Transport — Topics

9 Mar 2022

Town Councils' Enforcement Actions against Unlawful Parking in Common Areas by Foreign-registered Vehicles

Town Councils are authorized under their own by-laws to enforce parking regulations in HDB common areas, with no legal distinction between foreign- and local-registered vehicles, and may issue offence notices, remove, or detain vehicles.
Enforcement challenges exist because Town Councils may lack direct access to foreign vehicle owner details from LTA, requiring assistance from HDB, LTA, or ICA to proceed with summons.
Some Town Councils address this by clamping vehicles and requiring payment of fines before release, as an alternative enforcement method within their by-law provisions.

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8 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Gan Thiam Poh questioned the impact of COVID-19 on the plan to expand the MRT network to 360 km by the early 2030s and asked for an update on feasibility studies for new lines, including one serving Buangkok, Yio Chu Kang, Fernvale, and Punggol.
Gerald Giam highlighted a decline in public transport satisfaction, citing service cuts in Bedok Reservoir Road that increased waiting times and reduced convenience, and urged LTA to consult the public, use smaller buses or adjust frequencies, and retain trunk services for the elderly and disabled.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim proposed free public transport for seniors and the disabled to boost employment, social engagement, and sustainability, estimating an annual cost of $0.3–0.4 billion and suggesting off-peak free rides as a compromise.
Melvin Yong asked for an update on the government's review of banning worker transport in lorry rear decks and on interim safety measures like speed limiters and seat belts, emphasizing worker safety.

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8 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Parliament debated the Ministry of Transport's budget, focusing on how Singapore can strengthen its transport hub status and adapt to post-pandemic changes, including a shift from "just-in-time" to "just-in-case" inventory strategies that require innovative land-scarce storage solutions.
Speakers highlighted the severe impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector, with questions on the recovery outlook, support for affected workers, and plans for Terminal 5, while noting the maritime sector's resilience and record container throughput.
Discussions emphasized digitalization and smart mobility, with calls for updates on the Smart Mobility 2030 plan, a centralized commuter information platform, and progress on autonomous vehicle trials and new technologies like air taxis.
Members addressed public transport workforce challenges, including attrition and the need for a reserve bus captain pool, and suggested ways to flatten peak-hour travel demand through work-from-home incentives and off-peak fare discounts.
The expansion of the cycling network and the need for dedicated paths were raised, alongside concerns about the sustainability of transport infrastructure projects like the Cross Island Line and Jurong Regional Line given changed travel patterns.

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7 Mar 2022

Plans to Improve Commuters' Satisfaction with Bus and MRT Services

The Ministry of Transport tracks multiple indicators and surveys to monitor public transport satisfaction, noting that while one survey showed a dip in satisfaction, others found steady satisfaction levels, with over 90% of respondents still satisfied overall.
Service adjustments during the Delta wave, such as reduced bus frequencies due to COVID-19 workforce impacts, were acknowledged as inconveniences but part of efforts to strengthen contingency plans and prioritize staff welfare, including rest and booster shots.
The Ministry is committed to maintaining world-class rail reliability, with the MRT system achieving over one million train kilometres between failures since 2019, and plans to expand the rail network from 245 km to 360 km by 2030 to improve connectivity and reduce commuting times.

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28 Feb 2022

Estimated Utilisation Rates of Unsheltered Bicycle Parking Racks at or Near Transport Facilities

Edward Chia asked about utilisation rates of unsheltered bicycle parking racks near transport facilities and whether shelters would be built to increase usage.
S Iswaran responded that the average utilisation rate for all bicycle parking lots at key transport nodes was around 60% last year.
For unsheltered lots specifically, the utilisation rate is around 55%, with around 27,000 lots provided free of charge at MRT, LRT stations, bus interchanges, and Integrated Transport Hubs.
The Ministry indicated that constructing shelters under existing covers and structures is more cost-effective where space allows, to support active mobility and first-mile, last-mile connectivity.

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28 Feb 2022

Enhance Public Safety on Buses in Light of Incident where Bus Driver was Assaulted by Intoxicated Passengers

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Transport to consider driver and passenger safety, the potential for enhancing public safety, and an update on protective barriers, following an incident where a bus driver was assaulted by intoxicated passengers.
The Minister responded that standard operating procedures exist for handling abuse, including de-escalation and involving police, and noted that the bus captain was advised to stop the bus and wait for authorities during the incident.
The Ministry highlighted that protective barriers were trialled but discontinued due to driver feedback about glare, and emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, with assailants charged and facing legal consequences.

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28 Feb 2022

Impact of Surge in COVID-19 Infections amongst Bus Drivers on Public Bus Transport

Ms. Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport about the impact of COVID-19 infections among bus drivers on public bus transport, specifically on waiting times and mitigating measures.
Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat explained that while infections have increased due to Omicron, infected drivers are under 5% of the total, and contingency plans like adjusting bus schedules and deploying double-deck buses are in place, with some services seeing waiting times increase by up to three minutes.
Chee Hong Tat also noted efforts to recruit new local bus drivers and re-engage recently retired drivers, while emphasizing the need for public cooperation with safe management measures to keep the system safe.

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18 Feb 2022

Incidents of Deliberate Laser Point Beam Strikes at Pedestrians and Motor Vehicle Users Reported in Past Five Years

Police received four reports of deliberate laser pointer strikes at pedestrians and motor vehicles between 2017 and 2021, with two cases involving the same perpetrator who was sentenced to two weeks’ imprisonment.
In two cases, the perpetrators were not identified, while the convicted individual was found guilty of a rash act endangering personal safety.
Offenders may face penalties under the Penal Code or Protection from Harassment Act, including fines up to S$5,000 or imprisonment up to six months.
Victims are advised to lodge a police report as recourse following such incidents.

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15 Feb 2022

Impact of Carbon Tax on Petrol and Diesel Pump Prices

Leon Perera asked about the impact of carbon tax on petrol and diesel pump prices and whether the Ministry studied the effects of increasing petrol duties on driving behavior.
The Government levies excise duties on fuels to encourage reduced usage, while carbon tax targets large industrial emitters, not direct fuel pump prices.
The Ministry has not conducted detailed studies on petrol duty impacts due to limitations in tracking individual driving behavior, but notes that higher duties aim to discourage petrol vehicle use for environmental reasons.

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15 Feb 2022

Cases of Road Rage and Aggressive Behaviour Involving Motor Vehicles in Past Three Years

The Minister for Home Affairs reported that the number of reported road rage and aggressive driving incidents involving motor vehicles decreased from 48 in 2019 to 36 in 2021, with corresponding drops in police enforcement actions.
The government believes current laws, including stiffer penalties introduced in 2019 and 2021 amendments allowing lifetime driving disqualification for road rage offences, are sufficient to deter such behaviour.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and make further adjustments to road safety measures if necessary.

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15 Feb 2022

Processing and Preservation of First-generation, decommissioned MRT Trains in Singapore

Dennis Tan asked how decommissioned MRT trains are processed and whether first-generation trains will be preserved for public heritage.
S Iswaran confirmed that 106 North-South East-West Line trains and 19 Bukit Panjang LRT trains are being decommissioned and have contributed to Singapore’s history.
The Land Transport Authority is in discussions with organizations interested in using some trains for education, training, and heritage purposes.
Interested parties can contact LTA for further details on preserving or repurposing the trains.

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15 Feb 2022

Cyclists Summoned for Riding at Excessive Speeds at Footpaths or Shared Paths in Past Two Years

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Transport about the number of cyclists summoned for excessive speeding on footpaths or shared paths in the past 24 months.
From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021, 84 notices were issued to cyclists for speeding on these paths, with numbers remaining stable despite increased cycling popularity.
The government continues to enforce speed limits of 10 km/h on footpaths and 25 km/h on shared paths, while promoting safety through education, outreach campaigns, and programmes like Confidence on Wheels.

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15 Feb 2022

Insurance Coverage Provided by Taxi or Private Hire Vehicle Services Firms

S Iswaran confirmed that taxi and private hire vehicle (PHC) fleet operators provide insurance covering third-party vehicle damage, as mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act.
The insurance coverage extends to claims arising from passenger actions that cause injury, death, or property damage to others on the road.
Drivers facing ruinous claims from passenger-caused damage can seek independent legal advice for civil recourse.
Both drivers and passengers were urged to share responsibility for road safety to prevent such incidents.
The debate addressed Dr Tan Wu Meng’s query on insurance requirements and driver recourse for passenger-related third-party damage.

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15 Feb 2022

Reasons and Preventive Measures for Continued Rise in Premiums for Motorcycle COEs

Melvin Yong questioned if speculative bidding by dealerships and leasing firms is driving the rise in motorcycle COE premiums and asked what measures exist to prevent such speculation and whether these measures are sufficient.
S Iswaran referred to his previous written reply dated 14 February 2022, which addressed the reasons for high motorcycle COE premiums and the measures to help those impacted, implying that the Ministry’s stance and existing measures were already documented there.
The exchange highlights parliamentary scrutiny of COE market dynamics but does not introduce new policy actions beyond referencing an earlier official response.

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15 Feb 2022

Types and Frequency of Enforcement Actions Taken against Errant Active Mobility Device Riders who Speed or Ride on Pathways

Active Mobility Enforcement Officers (AMEOs) are deployed daily, including at night, with joint operations with NParks and technology like mobile CCTVs to catch speeding or wrong-path riders, issuing offence forms and seizing non-compliant devices.
LTA ensures alternative crossings and signage for pathways affected by infrastructure works, deploys AMEOs for egregious offences, and urges collective responsibility for path safety.
Denise Phua requests more resources for enforcement and management on the North-South Corridor in the Central District, citing narrow paths and noise from works.
Baey Yam Keng acknowledges the challenges, notes periodic deployment of AMEOs in affected areas, and commits to working with contractors to minimize disturbance while managing resources.
Both speakers emphasize the need for public cooperation and responsible use of shared spaces to ensure safety during infrastructure projects.

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14 Feb 2022

Singaporeans with Ongoing Follow-up at Restructured Hospitals or National Specialty Centre Outpatient Clinics and Their Travelling Time for Such Appointments

In 2020, about 1.05 million Singapore citizens and permanent residents had ongoing follow-up appointments at restructured hospitals or national specialty centre outpatient clinics.
Over 90% of these patients had a travel time of less than one hour by public transport from their residence to the facility.
The Ministry of Health provided a table detailing the breakdown of travel times into four categories: under 30 minutes, 31–60 minutes, 61–90 minutes, and over 90 minutes.

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14 Feb 2022

Enforcement Checks on Qualification and Certification of Technicians Performing Maintenance and Repair Works in Vehicle Workshops

Joan Pereira asked how the Ministry of Transport ensures the qualification and certification of technicians in vehicle workshops and the frequency of enforcement checks on their credentials.
S Iswaran explained that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) focuses on inspecting vehicles at Authorised Inspection Centres (AICs) rather than regulating individual workshops, as this approach is more efficient and reduces compliance costs for businesses and consumers.
He noted that older vehicles, point-to-point passenger transport vehicles, and goods vehicles undergo more frequent inspections, and vehicles failing inspections cannot be used on the roads.
AICs are regulated by LTA, requiring inspectors to hold specific certifications, such as from the National Institute of Technical Education, with penalties for hiring unqualified personnel.
The LTA's inspection regime has proven effective in ensuring vehicle safety on Singapore's roads.

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14 Feb 2022

Plans for Installation of LED Rear Lamps on Vehicles, Similar to Case Now for LED Head Lamps

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider allowing LED rear lamps on vehicles, similar to the current allowance for LED head lamps.
The Minister for Transport responded that LED rear lamps are already permitted if they comply with international safety standards, are certified by the vehicle manufacturer, and are installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
These requirements are the same as those applied to LED head lamps.

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14 Feb 2022

Design Standards in Place to Ensure Future-ready Carparks Can Support Electric Vehicles and Plans for Insurance for Building Protection Against Explosions

Miss Cheryl Chan asked about design standards for carparks to support electric vehicles and insurance plans for building protection against explosions from EVs or charging systems.
The Ministry of Transport is studying measures to ensure new developments provide sufficient electrical capacity for EV charging and will announce details later.
EVs and charging equipment must comply with stringent safety standards, including UN regulations and Singapore’s Technical Reference 25, with regular reviews by LTA and agencies.
The Fire Code was updated in September 2021 to include specific fire safety requirements for EV charging stations.
LTA requires public EV charging operators to obtain and maintain public liability insurance to cover third-party losses or damages from charging infrastructure.

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14 Feb 2022

Rationale for Calibration of Vaccinated Travel Lane Quotas by Country and Setting Separate Sales Caps and Quotas for VTL (Land) and VTL (Air)

The government implements Vaccinated Travel Lane quotas as a safeguard to manage public health risks, with separate systems for air and land travel.
For VTL (Air), quotas are allocated to airlines based on their submitted plans and managed dynamically by CAAS to align with demand and overall limits.
For VTL (Land) with Malaysia, quotas are set independently from air travel and determined by the number of designated buses crossing daily.
Quotas are not currently calibrated by individual country, as the system focuses on overall capacity and demand management across designated routes.

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