Transport — Topics

5 Jul 2022

Average Passenger Load on Trunk and Feeder Bus Services during Peak Hours

The Ministry has data on average passenger loads for trunk and feeder bus services during the specified peak hour periods in 2022.
Feeder services saw an increase from 39% in January to 44% by mid-June, while trunk services rose from 43% to 50% over the same period.
Additional buses are added when there is sustained high passenger loading of more than 80% to 85% of capacity during the heaviest one-hour period.

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5 Jul 2022

Accidents Involving Food and Goods Delivery Platform Workers and Compensation and Support Provided

Since January 2021, there have been five fatal work-related traffic accidents involving food and goods delivery platform workers, with the Workplace Safety and Health Council reviewing work processes to enhance safety and the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers considering a financial protection framework for injured workers.
The government is exploring extending the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) to cover self-employed gig workers, acknowledging their employee-like vulnerability due to platform management controls, while addressing concerns about companies potentially reclassifying employees as gig workers to avoid benefits by examining the nature of the working relationship.
The Advisory Committee on Platform Workers is engaging with stakeholders to strengthen financial protection for injured platform workers and aims to release its report by the end of the year, though the process is complex due to the diverse nature of platform work.

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4 Jul 2022

Benefits of Smart Car Park System Developed by ST Engineering and NTU and Plans for More Such Barrier-free Access

Melvin Yong asked about the benefits of the Smart Car Park System by ST Engineering and NTU and plans for more barrier-free smart car parks.
Desmond Lee stated that car park operators can adopt technologies like HDB’s barrier-free Parking@HDB system, which uses cameras for vehicle detection and automatic payment via mobile app.
HDB is evaluating and finetuning the pilot at Punggol Northshore before scaling it up to other HDB car parks.

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4 Jul 2022

Enhancing Availability and Affordability of Seamless Wheelchair-accessible Travel Options and Expanding List of Eligible Destinations Beyond Hospitals

Yip Hon Weng asked the Ministry of Health to collaborate with private-hire platforms to improve the availability and affordability of wheelchair-accessible transport and to extend eligible destinations beyond hospitals.
The Government supports seniors and wheelchair users through subsidized services like the Medical Escort and Transport scheme and VWO transport subsidies for programs.
Private operators offer point-to-point services, but their availability and pricing depend on business decisions, and MOH will monitor options to ensure accessibility.

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4 Jul 2022

Transport Subsidy Applications to SGEnable and Success Rate between 2018 and 2021

Between 2018 and 2021, SG Enable received an average of 20 applications per year for the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, with over 13 successful and more than six rejected annually due to factors like ability to use public transport, misuse of subsidies, failing means tests, or receiving other transport support.
The Voluntary Welfare Organisation Transport Subsidy Scheme (renamed Enabling Transport Subsidy) benefits about 5,000 persons with disabilities annually, though the number of applications submitted to Social Service Agencies is not tracked.
Subsidies under the renamed Enabling Transport Subsidy were increased from 1 July 2022 to support over 3,000 additional persons with disabilities.

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4 Jul 2022

Setting up an Alliance for Action for JTC, LTA, URA, HDB and Major Logistics Companies to Look into Shortage of Heavy Vehicle Parking Lots

Don Wee proposed setting up an Alliance for Action involving multiple agencies and logistics companies to address the shortage of heavy vehicle parking lots by optimizing underutilized premises like JTC flatted factories near HDB estates.
Gan Kim Yong noted that as of December 2021, there are more heavy vehicle parking lots than registered vehicles, but locating parks near residential areas involves trade-offs with housing or community needs.
Government agencies are collaborating to ensure sufficient and accessible heavy vehicle lots and are engaging industry stakeholders to discuss the potential usefulness of an Alliance for Action.

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4 Jul 2022

Plans for Better Transportation Access for Seniors Living in Private Estates

Henry Kwek asked the Minister for Transport about plans to improve transportation access for seniors in private estates, suggesting mini-bus services or trial autonomous private hire vehicles.
Minister S Iswaran highlighted that the Land Transport Masterplan 2040 aims to make public transport inclusive, with expansions and enhancements like lifts at pedestrian bridges, while ensuring financial sustainability.
He noted that residents in private estates can access public bus services on main roads and that the Land Transport Authority is open to collaborating with private operators for smaller, navigable buses, subject to commercial viability.
Regarding autonomous vehicles, he stated they are in early stages and require assurance of safety and readiness before deployment.
The Minister emphasized balancing transport improvements with other national needs, such as healthcare for an ageing population.

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4 Jul 2022

Update on Completion and Commencement of Operations for Phase 3 of Thomson East Coast Line and Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit Link

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked for an update on the completion and start of operations for Phase 3 of the Thomson-East Coast Line and the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit Link.
The Thomson-East Coast Line Phase 3 is scheduled to open in the second half of 2022, adding 11 stations to improve connectivity and reduce travel times to the city center.
The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit Link is on track to commence service by the end of 2026, aiming to ease Causeway congestion and enhance cross-border travel efficiency.

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4 Jul 2022

Bus and Train Ridership Numbers Since Relaxation of Workplace and Safe Management Measures

Since the relaxation of workplace and safe management measures, public transport ridership has increased but remains below pre-COVID levels, with morning peak and whole-day averages at around 70% and 74% of January 2020 figures respectively.
The Land Transport Authority collaborates with Public Transport Operators to adjust service capacity in line with changing ridership patterns.
Authorities will continue to monitor ridership closely to ensure public transport capacity remains adequate.

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4 Jul 2022

Use of Seat Belts and Other Measures for Safety of Personnel Seated at Back of SAF Tonners

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Defence about the introduction of seat belts and other safety measures for personnel at the back of SAF tonners, and the reasons for these improvements.
Ng Eng Hen stated that since 2011, all SAF tonners have been equipped with safety lap belts for rear passengers.
Other measures introduced since 1985 include protective side boards, railings, canopies, and rear safety straps from 2000, along with seating capacity and speed limits.
SAF transport operators are trained to enforce safety and can halt vehicles if needed, with periodic reviews updating measures.
The SAF periodically reviews and updates safety measures in training and operations.

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9 May 2022

Percentage of Public and Feeder Bus Services Operating with Headways of No More than Five Minutes during Peak Hours and No More than 10 Minutes during Off-peak Hours

Gerald Giam asked about the percentage of public and feeder bus services that met specific headway targets during peak and off-peak hours.
S Iswaran stated that LTA requires basic bus services to have 15-minute or less headways during peak, with at least half at 10 minutes or less, and feeder services at eight minutes or less.
He confirmed that in the last six months, bus operators adhered to these standards.

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9 May 2022

Update on LTA's Milestone 2 and Milestone 3 Tests for Autonomous Vehicles

One autonomous vehicle has passed LTA's Milestone 2 test as of March 31, 2022, allowing trials in residential areas with a safety operator.
LTA is currently developing the Milestone 3 test, which would permit trials with or without a safety operator.
The requirements for Milestone 3 are being shaped in tandem with AV technology development to ensure roadworthiness and safety are not compromised.

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9 May 2022

Number of Sign-ups for Safe Driving Course under Driver Improvement Points System and Its Success in Improving Driving Behaviour

From 1 November 2017 to 28 February 2022, 41,278 motorists signed up for the revised Safe Driving Course under the Driver Improvement Points System.
The course is voluntary for drivers with demerit points but not yet liable for suspension; those whose licences are suspended are ineligible, and automatic reinstatement occurs after suspensions under 12 months while longer suspensions require retaking driving tests.
The course has shown success, with 78% of completed participants remaining offence-free for at least one year after completion.

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9 May 2022

Accidents Involving Barriers and Vehicles in HDB Car Parks

In the past three years, there were 121 barrier-related incidents reported across HDB’s more than 2,000 residential car parks.
The main reasons for these accidents were drivers of larger vehicles misjudging the turning radius and knocking into barriers, or drivers misjudging the speed of the barrier arm and attempting to drive out while it was still moving.
Humps installed before barriers are effective in reducing vehicle speed and have helped keep the number of barrier-related accidents low.
Motorists are also urged to drive safely, exercise care, and be patient in car parks to prevent such incidents.

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9 May 2022

Review of Number of Petroleum Retailing Sites Given Drive Towards E-vehicles

Seah Kian Peng asked if the Ministry of National Development will review or repurpose the number of petroleum retailing sites given the drive towards electric vehicles.
The Minister for National Development, Desmond Lee, stated the Singapore Green Plan's goal for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040 and the ongoing expansion of the EV charging network.
With the expected decrease in demand for petrol and diesel, the Government will adapt its land use planning and the role of petrol stations may change.
The Minister confirmed that where appropriate, some petrol stations could be repurposed for alternative uses, with the Government working with the industry to ease the transition.

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9 May 2022

Rules for Large Cycling Groups on Roads

Dennis Tan asked whether large cycling groups are allowed to ride in multiple smaller groups of five cyclists in single file or ten cyclists two abreast, following at a distance on the same route.
The Minister confirmed that cycling groups on roads must limit their size to a maximum of five cyclists in single file or ten cyclists two abreast on appropriate roads.
Larger groups must split into such smaller formations, with a recommended minimum safe distance of about two lamp posts or 30 metres between groups.
Cyclists who violate these group size rules face penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and a three-month jail term.

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9 May 2022

Certification by Original Equipment Manufacturers That It Is Safe to Transport People at Rear of Lorries

Louis Ng asked whether OEMs have certified the safety of transporting people at the rear of lorries, the conditions for such certification, and if not, whether the Ministry will address this.
LTA and agencies engaged lorry suppliers, noting that while ideal, lorries are necessary for businesses like construction, and measures like canopies and speed devices have been introduced to enhance safety.
The government emphasizes shared responsibility in road safety, urging employers to consider alternatives like buses and exploring further measures to protect workers' livelihoods and safety.

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9 May 2022

Plan to Switch Government-owned Vehicles Used for Essential Public Services to Electric Ones and Measures in Place in Event of Disruption to Power Grid

The public sector will switch to cleaner energy vehicles from 2023, with all new government cars to have zero tailpipe emissions and other new vehicles to use cleaner energy options like EVs or hybrids based on operational needs.
Singapore’s power grid is highly reliable, and the Energy Market Authority and SP PowerGrid have plans to quickly restore electricity after any outage.
Essential services have their own contingency plans, including using mobile power generators, to avoid disruptions during large-scale blackouts or power grid issues.

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9 May 2022

Deployment and Adequacy of Targets for Fast E-vehicle Charging Points in Public and Private Estates

Member Yip Hon Weng questioned whether current EV charging point targets are sufficient to encourage vehicle adoption, the impact of overnight slow charging competition, and the ability to increase fast charging deployment if demand rises.
Minister S Iswaran stated that LTA’s tender for 12,000 additional charging points by 2025, along with grants for private residences, supports the 2030 target of 60,000 points, with monitoring to adjust based on demand.
The government emphasized that slow charging reduces infrastructure costs and is being optimized for overnight use, while fast charging will complement the network for high-mileage users and urgent needs, with more fast chargers planned near towns and malls.

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5 Apr 2022

Proposal to Mandate Deployment of Traffic Wardens for Heavy Vehicles Operating in Estates with Narrow Lanes and Few Access Roads to Prevent Massive Jams

Leon Perera proposed mandating heavy vehicle operators in estates with narrow lanes and few access roads, like Serangoon Gardens, to deploy traffic wardens or banksmen and follow strict protocols to prevent jams.
S Iswaran stated that heavy vehicles typically use roads in industrial areas to avoid residential estates, and when access to residential roads is unavoidable, LTA already requires traffic marshals for road works under certain conditions.
The requirements apply when road works affect junctions or create shared right-of-way situations, such as on narrow bi-directional roads, and lane closures are restricted to off-peak hours to reduce congestion.

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