Transport — Topics

8 Nov 2022

Rest Period for Workers Designated to Drive Their Colleagues

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked how the Ministry of Manpower will enforce a 30-minute rest period for workers who drive colleagues after six hours of onsite work, what penalties apply for non-compliance, and what constitutes a rest period.
Tan See Leng stated that compliance will be monitored through workplace safety inspections, accident investigations, and joint checks with the Land Transport Authority and Traffic Police, with regulations enhanced by January 2023.
Employers who fail to provide the rest period face financial penalties of up to $20,000 under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, and workers can report issues confidentially to MOM or the Migrant Workers Centre.
The mandated 30-minute rest period is a protected time for dual-role drivers to rest physically and mentally, without performing any work-related tasks.

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8 Nov 2022

Speed Limiters for Lorries Ferrying Workers

Melvin Yong asked for an update on when speed limiters will be required for lorries ferrying workers and how to expedite their rollout.
K Shanmugam stated that the Ministry of Transport announced in March 2022 the mandate for certain lorries to be fitted with speed management devices.
The Traffic Police is evaluating cost-effective and tamper-resistant speed limiters, considering small business owners, and reviewing various technologies and overseas experiences.
Implementation plans are being developed to ensure sufficient market capacity, authorized installers, and minimal vehicle downtime.
The evaluation and rollout plan are targeted for completion by early next year.

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8 Nov 2022

Public Transport Fare Adjustment in Fare Review Exercise 2022

The Public Transport Council (PTC) set a maximum fare adjustment of 13.5% for 2022 but implemented only a 2.9% increase, carrying over 10.6% to future exercises after considering economic and social factors, with the government providing an additional $200 million subsidy.
Minister S Iswaran emphasized that fare adjustments balance cost sustainability with affordability, noting that public transport spending as a proportion of household income has decreased over the past decade, and support measures like concession fares and Public Transport Vouchers (PTVs) target vulnerable commuters.
Questions on bus service reliability, headway reductions, and the sustainability of fare gaps were raised, with the Minister highlighting cost implications and ongoing reviews to ensure the financial health of the public transport system.

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7 Nov 2022

Average Waiting Time for Car Park Label Scheme for Persons with Physical Disabilities

Over the past three years, more than 90% of applicants received a parking label within 15 working days after submitting a complete application, with approvals typically granted within six working days.
Applicants can start using accessible parking lots upon approval without waiting for the physical label, but SG Enable is exploring technological solutions to replace or complement the current physical label.
SG Enable encourages the use of its eService to reduce processing time, as it guides applicants to submit complete information and requires less backend administrative work compared to email or post submissions.

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7 Nov 2022

Prevalence of Use of Emissions Defeat Devices

Dr. Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the prevalence of emissions defeat devices and the regulatory approach toward their installation and use.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) takes a serious view of defeat devices that allow vehicles to bypass emissions standards and works with agencies, manufacturers, and inspection centres to monitor their prevalence.
NEA will take firm enforcement action against vehicle owners who knowingly use defeat devices to mislead or conceal their vehicles' actual exhaust emissions.

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7 Nov 2022

Enhancement of Maintenance Regime by MRT Train Operators

Ms Joan Pereira inquired whether MRT train operators have enhanced their maintenance regime amid rising office and tourist ridership and if manpower shortages are affecting maintenance.
Transport Minister S Iswaran confirmed that train operators have maintained pre-COVID operating frequency over the past two years despite lower ridership during the pandemic.
The operators adhere to a rigorous and strict maintenance regime, continuing this practice during the pandemic and as ridership recovers.
There is currently no significant manpower shortage impacting maintenance works.

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7 Nov 2022

Assessment of Diagonal Crossing from Four Points of Traffic Junction

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Ministry for Transport about assessing and implementing diagonal crossings at traffic junctions, including in heartlands, to improve pedestrian efficiency while maintaining safety.
S Iswaran explained that diagonal crossings, or Scrambled Crossings, allow pedestrians to cross any direction at a junction, providing more green time for pedestrians and red time for vehicles.
The Land Transport Authority evaluates each location’s specific needs, as seen with the Robinson Road/Boon Tat Street implementation where pedestrian demand was high and traffic impact was low.
The Ministry will continue collaborating with communities to determine optimal crossing solutions, including Scrambled Crossings, for various junctions.

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7 Nov 2022

Plans to Enhance Capacity of Existing Roads Using Yishun Dam to Deal with Increased Traffic

Derrick Goh asked about plans to enhance road capacity near Yishun Dam to handle increased traffic from the new Yishun Spring BTO estate.
S Iswaran responded that LTA will widen the junction at Yishun Avenue 1 and Avenue 8, converting two-lane west-bound roads to four lanes at the junction.
The construction tender will be awarded soon, with works set to begin in mid-2023, and LTA will monitor traffic to assess if further improvements are needed.

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7 Nov 2022

Study on Staggered School Commencement Times to Ease Congestion Around Schools

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport whether a study has been conducted on staggering school start times to ease congestion during morning rush hours.
S Iswaran responded that the impact of school start times on traffic depends on location and specific schools, and that LTA works with MOE and schools on a case-by-case basis to manage traffic effects.

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7 Nov 2022

Construction of Pick-up and Drop-off Point Near Bukit Batok MRT Station

Murali Pillai proposed a sheltered pick-up and drop-off point near Bukit Batok MRT to improve commuter access.
The Minister for Transport confirmed the plan is part of the Commuter Infrastructure Enhancement Programme.
Construction of the new sheltered point and walkway is scheduled to begin next year.

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7 Nov 2022

Accelerating Production of EZ-Link x Touch 'n Go Cards Ahead of Year-end School Holidays

Member Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about accelerating production of the EZ-Link x Touch 'n Go cards due to high demand before the year-end school holidays.
Minister S Iswaran responded that the card production is a commercial decision between the two companies.
He explained that Touch 'n Go is facing a card shortage because of disruptions in its semiconductor chip supply chain.
EZ-Link is working to get more cards and will inform the public when they are available again.
In the meantime, Singaporean motorists can check Touch 'n Go’s website for details on buying standard Touch 'n Go cards.

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7 Nov 2022

Breakdown of Traffic Accidents Reported in Sengkang Town in Last Five Years

Ms He Ting Ru requested data on the number of road traffic accidents in Sengkang Town for the last five years, including a breakdown by accident type and cases involving cyclists.
The Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, provided tables showing the reported accidents from 2017 to 2021 in Sengkang GRC, fulfilling the request for a detailed breakdown.
The response included specific figures for each year, covering overall accident counts and the sub-categories mentioned in the query.

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7 Nov 2022

Utilisation of $100 Million Rail Manpower Development Package

The Rail Manpower Development Package has seen good utilisation, with over 2,900 rail workers trained in emerging technologies like data analytics and condition-based monitoring since October 2021, and is on track to exceed the target of training 3,000 workers by end-2024.
The package has supported 20 Polytechnic and Undergraduate Scholarships and 53 In-Service Sponsorships to build Singapore’s rail engineering talent pipeline, and a branding campaign has attracted more than 390 students for industrial attachments.
LTA will co-invest in training hardware such as virtual reality equipment and simulators, with the first grant awarded in November 2022 to enhance training efficiency and effectiveness.

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7 Nov 2022

Parking of Vehicles within Own Private Residential Property instead of Along Public Roads

Seah Kian Peng proposed making it mandatory for private residential property owners to park cars within their own property if space permits, rather than along public roads.
The Ministry for Transport encourages residents to park within their compounds but permits roadside parking where space and safety allow for flexibility, such as accommodating visitors.
LTA will take action, including prohibiting roadside parking with measures like double yellow lines, if parking causes obstruction or persistent complaints.

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7 Nov 2022

Rewarding Informants Reporting Illegal Parking of Vehicles and Bicycles

Don Wee proposed rewarding informants with a share of fines for reporting illegal parking of vehicles and bicycles, especially those blocking building entrances or on pavements.
S Iswaran responded that public feedback is already effectively handled through LTA’s hotline and OneService app, with investigations and enforcement actions taken.
He stated the current system is working well, so LTA has no plans to introduce monetary incentives, and enforcement is regularly conducted at hotspots.

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7 Nov 2022

Extending Public Transport Services in Jurong Island

Abdul Samad asked whether LTA will extend public transport services within Jurong Island, when it might happen, and if not, why not.
S Iswaran explained that JTC already manages peak-period bus services and an on-demand service, supplemented by private shuttles, with connections from Westgate, Jurong East, and Lakeside MRT.
He noted that the Jurong Region Line (JRL) will be completed from 2027 to 2029, providing MRT access near Jurong Island Checkpoint for onward bus transfers.
LTA will continue monitoring demand with JTC to assess connectivity enhancements while ensuring prudent and sustainable use of resources.

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7 Nov 2022

Type and Fleet Size of Car-sharing Operators in Last Five Years

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked for the current fleet size of car-sharing operators and a year-by-year breakdown of electric versus internal combustion engine vehicles over the last five years.
S Iswaran responded that the top car-sharing companies currently have about 4,600 shared cars, with 800 being electric vehicles.
The government does not have historical data on the mix of electric and internal combustion engine vehicles because operators are not required to report such information, but operators have expressed interest in further electrifying their fleets.
Car-sharing is seen as providing more commuting choices, and the government will monitor industry developments and review ways to collaborate with operators to expand transport options.

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7 Nov 2022

Reasons for Public Transport Fare Hikes and Help for Lower-Income Singaporeans

Mohd Fahmi Aliman asked about the number of public transport fare hikes in the past two years, the underlying reasons for these increases, and whether additional long-term measures would be implemented to help lower-income Singaporeans beyond one-off vouchers.
S Iswaran acknowledged the question and indicated he would provide a detailed reply at the 8 November 2022 Parliament sitting, referencing an official report on the 2022 fare review exercise.
The debate focused on the impact of fare adjustments on lower-income households and the need for sustained support measures to alleviate financial burdens.

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7 Nov 2022

Handicap-accessible Lots at HDB and URA-managed Car Parks

Seah Kian Peng asked about increasing handicap-accessible car park lots at HDB and URA car parks and the timeline for the next review of the Code on Accessibility.
The Minister of State confirmed that over 6,800 accessible lots exist and new developments must follow the Code, with the next review starting in 2023.
Seah noted resident difficulties in finding accessible lots and urged a future-focused approach in the upcoming review to address ageing trends proactively.
The Minister acknowledged the feedback and assured consideration in the review process.

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20 Oct 2022

Subsidies for Dedicated Transport Service Providers to Purchase Special Needs Vehicles

Dr Shahira Abdullah queried if purchases of special needs vehicles have increased and if subsidies exist for providers to buy them.
The number of new registrations of wheelchair-accessible vehicles has stayed stable at about 70 per year over the past five years, with around 1,000 such vehicles registered as of September 2022.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development administers a COE Grant Scheme to subsidize COE and Additional Registration Fee costs for commercial vehicles used to transport seniors and Persons with Disabilities who cannot use public transport unassisted.

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