Transport — Topics

29 Nov 2022

Discouraging Excessive Sale of Cars by Disallowing Conversion of Rental Cars to Private Cars and Practices to Bypass Car Loan Curbs

The Ministry for Transport explained that COE prices are high due to strong demand and fewer deregistrations, and disallowing conversion of rental cars to private cars would increase costs and reduce flexibility for the private-hire car market, affecting commuter services.
Financial prudence measures like loan-to-value and tenure limits are in place, with penalties including loan rescission or reduction for false declarations, but these curbs do not apply to commercial vehicles to support business operations.
The government is aware of practices to bypass car loan curbs but did not specify penalties, and current policies exclude rental, leasing, and commercial vehicles from loan limits to avoid constraining credit for business and livelihood needs.

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29 Nov 2022

Factors that May Impede Adoption of Electric Vehicles

Miss Cheryl Chan asked whether the supply of certificates of entitlement, high interest rates, and supply chain issues could impede Singapore’s transition to electric vehicles and phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040.
The Minister for Transport responded that COE supply is not differentiated by vehicle type and thus not a key determinant of EV adoption pace.
The Minister highlighted that despite cost pressures, EV adoption in Singapore has grown strongly, with electric car registrations in 2022 exceeding 10% of all new car registrations.
The government is supporting EV adoption through tax rebates, accelerating charging point deployment, and strengthening regulations, including an upcoming EV Charging Bill.
The Land Transport Authority will continue monitoring EV adoption trends and take appropriate measures as needed to support the vision for cleaner energy vehicles.

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29 Nov 2022

Data on Families Owning More than One Car

As of October 2022, about 471,000 Singapore households own cars, with 12% owning two cars and under 3% owning three or more.
The Minister stated that multiple-car ownership has been stable and not a primary driver of COE price increases, emphasizing that COE prices are fundamentally determined by supply and demand constraints, including a zero-growth policy.
Gerald Giam raised concerns about the impact of multi-car households on COE demand and affordability, suggesting measures to dampen demand for second cars to ensure more equitable access, particularly for essential drivers like caregivers.
The Minister noted that multiple-car households are not exclusively high-income or private housing residents, and the government will continue to monitor data to inform policy decisions without disrupting the market's fundamentals.

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29 Nov 2022

Number of Consumers Enjoying Tax Rebates under Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme

More than 6,700 consumers have received tax rebates under the Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme since its implementation on 1 April 2021.
The scheme, originally due to end on 31 March 2023, was extended with adjusted incentives after industry consultation to maintain lower total ownership costs for cleaner vehicles.
The Ministry cited the need to align with new global emissions test standards and ensure a variety of competitively priced cleaner vehicle models as reasons for the adjustments rather than a full extension without changes.

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28 Nov 2022

Improving Ingress and Egress of Emergency Vehicles in Silver Zones

Nadia Ahmad Samdin inquired about measures to ensure emergency vehicles can move smoothly in Silver Zones, where road lanes are often reduced to single lanes.
Transport Minister S Iswaran explained that Silver Zones are designed to prioritize pedestrian safety by narrowing roads, which naturally slows down vehicles.
He noted that from the first Silver Zone in 2014, the Land Transport Authority collaborates with agencies like SCDF to address emergency vehicle access.
As a specific solution, low-height centre dividers are installed in most Silver Zones to allow emergency vehicles to mount the divider and bypass obstructions.

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28 Nov 2022

Progress of Upgrading Works on Bukit Panjang LRT System

Liang Eng Hwa sought an update on the Bukit Panjang LRT upgrading works and the timeline for resuming full dual loop service.
The renewal project, awarded to Bombardier Singapore in 2018, includes system upgrades, new trains, and condition monitoring but was delayed by COVID-19 impacts such as manpower shortages and supply chain disruptions, with completion expected in 2026.
The system continues to provide full dual loop service during peak hours but operates in a single loop off-peak to reduce strain on ageing infrastructure, with enhanced bus services available to mitigate inconvenience.

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28 Nov 2022

Expected Operational and Start Date of Stage 4 of Thomson-East Coast Line

Stage 4 of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL4) will offer improved connectivity to the East Coast region.
Seven stations under TEL4 are scheduled to begin passenger service in 2024.
The eighth station, Founders' Memorial, will open alongside the Founders' Memorial.
The update was provided in response to a query by Mr Lim Biow Chuan.
The operational timeline was clarified by the Minister for Transport, S Iswaran.

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28 Nov 2022

Breakdown of COE Bids by Engine Capacity in Last Five Years

Abdul Samad requested a five-year breakdown of COE bids by engine capacity for motorcycles of 200 cc and below, 201–400 cc, and above 400 cc.
S Iswaran stated that from 2018 to end-October 2022, about 70% of motorcycles registered were 200 cc and below.
He added that of the remaining 30%, around two-thirds were for 201–400 cc motorcycles and one-third for models above 400 cc.
The figures provided indicate the distribution across the specified engine capacity categories over the period in question.

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28 Nov 2022

Implementation of Silver Zones and Lessons Learnt

As of October 2022, 26 Silver Zones have been completed, with 24 more planned by 2025 to reach a total of 50 zones nationwide.
Design features have evolved since 2014, including the use of 3D road markings to slow traffic where physical measures aren't feasible and thinner speed strips to reduce noise.
The Land Transport Authority now engages communities earlier in the design process to incorporate local feedback, such as wider footpaths and more crossing points with larger medians for elderly rest.
The current approach emphasizes co-creation with residents to ensure Silver Zones meet the specific needs of the elderly in each area.
Progress and design improvements are based on lessons learned from earlier Silver Zone implementations to enhance safety and usability.

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28 Nov 2022

Reasons for Increase in COE Prices and Number of Motorcycles Deregistered

COE prices have risen due to strong demand post-circuit breaker and a lower supply of COEs from fewer vehicle deregistrations, with the vehicle growth rate frozen at 0% since 2018.
The supply of COEs is cyclical, as many vehicles are deregistered near the end of their 10-year COE lifespan, with the last low point for cars in 2013.
Motorcycle deregistrations occur due to factors like changes in commuting patterns or decisions to lease rather than own, but exact numbers were not provided in the response.

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28 Nov 2022

Strategies to Prevent Overcrowding and Risk of Stampede in MRT Stations

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Transport about strategies to prevent overcrowding and stampede risks in MRT stations.
The Minister outlined that rail operators and LTA have incident management plans with station-specific crowd control procedures, monitored 24/7, with measures like adjusting train frequencies, controlling escalators, and diverting commuters.
These plans are regularly reviewed with the Singapore Police Force and tested through joint exercises, with additional contingency plans for major events like National Day Parade and Formula One races.

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28 Nov 2022

Accidents Involving Drivers Aged 65 and Above and Shortening Revalidation Cycle

Yip Hon Weng asked about the percentage of traffic accidents involving drivers aged 65 and above over the past three years, the vehicles and licenses involved, and whether the revalidation cycle for motorcycle and light motor vehicle licenses should be shortened for those with prior accidents.
K Shanmugam reported that between 2019 and 2021, 16% of fatal accidents and 16% of accidents with injuries involved drivers aged 65 or older, with the proportion remaining stable.
Among these accidents, 69% involved motor cars, 17% involved motorcycles, and 14% involved other vehicles such as heavy vehicles.
The Ministry maintains that the current three-year license revalidation cycle balances road safety with the convenience and livelihood needs of senior citizens, and sees no need to shorten it given no deterioration in road traffic conditions.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and review the policy as necessary.

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28 Nov 2022

Promoting Safe Riding and Use of Footpaths and Park Connectors

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport to encourage all pedestrians and mobility device users to keep left on footpaths and park connectors and to include this messaging in safe riding courses and public education materials.
The Minister responded that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) already promotes the "keep left" message through its Code of Conduct, public campaigns, and educational programs like Confidence on Wheels.
LTA also engages communities directly through Active Mobility Community Ambassadors who advocate for safe and considerate path sharing.
The Ministry plans to continue these public education efforts to foster a safe and gracious path-sharing culture across Singapore.
The Minister urged all path users to follow the rules, be considerate, and look out for one another to enhance shared experiences.

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28 Nov 2022

Annual Cases of Abuse and Assaults against Bus Captains

The Ministry of Transport reported 26 substantiated abuse cases against bus captains in 2018, rising to 52 in 2019, 50 in 2020, 35 in 2021, and 27 in 2022, with perpetrators facing penalties under the Protection from Harassment Act and Penal Code, including jail and fines.
Protective barriers in buses were trialed but discontinued due to driver feedback about glare posing safety risks, while the government emphasized a zero-tolerance stance and a tripartite approach with operators and unions to deter abuse.
Transport workers’ union representative Melvin Yong noted a downward trend but raised concerns about recent cases and suggested reviewing penalties, with the ministry indicating openness to reviewing deterrents if needed and promoting a more gracious commuting culture.

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28 Nov 2022

Rule Requiring Drivers of Public Service Vehicles to Ensure No Property Left Behind by Passengers Before or After Trip

Don Wee questioned the practicality of Rule 39(1) requiring drivers to check for left-behind property before or after trips, citing issues with simultaneous boarding/alighting and small items in blind spots, and suggested its removal.
Amy Khor explained the rule is non-punitive, meant to encourage a good practice with only warnings issued, and announced a broader review with tripartite partners to balance operational constraints and passenger interests.
Yeo Wan Ling asked about factors for issuing warnings and appeal avenues, and suggested joint public education and platform reminders to share responsibility between drivers and passengers.
Amy Khor confirmed LTA would work with operators and associations on reminders and education, and emphasized drivers are taught to do a quick visual scan without leaving their seats, with no financial penalties imposed.

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28 Nov 2022

Regulation of Ownership of Personal Mobility Aids to Prevent Their Misuse and Abuse

Ms. Carrie Tan asked how the ownership of personal mobility aids (PMAs) is regulated, what steps will be taken to tighten ownership requirements to prevent misuse, how compliance with safety standards is monitored, how the public can report misuse, and what enforcement actions follow such reports.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary explained that LTA regulates PMAs for safety on public paths, setting speed limits and seat requirements, with enforcement actions including fines up to $10,000 and device impoundment; the public can report misuse via the MyTransport.SG app or email, and the Active Mobility Advisory Panel will review PMA rules.
Ms. Tan sought clarification on reporting specific misuse cases, such as ferrying passengers, and the subsequent enforcement actions, to which the response detailed that reports can include videos, photos, or information, leading LTA to identify hotspots for targeted enforcement.

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9 Nov 2022

Review of Motorcycle COE Quota Limit

Murali Pillai proposed reviewing the motorcycle COE quota limit upwards due to high premiums and motorcycles’ lower congestion impact and reliance for livelihoods.
S Iswaran stated that Singapore must manage vehicle population growth, noting motorcycles contribute to congestion and require road and parking spaces, so no plans exist to increase the motorcycle vehicle growth rate.
The Government provides motorcycles with lower Additional Registration Fees, road taxes, and ERP charges compared to other vehicle types to support livelihoods.

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9 Nov 2022

Buses and Drivers Required to Transport Workers in Buses Instead of Lorries

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry for Transport for the estimated number of buses and bus drivers needed to transport all workers in buses instead of lorries, the shortfall in resources, and whether the Ministry is working with private bus operators to address this.
Minister S Iswaran replied that a full transition would require many more buses than currently available, as private buses are in high demand post-COVID-19 and there is a shortage of drivers for both private and public buses.
The exact number of additional buses needed depends on how businesses adjust operations and adopt bus-pooling arrangements, but even with staggered trips, meeting the demand for buses and drivers remains challenging.
The Ministry is studying ways to encourage companies to switch to alternative transport modes but is also focused on improving the safety and welfare of workers on lorries through new measures announced recently.
The Ministry continues to explore further safety measures for workers, including promoting the use of buses, while acknowledging the practical challenges in achieving a full transition.

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9 Nov 2022

Electric Vehicles Charging Bill

The Electric Vehicles Charging Bill aims to regulate charging devices, operators, and service providers to ensure safety and standards.
It seeks to expand the network of accessible electric vehicle charging points across Singapore.
The bill includes consequential and related amendments to other existing Acts to align with new regulations.
The bill was presented by the Senior Minister of State for Transport on behalf of the Minister for Transport and read for the first time.

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8 Nov 2022

Average Number of Fines Issued Each Year for Failure to Wear Seat Belts

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the average number of fines issued each year for failing to wear seat belts in front and rear seats for 2010, 2015, and 2020 to 2022.
K Shanmugam replied that from 2010 to 2022, an average of about 2,639 fines per year were issued for failing to wear seat belts, combining composition sums by Traffic Police and court fines.
The government does not track whether offenders were seated in the front or rear of the vehicle, so separate averages for front and rear seats are unavailable.

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