Transport — Topics

14 Feb 2022

Incentivising Bus Operators to Offer Cheaper and More Flexible Options to Encourage Students to Take School Buses

Seah Kian Peng urged the Ministry of Education to incentivise bus operators to provide cheaper and more flexible options for students using school buses.
Chan Chun Sing explained that the government already supports affordable school bus fares through measures like exempting buses from Certificate of Entitlement and offering road tax rebates.
MOE provides transport subsidies, covering 60% of school bus fares for lower-income primary school students to ease financial burdens.
The government encourages school bus or public transport use to promote student independence, environmental sustainability, and reduced traffic congestion.
No new incentives were announced, as existing measures already aim to keep school bus costs low and accessible.

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14 Feb 2022

Business Costs for Point-to-point Sector for Passenger Transport in Past Two Years

Costs for point-to-point drivers have increased by about 6% since January 2020, mainly due to higher fuel prices and increased operating expenses as ridership recovers.
The largest cost components include vehicle rental, platform commissions, and fuel, with global fuel price fluctuations being a significant driver of recent increases.
The government has provided support through schemes like SIRS and CDRF, and ridership has recovered to nearly 80% of pre-COVID levels, helping to bolster drivers’ incomes.
Taxi operators have offered rental relief, and the government is monitoring the sector to ensure drivers cope with ongoing challenges.

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14 Feb 2022

Reasons for Recent Record High Premiums of Motorcycle COEs and Measures to Help Those Impacted and Dependent on Motorcycles for Livelihoods

The record high motorcycle COE premiums are driven by strong demand, with the supply of COEs for each bidding exercise largely determined by the number of motorcycles deregistered in the preceding period.
The Government notes that nearly all temporary COEs issued for motorcycles are used to register vehicles, indicating genuine demand and no significant evidence of excessive bidding by dealers or leasing firms.
Motorcycle riders have lower Additional Registration Fees, road taxes, and ERP charges compared to other vehicles, and the Government is monitoring the situation to consider appropriate measures if needed.

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14 Feb 2022

Training of Bus Captains in Inclusive Service Delivery to Assist Commuters with Special Needs

All public transport operators train bus captains to assist commuters with special needs, with over 6,300 BCs completing the Enhanced Vocational Licence Training Programme since 2016.
Training materials and programs are regularly updated based on feedback from commuters, caregivers, and social service agencies, with initiatives like the Caring SG Commuters Committee gathering input and promoting inclusive commuting culture.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary noted that while assistance for wheelchair users is clear, helping those with strollers may be less evident, encouraging commuters to seek help and provide feedback to improve training, while also promoting a community approach through programs like the Caring Commuter Champion initiative.

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12 Jan 2022

Transport Assistance Measures Available for Patients with Mobility Needs Requiring Multiple Medical Appointments

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Ministry of Health about transport costs for patients with mobility needs who have multiple medical appointments and available assistance measures.
The Ministry of Health does not track such costs as they vary based on transport type, appointment frequency, and proximity to home.
Seniors unable to travel independently can use the Medical Escort and Transport service for appointments at hospitals, specialist outpatient clinics, and polyclinics.
Eligible seniors can receive up to 80% subsidy through the MET service by contacting the Agency for Integrated Care hotline or visiting an AIC Link.

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12 Jan 2022

Revisions to Design and Technology for On-Board Units for Next-Generation Electronic Road Pricing System and Measures to Ensure Compatibility with Latest Technology and Consumer Preferences

The Ministry highlighted that the On-Board Unit design balances accurate charging, security, interoperability with existing systems and global navigation satellite technology, and that surveys were conducted to understand motorists’ preferences for installation and display.
The Ministry is exploring the option of using smartphones as display screens for the On-Board Unit and will engage industry partners to implement this.
The next-generation Electronic Road Pricing system is built on open standards and a modular design to allow future updates, and it uses global navigation satellite technology to ensure long-term compatibility with evolving technology and consumer preferences.

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12 Jan 2022

Additional Costs Incurred for Mount Pleasant and Marina South MRT Stations to be Opened in Stage Three

Melvin Yong asked the Ministry for Transport about the additional costs, figures, and timeline for opening Mount Pleasant and Marina South MRT stations in Stage 3 of the Thomson-East Coast Line.
S Iswaran responded that opening the stations now would cost about $1 million more annually due to low utilization, and delaying their opening would save that amount.
The stations will be opened only when housing developments in the areas are completed, with LTA monitoring development progress and updating the public on future opening dates.

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12 Jan 2022

Targets for Installation of Electric Vehicles Charging Points in HDB Carparks and Towns

The debate focused on the installation targets for EV charging points in HDB carparks and towns, with specific reference to Sengkang.
As of December 2021, Sengkang had 28 publicly accessible EV charging points, which were set to increase to 45 later in 2022 under a joint pilot tender.
The government plans to progressively deploy more EV charging points in all HDB carparks, considering EV adoption rates and electrical infrastructure needs.

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12 Jan 2022

Liability of Owners of Ill-maintained Vehicles That Are Involved in Injury-causing Accidents

Murali Pillai asked for an update on a potential review to make owners of ill-maintained vehicles criminally liable for accidents caused by mechanical failures.
K Shanmugam stated that current law already allows for criminal liability if a vehicle owner's negligence in maintenance is the proximate cause of an accident.
The Ministry of Home Affairs views the current legal threshold as fair, emphasizing that liability requires proof of negligence directly causing the accident.
Most road accidents are due to behavioral factors, not poor vehicle maintenance, supported by a robust regulatory system with mandatory vehicle inspections by the Land Transport Authority.

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12 Jan 2022

Update on Cycling Networks in HDB Towns

The Government is committed to building around 1,300 km of cycling paths by 2030 to support active mobility in all HDB towns.
About 500 km of cycling paths are now available and will be extended to 800 km within the next few years, despite delays caused by COVID-19.
Cycling path works are ongoing in several towns, including Bukit Panjang and Woodlands, with completion expected in the coming years.
The LTA has called tenders for design studies for cycling paths in Nanyang and Gek Poh estates, with construction timelines to be updated when available.

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11 Jan 2022

Promote Use of Front and Rear Lights on All Bicycles to Enhance Visibility and Safety

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport whether the Land Transport Authority (LTA) promoted the use of front and rear lights on bicycles during recent enforcement and public outreach efforts to enhance safety.
Minister S Iswaran confirmed that all bicycles, including power-assisted ones, must have visible white front lights and red rear lights or reflectors when ridden between 7 pm and 7 am on public paths and roads.
The LTA includes light usage in public education campaigns, such as the graciousness campaign and the revamped “Confidence on Wheels” programme, to promote safe riding practices.
During joint enforcement operations with the Traffic Police, the LTA distributes educational materials to raise awareness of lighting rules and improve overall safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.

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11 Jan 2022

Non-compliant Personal Mobility Devices Detected Every Month and Efforts to Ensure Compliance with Device Requirements

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport about the average monthly number of reported non-compliant battery installations in PMDs over the past year and the Ministry's efforts to ensure approved vendors do not sell non-compliant batteries.
S Iswaran replied that since July 2020, motorised PMDs must comply with UL2272 standards, with an average of 46 monthly detections of non-compliant devices in 2021, down from initial levels, and noted that replacing batteries with different models is illegal and subject to penalties.
LTA requires new e-scooters to undergo inspection before registration and every two years, and all imported motorised PMDs must have valid approval since 2021, with PMD fires decreasing annually since 2019.
LTA and SCDF conduct regular public education to discourage device modification and promote using original components, alongside enforcement and review of penalties.

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11 Jan 2022

Data on Road Traffic Offences Made Against Foreign-registered Vehicles in Singapore in Past Four Years

From December 2017 to November 2021, Traffic Police detected 112,331 traffic violations by foreign-registered vehicles, with 107,071 compounded and the rest issued court summonses.
Of the composition fines issued, 76% (81,838) remain unpaid due to jurisdictional challenges in enforcing fines on foreign vehicles.
To ensure compliance, foreign-registered vehicles with a threshold of outstanding vehicular-related fines are denied entry into Singapore until payments are made.

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11 Jan 2022

Efforts to Raise Awareness of Outrage of Modesty Cases on Public Transport and Self-protection

The Ministry of Home Affairs works with public transport operators and the National Crime Prevention Council to educate commuters on recognizing and responding to outrage of modesty (OM) cases through posters, videos, and digital advisories.
The Riders-on-Watch scheme, now part of the Community Watch Scheme, encourages commuters to act as "eyes and ears" for police by reporting suspicious activities and receiving regular crime advisories.
Police enforce a tough stance on OM cases and urge victims to report incidents promptly to aid in the identification and arrest of perpetrators.

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11 Jan 2022

Proposal for Cross Island MRT Line to be Extended from Punggol West to Yio Chu Kang Road and Jalan Kayu

Gan Thiam Poh proposed extending the Cross Island Line Punggol extension to Yio Chu Kang Road and Jalan Kayu to better serve residents.
The Ministry of Transport stated there are no plans to extend the line further, citing projected travel demand and existing connectivity via LRT and bus services.
The Ministry highlighted that upcoming Cross Island Line phases and new stations will provide additional links for residents in those areas.

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11 Jan 2022

Enforcement against Foreign-registered Vehicles with Idling Engines

Murali Pillai questioned why NEA only enforces against foreign-registered vehicle drivers for idling engines when officers personally issue infringement notices and how NEA can act on third-party reports.
Grace Fu explained that NEA cannot trace foreign vehicle owners, unlike local ones, so enforcement requires officers to be present to identify drivers.
NEA steps up checks and patrols in areas with public reports on foreign vehicles, and takes action against drivers found contravening emissions regulations.

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11 Jan 2022

Help to Ensure Safety of Point-to-point Drivers who Ferry Passengers from Airports and Other Border Points Given Increased Vaccinated Travel Lanes

Ms Yeo Wan Ling asked what measures would protect point-to-point drivers picking up passengers from airports and border points amid the expansion of Vaccinated Travel Lanes.
Minister S Iswaran stated that advisories on measures like improved ventilation and passenger seating are already in place, and MOH considers these sufficient to minimize in-vehicle transmission risk.
The Minister noted no extra measures like full PPE are needed, as over 99% of active taxi and private hire car drivers are fully vaccinated.
Drivers are urged to follow advisories, get vaccinated if eligible, and take booster shots promptly.

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11 Jan 2022

MRT Stations with Barrier-free Commuter Route from Station Entrance to Train Platform

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked about the number of MRT stations with barrier-free routes served by one or two lifts, their operational lifespan, how many are nearing end-of-life, and contingency arrangements for breakdowns, especially at stations near hospitals.
Minister S Iswaran replied that all 148 MRT stations have at least one barrier-free route with a lift, while 17 stations have two lifts, with more planned for new stations.
Lifts have an indicative lifespan of 20 to 25 years, with actual lifespan depending on design, usage, and maintenance; engineers monitor and replace or renew lifts as needed.
In case of lift breakdowns, operators follow SOPs to inform commuters via signs and apps, provide staff assistance, use stair lifts where available, and advise alternative travel via adjacent stations and accessible buses or taxis.

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11 Jan 2022

Repurposing of Petrol Kiosks with Higher Adoption of Electric Cars

Seah Kian Peng questioned the Minister for National Development about whether existing petrol kiosks will be repurposed as electric car adoption rises.
The Government aims for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040 under the Singapore Green Plan and is expanding the EV charging network to meet future needs.
With increasing EV adoption, demand for petrol and diesel is expected to decline, prompting some petrol stations to already install EV chargers.
Land use planning will adapt to changing fuel retailing needs, and some petrol station sites may be rezoned and redeveloped for alternative uses upon lease expiry.

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11 Jan 2022

Discussions to Revive Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High Speed Rail Project

Dennis Tan inquired about updates on discussions to revive the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore High Speed Rail project.
The HSR project was terminated after Malaysia decided not to proceed, with the suspension period ending on 31 December 2020.
Singapore has stated it is open to discussing any new HSR proposal from Malaysia from a clean slate, but no new proposal has been received.

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