Transport — Topics

13 Sep 2022

Enforcement Against Non-Compliance with Vehicle Exhaust Emission Standards

Murali Pillai asked about enforcement actions taken by NEA against vehicles failing exhaust emission standards over the past three years, the experience with surveillance cameras since 2017, and plans to expand their use.
Grace Fu reported that NEA took 7,400, 4,100, and 4,400 enforcement actions in 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively, with reductions due to COVID-19-related traffic decreases.
NEA uses enforcement officers and video evidence to detect smoky vehicles, but a 2017 trial of automatic smoke detection cameras was deemed inaccurate and unreliable for pinpointing individual vehicles.
NEA plans to continue trials of other cost-effective technologies to detect smoky vehicles and reduce air pollution.

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13 Sep 2022

Electronic Road Pricing Charges' Effect on Drivers' Decision on Route and Travel Mode

Leon Perera asked if there has been any study on how ERP charges influence drivers to choose alternative routes, switch to public transport, or avoid travel, and requested a breakdown of findings.
S Iswaran explained that ERP is a congestion management tool that uses price signals to encourage drivers to alter routes, modes, or travel times, noting that increased ERP rates typically reduce traffic volume and improve speeds.
The government does not track individual motorist routes but monitors overall traffic volume and speed to ensure smooth flow across the road network.

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13 Sep 2022

Ensuring Safety of Bus Stop Users from Cyclists

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about measures to prevent cyclists from entering bus stops and compromising the safety of bus stop users.
S Iswaran outlined infrastructural improvements like dedicated cycling paths, guiding lines, and safety markings to keep cyclists away from bus stops, alongside education and enforcement efforts.
He emphasized that the Active Mobility Code of Conduct requires cyclists to slow down in crowded areas, with public education and enforcement supporting compliance.
The Minister stressed that safety is a collective responsibility, urging all path users to stay alert and follow rules.
Further safety features will be rolled out at more bus stops to enhance protection for commuters.

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13 Sep 2022

Total and Average Sum in Electronic Road Pricing Charges Paid by Motorcyclists

Mr Leon Perera asked for the total and average Electronic Road Pricing charges paid by motorcyclists over the past three years.
The Minister for Transport, S Iswaran, reported total charges of about $6.1 million in 2019, $1.7 million in 2020, and $0.8 million in 2021.
The average annual sum paid by each motorcyclist was about $30 in 2019, $8 in 2020, and $4 in 2021.

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13 Sep 2022

Delay in Opening of Phase 3 of Thomson-East Coast MRT Line

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the reasons for the delay in opening Phase 3 of the Thomson-East Coast MRT Line to the end of the year compared to the original second-half schedule and whether recent faults influenced the decision.
S Iswaran clarified that Phase 3 remains on track for a second-half-of-the-year opening as announced, with extensive testing and rectification of identified issues to ensure system functionality.
LTA completed system tests and integration with existing lines within limited engineering hours, and the operator STEL has taken over TEL3 for trial runs and staff training to prepare for passenger service.

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13 Sep 2022

Effect of Increased Temperatures from Climate Change on Changi Airport Operations

Minister Tan Wu Meng asked if studies were done on the impact of rising temperatures from climate change on Changi Airport operations, following disruptions at London's Luton Airport.
CAAS and Changi Airport Group have implemented measures such as polymer additives in asphalt to prevent runway and taxiway defects under high temperatures.
Passenger terminals are designed with climate-controlled environments and cooling buffers to protect equipment and staff from heat.
Outdoor workers at Changi Airport are provided with shelters, cool zones, fluid distribution, and training to manage heat stress.

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13 Sep 2022

Effect of Elevated PM2.5 Levels on Rail Workers' Health

Mr Melvin Yong questioned if elevated PM2.5 levels in underground train stations pose an occupational health hazard to rail workers and what mitigation plans exist.
Minister S Iswaran stated that while some stations exceed the 24-hour PM2.5 exposure limit during peak hours, the health risk to workers is low due to limited time spent on platforms.
The Ministry is upgrading air-conditioning systems and installing more efficient filters to trap finer particles like PM2.5, with completions targeted by 2025.

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13 Sep 2022

Road Traffic Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failures in Past Five Years

Between 2017 and 2021, only two fatal accidents were caused by mechanical failure, with one fatality and one injury in total across both incidents.
In the first case, six vehicles and one bicycle were damaged, and no prosecution was taken as the failure was due to material fatigue.
In the second case, one vehicle was damaged, and the owning company was prosecuted and fined for permitting a defective vehicle.
Road traffic accidents are predominantly caused by behavioral factors, with mechanical failures being a minority issue.
Only vehicles involved in fatal accidents are mechanically inspected by the Traffic Police as part of the investigation process.

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13 Sep 2022

Impact on COE Prices Exerted by Car Rental Companies that Lease Out Private Hire Cars

Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned if car rental companies leasing to private hire vehicles (PHVs) have influenced COE bid prices, whether a study would be conducted, and if PHVs could be removed from COE bidding.
Senior Minister of State Dr Amy Khor responded that there is no evidence PHV companies have driven up COE prices, noting stable demand and population; she explained PHVs are treated as private cars due to their flexibility, and creating a separate COE category would be difficult to enforce and increase compliance costs.
Louis Chua followed up, highlighting the significant growth of PHVs compared to taxis (70,000 vs. 14,000) and suggesting PHVs should receive similar COE treatment as taxis, which were removed from bidding in 2012.
Dr Khor reiterated that PHVs' autonomy makes them akin to private cars, and separating them into a new COE category would lead to enforcement challenges, higher costs, and potential volatility in COE premiums.
The Ministry emphasized continuous monitoring of the point-to-point sector and COE market, with no evidence that PHVs have contributed to rising COE premiums.

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13 Sep 2022

Annual Public Transport Subsidy Amount and How This Compares with Other Government Subsidies and Support

The Government subsidizes public transport by over $2 billion annually, with costs rising due to network expansion and inflation, and aims to balance affordability for commuters with fiscal sustainability across generations.
The Public Transport Council will review the fare adjustment formula to account for changing commuting patterns, energy costs, and inflation, ensuring the formula remains relevant for the next three to five years.
Public Transport Vouchers are provided to support low-income households, with eligibility covering up to 40% of Singapore households, and these are considered part of broader household support measures like the GST Offset Package.

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12 Sep 2022

Need for Taxi Commuters to Wear Masks to Protect Older Taxi Drivers

Miss Rachel Ong asked if the Ministry of Transport would consider requiring taxi commuters to wear masks to protect older taxi drivers.
The Multi-Ministry Task Force has made mask-wearing non-mandatory except in indoor essential service settings, which include public transport but not point-to-point transport like taxis.
While not required, drivers and passengers may choose to wear masks, especially if elderly or immunocompromised, and drivers can adopt additional safety measures.
The government encourages personal and social responsibility in maintaining health and safety during taxi journeys.

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12 Sep 2022

Erection of Noise Barrier from Bukit Batok MRT Station to Tunnel in Direction of Bukit Gombak

Murali Pillai inquired about erecting a noise barrier from Bukit Batok MRT station towards Bukit Gombak to address increased noise from an "echo effect" caused by existing barriers.
S Iswaran explained that noise barriers are designed to absorb sound and should not create an echo effect in any direction.
Investigations by LTA and SMRT found a track defect causing abnormal noise; rectification works were completed on 23 August 2022, reducing noise levels below the NEA criterion of 67 decibels.
LTA and SMRT will continue monitoring noise levels in the area and promptly address any track defects.

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12 Sep 2022

Measures to Reduce COE Price Volatility and Encourage Switch to Electric Vehicles

Sitoh Yih Pin proposed a new COE category for point-to-point transportation to lower costs for workers, while Nadia Ahmad Samdin suggested a separate COE model to encourage electric vehicle adoption and asked if recent adjustments have reduced COE volatility and stabilized prices.
Melvin Yong Yik Chye recommended reviewing or removing the Category E COE due to its use for large cars, but Minister S Iswaran explained that creating additional COE categories would fragment the market, increase volatility, and that direct incentives like rebates are already in place for electric vehicles.
The government has introduced measures such as increased bid deposits and adjusted quota computations to reduce volatility, with ongoing monitoring of the Vehicle Quota System to address supply and demand pressures.

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12 Sep 2022

Enhancing Penalties for Drink Driving Offences

The penalties for drink driving offences were last reviewed and enhanced in July 2019, with the changes taking effect in November 2019.
Drink driving offences decreased from 2,051 in 2019 to 1,576 in 2020 and 1,470 in 2021, though accidents attributed to drink driving saw a slight increase in 2021.
The reduction in offences may be influenced by lower road traffic volumes during the pandemic, and a longer monitoring period is needed for a meaningful assessment.

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12 Sep 2022

Number of Traffic Offences, Licence Suspensions and Safety Retrainings amongst Private Hire Platform Drivers

Between 2017 and 2021, about 596,000 Class 3 and Class 3A license holders committed at least one traffic offence, representing roughly 29% of all such license holders in that period.
Traffic Police suspended 16,404 drivers for accumulating the full demerit points and reinstated 5,497 licences after the suspension periods ended.
From November 2017 to June 2022, 48,053 motorists attended the voluntary Safe Driving Course to improve their driving behavior and expunge demerit points.

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12 Sep 2022

Impact of Measures to Encourage Prudent Bidding of COEs for Motorcycles

Abdul Samad inquired whether measures introduced in March 2022 to encourage prudent bidding for motorcycle COEs have mitigated rising prices.
S Iswaran explained that COE prices are driven by market forces and noted strong demand for Category D COEs, with two changes implemented: raising the bid deposit from $200 to $800 and shortening the validity period of temporary COEs from six to three months.
Since the changes, Category D COE prices have been relatively stable, with the September bid about 1% lower than in March, indicating the measures may have helped moderate price increases.

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12 Sep 2022

Rezoning Land along Fernvale Close and Fernvale Link

Mr Gan Thiam Poh questioned the reasons for rezoning the land from Reserve to Residential and asked if it could instead be zoned for Educational Institutions, while also seeking plans to address traffic congestion and the demand for schools, greenery, and recreational facilities.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that the rezoning is to meet housing needs, following public consultation under the Planning Act, and that upcoming measures include new roads, expanded light rail capacity, and park provisions to alleviate traffic and community concerns.
The Minister emphasized the importance of balancing competing land uses in land-scarce Singapore and affirmed ongoing collaboration with agencies and stakeholders in planning for the site.

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12 Sep 2022

Review of Income Eligibility Criteria for Monthly School Bus Subsidies for Primary School Students

Murali Pillai asked whether the income eligibility criteria for school bus subsidies could be expanded to assist more low-income families, especially those whose children were balloted out during Primary 1 registration for nearby schools.
Chan Chun Sing stated that the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme already provides school bus subsidies to all eligible primary school students from lower-income families.
He announced that MOE will increase school bus subsidies for these students from 60% to 65% of fees starting January 2023.
Households needing further support beyond the MOE criteria are advised to seek school-based assistance.

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12 Sep 2022

Guidelines on Rest Hours for Public and Private Bus Drivers

Leon Perera questioned whether the Ministry of Transport sets guidelines for rest hours for both public and private bus drivers and suggested considering such guidelines due to safety concerns about fatigue.
S Iswaran stated that working hours, including rest and overtime for bus drivers, are already regulated by the Employment Act to protect worker well-being.
The Land Transport Authority collaborates with the National Transport Workers’ Union and public bus operators to enhance working conditions beyond legal requirements, ensuring adequate rest for public bus captains between duties and shifts.
The response focused on public bus operators and did not address the specific inquiry about guidelines for private bus drivers.
The debate highlights existing regulatory frameworks and partnerships but leaves open the question of whether formal, specific guidelines for rest hours are needed across all sectors.

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12 Sep 2022

Inclusion of Service Quality of Public Transport Operators in Fare Review Formula

Gerald Giam asked whether service quality would be included in the fare review formula, what metrics might be considered, and the reasons if not.
S Iswaran confirmed the PTC is reviewing the fare adjustment formula to balance service quality, affordability, and financial sustainability.
The review will consider parameters like cost, service quality, and productivity, with stakeholder consultation expected to conclude in early 2023.

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