework already shortens licence periods to encourage competition.
Mr Chua sought clarification on whether foreign players would be considered, akin to the bus industry, or if a single operator for all rail lines might be more efficient, to which the Minister responded that policy is informed by data and current circumstances, with no immediate move toward consolidation or a new foreign operator, but openness to partnerships with foreign expertise remains.

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30 Nov 2022

Incentivising SMEs to Lease Electric Vehicles for Commercial Use

The Minister for Transport outlined existing incentives such as the Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme and Early Turnover Scheme, noting a significant rise in electric Light Goods Vehicle adoption from 0.4% in 2020 to around 28% this year.
The government is not targeting specific sectors for electric vehicle transition but acknowledges that sectors with intensive usage, like taxis and buses, could yield greater emissions benefits, with plans to electrify 50% of the bus fleet by the end of the decade.
In response to concerns about electric motorcycles, the Minister highlighted ongoing trials involving battery swapping and charging solutions, coordinated by the Land Transport Authority, while emphasizing safety considerations for battery removal and recharging.
The government continues to monitor the effectiveness of current incentives and remains open to reviewing the need for additional measures to support broader EV adoption, including for commercial use by SMEs.

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29 Nov 2022

Guidelines for Early-contract Termination Clauses for Taxicabs and Private Hire Cars due to Unforeseen Circumstances

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked if the Ministry issues guidelines for early-contract termination clauses in taxi and private-hire car rentals due to unforeseen circumstances like health issues.
S Iswaran responded that LTA does not regulate these clauses, as they are commercially determined by rental companies and drivers.
Rental companies review early terminations case-by-case and are encouraged to act compassionately, with drivers advised to discuss options with them.
LTA is collaborating with driver associations to help drivers better understand rental contract terms and associated risks.

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29 Nov 2022

Increase in Electricity and Fuel Costs for Public Transport Operators Year-to-date and Expected Proportion Offset by Subsidies

Public transport operators have faced increased electricity and fuel costs, but the specific year-to-date increase has not been quantified in the debate.
The additional $200 million subsidy is intended to cover revenue shortfalls from a postponed fare adjustment, not to offset specific energy cost items.
The subsidy, combined with a limited fare increase, helps address overall operating cost increases, including energy expenses for rail and buses.

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29 Nov 2022

Government Assistance for Ride-sharing Initiative for Commercial Vehicles

Saktiandi Supaat asked if the Government will assist SMRT's EVCo ride-sharing initiative for commercial vehicles.
S Iswaran responded that the Government has measures like the Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme and Early Turnover Scheme.
These schemes incentivize electric Light Goods Vehicles purchases, which EVCo as a fleet owner can benefit from.

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29 Nov 2022

Colour Temperature of Singapore's Street Lighting and Feasibility of Warmer White Lighting for Street Lamps on Minor Roads

Most streetlights in Singapore use LED lights with colour temperatures of 3,000 K (warmer white) or 4,000 K (brighter white), based on LTA's research and international safety standards, with no adverse impact on human health due to low blue light intensity.
The choice of lighting depends on proximity to residential areas, with warmer white light at 3,000 K generally used on minor roads in low-rise residential estates.
LTA's findings from studies indicate no significant issues with the current lighting regarding health or light pollution, and warmer white lighting is already applied on minor roads where appropriate.

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29 Nov 2022

Reports of Traffic Accidents Involving Foreign-registered Vehicles and Assistance Rendered to Drivers Who Lodged Claims against Foreign Motorists

From 2017 to 2021, there were over 35,000 traffic accidents with casualties or deaths in Singapore, with about 5,184 involving foreign-registered vehicles.
Singaporean drivers involved in such accidents are advised to claim against their local comprehensive insurance policies for a quicker process, or directly approach the foreign insurer (e.g., Malaysian) if they choose third-party claims, as the government does not track these commercial claims.
If a Singaporean driver is not at fault, their No-Claim Discount may not be affected, and recourse for inordinate delays typically involves commercial processes between insurers rather than direct government intervention.

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29 Nov 2022

Update on Status of Road Noise Barrier and Low-noise Road Surfacing Trials

LTA completed trials on noise barriers and low-noise pavement mix, finding the latter more effective for at-grade expressway sections as it reduces noise at the source, whereas barriers are less effective for higher-floor residents.
LTA will use low-noise pavement mix during resurfacing of at-grade expressway sections near residential areas to reduce noise.
For elevated expressway sections, LTA will consider installing noise barriers where needed, based on factors like distance from buildings.
LTA remains committed to implementing noise reduction measures along expressway stretches near public housing.

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29 Nov 2022

Activation of Emergency Stop Plungers at MRT Stations

In the past four years, Emergency Stop Plungers (ESPs) have been activated an average of two to three times per month, with about 25% of these occurrences during peak hours.
Approximately 60% of ESP activations are non-emergencies, such as passengers retrieving personal belongings from the tracks.
When an ESP is activated, train services typically resume in less than five minutes after staff assess it is safe to proceed.

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29 Nov 2022

Factors Driving Demand and COE Prices for Categories B, D and E Vehicles

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis inquired about the factors behind the record-high COE prices for Categories B, D, and E vehicles.
Minister S Iswaran directed him to a previous written answer from 28 November 2022 that addressed the causes of COE price increases.
The debate referenced a specific parliamentary report detailing causes of COE price rises and motorcycle deregistrations.
The discussion highlighted the government's reliance on documented reports to explain market dynamics for vehicle categories.
The summary underscores the structured nature of parliamentary inquiries and responses regarding Singapore's COE system.

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