Transport — Topics

5 Apr 2022

Update on Call-for-Collaboration for Pilot Deployment of Autonomous Buses and Shuttles in Singapore

Melvin Yong Yik Chye sought an update on the Call-for-Collaboration for the pilot deployment of autonomous buses and shuttles that closed in July 2019 and asked when the pilots would begin in Punggol, Tengah, and the Jurong Innovation District.
S Iswaran responded that LTA and EDB are negotiating with shortlisted consortia after their submissions for the autonomous vehicle pilot.
The successful consortia will need time to develop technology and prepare for deployment, with safety and community engagement being key priorities before finalising the pilot.

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5 Apr 2022

Strengthening Floorboards of Commercial Lorries for Installation of Seat Belts

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry for Transport whether it has studied strengthening the floorboards of commercial lorries for seat belt installation, similar to school buses, and if so, to share the findings or conduct a study if not already done.
The Ministry responded that LTA consulted industry and academia, and original equipment manufacturers warned that retrofitting seats, seat belts, and floorboard reinforcements could compromise structural integrity, alter vehicle dynamics, and create new safety risks.
OEMs also noted liability issues, as they cannot support or vouch for the safety of lorries retrofitted with seat belts, consistent with a 2008 tripartite review that highlighted potential safety risks from such modifications.

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5 Apr 2022

Managing Increases in Rental and Transport Costs for Private-hire Drivers Given Higher COE Premiums

Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Transport about government actions to manage rising rental and transport costs for private-hire drivers due to high COE premiums, when intervention is warranted, planned measures, and a possible COE system review to reduce speculative bidding.
S Iswaran responded that rental costs for private-hire cars have not increased despite higher COE premiums because ownership costs for existing vehicles remain unchanged, and the government does not regulate fares or rentals, allowing market forces to determine prices.
The COE system is market-based with measures to discourage speculation, such as non-transferable COEs for certain categories and a $10,000 deposit that is forfeited if the temporary COE is not used for vehicle registration within the validity period.
LTA has no plans to review COE rules and will continue monitoring the situation, with no specific interventions currently planned as market mechanisms are expected to efficiently match supply and demand for private-hire services.

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5 Apr 2022

Shortening Time Taken for Primary 1 Students to Receive Student Concession Card

Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Education to shorten the time taken for Primary 1 students to receive their student concession cards, especially for lower-income families to ease financial burdens.
The Ministry replied that all Primary 1 students receive their cards by 31 March after photo-taking in January and February, printed and issued by TransitLink.
Before receiving the card, students can use a child concession card for free travel until age seven, available immediately at TransitLink offices, and MOE financial assistance remains accessible without the student card.

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5 Apr 2022

Measures to Ensure Safety of Young Children and Elderly Persons in HDB Neighbourhoods with Heavy Vehicles Plying Roads

The Ministry explained that heavy vehicles generally avoid residential roads but may need to enter HDB areas for services like school buses, refuse collection, and deliveries, or for construction site access.
For construction-related heavy vehicle movements, LTA coordinates with agencies to plan routes, impose speed limits, and deploy traffic marshals when road space is shared.
To enhance safety, LTA has implemented School Zones and Silver Zones with reduced speed limits, speed humps, and traffic calming measures in areas frequented by children and the elderly.

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4 Apr 2022

Deployment of Noise Measuring Instruments at Speeding Locations Given New Vehicle Noise Standards from 2023

The government currently has no plans to deploy noise measuring instruments along roads to enforce vehicle noise standards, as attributing noise to a specific vehicle is challenging due to traffic interference.
Compliance with noise standards is assessed during mandatory vehicle inspections, and joint enforcement operations by NEA, Traffic Police, and LTA continue to address violations.
NEA monitors new technologies that could improve enforcement against vehicles violating noise standards, but current methods focus on inspection and joint operations rather than road-side noise monitoring.

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4 Apr 2022

Number of Errant Power-assisted Bicycle and E-scooter Riders Fined in 2021 and Effectiveness of Mandatory Theory Test

In 2021, over 5,000 notices were issued to errant riders for offences like speeding and reckless riding, averaging about 420 per month.
Since the mandatory theory test was enforced in January 2022, notices dropped to an average of 350 in January and February, but the impact is not yet conclusive due to pandemic-related enforcement constraints.
As of March 2022, over 31,000 riders have passed the theory test, representing a significant portion of the 40,000 registered devices, while about 120 notices were issued for riding without certification.
Authorities are using education, discounted test fees, awareness campaigns, and joint enforcement operations with technology like CCTV to ensure compliance.
The ministry emphasizes that enforcement alone is insufficient and urges shared responsibility for safe riding on roads and paths.

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4 Apr 2022

Enhancing Safety of Passengers on Rear Decks of Lorries Sold and Monies Paid Out by Automotive Insurers for Accident Claims over Past Five Years

Popular lorry models sold in Singapore over the past five years include the Toyota Dyna, Nissan Cabstar, and Mitsubishi Canter, and the Land Transport Authority has engaged manufacturers on enhancing passenger safety by strengthening lorry floors for seat belt installation.
The Ministry does not have data on insurance payouts for lorry accident claims, but past industry and academic consultations indicated that retrofitting seat belts could compromise structural integrity, alter vehicle dynamics, and introduce new safety risks.
Given these concerns, it is unclear whether making seat belts mandatory on rear decks would reduce insurance claims or premiums, as liability issues and potential new hazards were highlighted by manufacturers and previous reviews.

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4 Apr 2022

Target Number of Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles under Land Transport Master Plan 2040 and Support Measures to Alleviate Impact of Rising Oil Prices on Drivers, Cabbies and Delivery Riders

The Minister clarified that the Land Transport Master Plan 2040 does not set targets for the number of taxi and private hire vehicles, as these are determined by market forces and platform pricing.
Fuel costs have risen by 15% since the start of 2022, increasing overall business costs for drivers by about 3%, with rental being the largest cost component.
Taxi and private hire operators have introduced measures like fare adjustments, rental rebates, and commission incentives to help drivers cope with rising fuel prices.
The government will continue monitoring the situation and collaborate with driver associations to support affected workers.
No specific support packages from the government were announced, but operators are taking proactive steps to alleviate the impact.

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4 Apr 2022

Outcomes of Speed Camera Installation to Improve Enforcement Rate against Speeding Offences in Last Two Years

In 2020 and 2021, speed cameras detected about 67,600 and 63,600 speeding violations respectively, a decline from 96,400 in 2019 attributed to reduced traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speed cameras are deployed at speeding- and accident-prone locations with suitable terrain, complemented by regular enforcement and collaboration between Traffic Police and LTA for road modifications like speed calming measures.
The Ministry has no current plans to expand the criteria for speed camera deployment, considering the existing approach adequate.

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4 Apr 2022

Utilisation of Temporary Certificates of Entitlement (TCOEs) for Motorcycles Secured

The utilisation rate for motorcycle temporary Certificates of Entitlement (TCOEs) secured between May 2021 and September 2021 was over 99%, indicating strong demand.
Among the utilised TCOEs, about 70% were for motorcycles with engines of 200cc or below, 20% for 201cc to 400cc, and 10% for above 400cc.
To address high COE prices, the Land Transport Authority raised the bid deposit for Category D COEs to $800 and shortened the validity of TCOEs to three months, effective March 2022.
These measures aim to encourage prudent bidding and return unutilised COEs to the pool faster, with LTA continuing to monitor the market closely.

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4 Apr 2022

Tailgating Incidents Prosecuted in Past Three Years

Raj Joshua Thomas asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the number of tailgating incidents prosecuted in the past three years and any measures to deter such incidents on roads.
The Minister, K Shanmugam, explained that tailgating is not an offence by itself, so Traffic Police does not track it; however, motorists may be charged with Driving Without Due Care or Reasonable Consideration if accidents occur, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both.
Public education and campaigns like Use Your RoadSense are conducted to promote safe driving, alongside enforcement actions against irresponsible or dangerous driving behavior.

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4 Apr 2022

Projected Average Ratio of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about the projected ratio of EV charging points to resident cars in HDB carparks over the next three years, plans to increase this ratio, and the availability of daytime quick charging options.
The Ministry of Transport plans to have at least three charging points in each HDB carpark by 2025, with up to 12,000 additional points nationwide, targeting 60,000 points by 2030 to achieve a 5:1 EV-to-charging-point ratio.
The government is also promoting EV charging in non-landed residences via the EV Common Charger Grant and notes that fast-charging points are being deployed for high-mileage vehicles, with around 420 currently available islandwide.

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4 Apr 2022

Status of Renewal and Enhancement Work Scheduled for North East Line

The renewal and enhancement work for the North East Line, announced in December 2018, began in 2019 and includes refurbishing 25 first-generation trains and upgrading track, power, signalling, and platform screen door systems.
Upgrades for track, power, signalling, and platform screen doors have been completed, with the first refurbished train entering service in February 2022.
The overall train refurbishment programme has been delayed due to COVID-19-related manpower restrictions, though efforts are ongoing to minimise further delays.

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4 Apr 2022

Impact of Border Reopening on Private Drivers and Motorcycle Riders Making Trips between Singapore and Malaysia

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked if private drivers and motorcycle riders from Singapore can enter Malaysia and return after its border reopening on 1 April 2022, or if the Vaccinated Travel Lane (Land) scheme can be expanded for such private commuters.
S Iswaran confirmed that Singapore and Malaysia reopened land borders for fully vaccinated travellers from 31 March 2022, allowing them to cross the Causeway and Second Link via private vehicles like cars and motorcycles without testing or quarantine.
The government announced that fully vaccinated travellers and non-vaccinated children aged 12 and below can enter Singapore without border health measures, with details issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Designated vaccinated travel bus services and other transport modes are being progressively restored alongside private vehicle travel.

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4 Apr 2022

Effect of Recent Energy and Fuel Price Hikes on Public Transport Costs and Measures to Prevent Flow-through Cost Increases to Commuters

The recent rise in energy and fuel prices has increased operating costs for public transport operators (PTOs) in Singapore.
PTOs manage energy cost risks through various strategies and can draw on the Fuel Equalisation Fund, subject to Public Transport Council approval, to mitigate volatility.
Public transport fares are determined by an annual Fare Review Exercise, where the PTC considers energy prices, operator finances, and economic conditions before making decisions.
Commuters needing additional assistance can apply for Public Transport Vouchers to help defray transport expenses.
The government is taking steps to monitor and manage the flow-through of cost increases to commuters through the existing fare regulatory framework and support measures.

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4 Apr 2022

Public Transport Vouchers to Encourage More to Switch to Public Transport Given Spike in Oil Prices

The Minister for Transport, S Iswaran, noted that public transport remains affordable, making up only 2% to 3% of household expenditure for lower-income groups over the past five years, supported by over $2 billion in annual government subsidies and additional discounts for students, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
Targeted support is provided through Public Transport Vouchers (PTVs), with 600,000 vouchers worth $30 each available in the 2021 exercise, and about 300,000 households have already received them, with a second round from April 2022 for low-income households.
Households in need can obtain PTVs from community centres or clubs until 31 October 2022, ensuring assistance is accessible to those who require it.

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10 Mar 2022

Space Allocation Criteria for Heavy Vehicle Parking Lots for Each Town

The Ministry stated that Singapore has sufficient heavy vehicle parking lots islandwide, but plans to reduce public lots in residential areas due to land competition and residents' noise and safety concerns, while working with other agencies to maintain accessibility.
The review process involves multiple ministries and agencies, and considers feedback from industry stakeholders like operators and businesses, but does not explicitly include the Ministry of Manpower or detailed employer engagement in the debate.
The Minister highlighted that heavy vehicle drivers' commuting costs and sector-specific needs are discussed with employers and stakeholders, and invited follow-up questions for specific issues.

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10 Mar 2022

Number of Lifts Installed at Pedestrian Overhead Bridges

As of end 2021, 77 pedestrian overhead bridges (POBs) have lifts, with 26 installed in 2021 and 4 in 2020, following Phase 2 (41 POBs in 2018) and Phase 3 (started 2020, targeting 60 POBs, with 30 more to be installed over the next three years).
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that installation costs have decreased to $2–3 million per pair of lifts (down from $4 million in 2018) but maintenance has risen to about $45,000 annually due to labour and other costs.
In response to a supplementary question, the Ministry stated it has explored alternative technologies but prioritizes cost-efficiency and high usage, with ongoing efforts to find more economical solutions while focusing on areas benefiting many commuters.

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9 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Several MPs raised concerns about the high cost of motorcycle COEs, particularly for low-income earners who rely on them for livelihood, suggesting measures such as a separate category for delivery motorcycles with a growth rate, tiered COE pricing by engine capacity, or increasing the supply of motorcycle COEs; the Minister responded that demand is strong and any subdivision could increase volatility, but LTA is reviewing the situation.
MPs also discussed active mobility and cycling safety, calling for more cycling networks, clearer guidelines, and better enforcement, while the Ministry highlighted ongoing efforts to expand cycling paths, improve safety rules, and launch initiatives like the Active Mobility Advisory Panel.
The debate covered public transport affordability and sustainability, with proposals for fare concessions for seniors and persons with disabilities, and the Minister explained the fiscal challenges and existing subsidies, while Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat addressed concerns about bus service optimizations.

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