Transport — Topics

4 Oct 2021

Adjust Bus Service Reliability Framework Targets in Light of Bus Captains Affected by COVID-19 Infections and Related Quarantines

The Bus Service Reliability Framework was introduced in 2016 to incentivise timely bus arrivals and allows some flexibility for traffic conditions.
Recent COVID-19 infections and quarantines have reduced bus captain availability, leading to longer waiting times for some bus services.
The Land Transport Authority and bus operators are working together to manage operations and ensure rest periods for staff.
The situation has slightly improved as infection numbers decline but remains fluid.
The Land Transport Authority will exercise flexibility in assessing operator performance during this challenging period.

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4 Oct 2021

Data on Bus Routes and Passengers Affected by COVID-19 Clusters at Public Bus Interchanges and Availability of Scheme to Recruit and Retrain Private Bus Drivers who Ferry Tourists and Office Workers

Four express and city direct bus services were suspended, with alternative rail or bus options provided for affected commuters, while most services maintained waiting times without major impact.
COVID-19 clusters at bus interchanges tightened manpower, leading LTA and operators to adjust bus frequency from early September 2021 to ensure sufficient rest for bus captains.
Public transport operators are actively recruiting and training new bus captains, including former private bus and point-to-point drivers, through LTA and operator-led programs.

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4 Oct 2021

Proposal to Install Mandatory Red Amber Green Signals for Right Turns in Junctions near Schools

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim proposed installing mandatory Red Amber Green signals for right turns at junctions within 100 metres of schools and requested that LTA expedite such installations near schools from the planned 600 by 2024.
S Iswaran stated that LTA is prioritising Red Amber Green signals near schools, with over 60% of junctions within 100 metres already equipped, and is also expediting them at heavily used junctions like transport nodes.
He added that LTA’s School Zone scheme includes additional traffic calming measures such as lighted alert signs, pedestrian crossings, road humps, and road markings to promote safe driving near schools.

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4 Oct 2021

Review and Enhance Measures to Mentally Support Bus Drivers Due to Enhanced Control Measures

The Minister for Transport acknowledged the strain placed on bus drivers by enhanced COVID-19 safe management measures and affirmed that the well-being of public transport workers is a key priority for the government, operators, and unions.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Public Transport Operators (PTOs) are working with the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to provide mental well-being programs, including workshops, coaching, and training for over 4,000 workers and staff.
PTO supervisors regularly engage with drivers to listen to concerns, refer stressed workers to psychological support and counselling, and provide access to internal hotlines and public resources like Mindline.sg.
The government and operators will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with NTWU and PTOs to support bus drivers through the challenges of the pandemic.

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4 Oct 2021

Proposal for Tiering of COEs for Motorcycles of Different Engine Capacities

Abdul Samad proposed tiering motorcycle COEs by engine capacity, specifically for 200cc and below, to address affordability concerns.
S Iswaran explained that splitting the small motorcycle COE quota into tiers could create volatility in prices due to even smaller sub-categories.
The Minister acknowledged the concerns over high motorcycle COE prices and stated that the Land Transport Authority is monitoring the situation and will respond if necessary.

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4 Oct 2021

Utilisation Rates for Existing Electric Vehicle Charging Points and Update on Installation of Charging Points at Private Premises

Minister S Iswaran noted that with around 2,100 EVs and 2,100 charging points, current utilisation rates per charger are low, but are expected to rise as EV adoption increases.
There is strong interest from retail mall and condominium owners to install chargers, with over 50 management corporations inquiring about the EV Common Charger Grant since its July launch.
The government plans to require new developments to include sufficient electrical capacity and a minimum number of charging points in car parks, catering to all light vehicles including motorcycles.
Operators are studying whether cars and motorcycles can share the same charging point, depending on site-specific configurations and charging systems.

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4 Oct 2021

Possible Fare Adjustments from Review of Public Transport Fares for 2022

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Transport about the timeline for concluding the 2022 public transport fare review and the potential impact of revising the Network Capacity Factor (NCF).
S Iswaran explained that the Public Transport Council is extending its review due to the evolving COVID-19 situation and the need to assess the NCF, which is affected by reduced ridership.
The current fare adjustment formula remains valid through 2022, with a full review of the formula scheduled for completion in 2023 to apply from that year onward.
The PTC will announce its decisions for the 2022 fare review in due course, considering all relevant factors.
No specific fare adjustments or projections for 2022 were provided, pending the PTC’s final decision.

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4 Oct 2021

Ensuring Resiliency of Public Transport Services Given Recent COVID-19 Clusters at Public Transport Nodes

Desmond Choo asked about measures to ensure public transport resiliency against COVID-19-related manpower losses and to assure commuters of hygiene maintenance.
S Iswaran responded that the queries were addressed in a previous reply to Question No. 56 on 14 September 2021.
The debate highlighted concerns over COVID-19 clusters at transport nodes and the need for robust service continuity and cleaning protocols.

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14 Sep 2021

Cyclists and Riders of Power-Assisted Bicycles Caught for Not Wearing Helmets and Actions Taken against Them in First Eight Months of 2021

In the first eight months of 2021, 292 helmet-related violations were detected among cyclists and power-assisted bicycle riders, with no separation in tracking between the two groups.
Over 75% of offenders received a composition fine of $75, while the maximum penalty for first-time offenders is a $1,000 fine and/or three months' imprisonment.
Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including a maximum fine of $2,000 and/or six months' imprisonment.

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14 Sep 2021

Rise in Motorcycle COEs and Help for Those Who Use Motorcycles for Work

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about the recent surge in motorcycle COE prices, questioning whether it is a temporary or permanent trend and what mitigation measures the Ministry of Transport is considering to assist those who use motorcycles primarily for work.
Transport Minister S Iswaran responded that he had previously addressed these concerns during a Parliament session in September 2021, directing to an official report on proposals for a new COE category for motorcycles used for delivery work.
The debate highlighted concerns about the affordability of COEs for workers reliant on motorcycles and the need for targeted support mechanisms, with the Minister indicating that the issue had been examined in prior discussions.

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14 Sep 2021

Accidents Occurring at Signalled Traffic Junctions with Discretionary Turns in Past Five Years

Over the past five years, an average of about 430 accidents per year occurred at signalled traffic junctions with discretionary turns.
Approximately 40% of these accidents involved motorcyclists, 25% involved pedestrians, and 7% involved cyclists, while less than 0.5% involved personal mobility aid device users.
The Land Transport Authority is progressively introducing Red Amber Green signals at junctions to address safety concerns, with over 600 operational and a target of 1,200 by 2024, while alternative safety features are considered where RAG signals are not feasible.

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14 Sep 2021

Actions against Cyclists who Ride Against Traffic or Beat Red Lights Resulting in Accidents

Cyclists who ride against traffic or beat red lights may be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned for up to three months for first-time offenses, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders and those causing accidents.
Motorists owe a duty of care to all road users, including cyclists, and may be penalized if they fail to exercise reasonable care, even if the cyclist was breaking traffic rules.
In accidents, fault and liability are assessed on a case-by-case basis, with both cyclists and motorists potentially facing penalties under traffic laws or civil claims for negligence.

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14 Sep 2021

Proposal to Make it Mandatory for Lorries that Ferry Passengers in the Rear to Be Fitted with Rain Covers

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if lorries ferrying passengers in the rear must have rain covers.
S Iswaran noted that lorries already require roof shelters or canopies for worker safety.
Employers are encouraged to install rain covers and reschedule trips during heavy rains.
The Ministry will review the suggestion to further protect workers’ welfare.
The debate highlights efforts to balance safety and practical measures for passenger transport.

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14 Sep 2021

Islandwide Implementation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points

The government is deploying EV charging points in public carparks to improve geographical coverage quickly, with over 600 points set for installation in the next year across about 200 carparks.
The eight EV-Ready Towns were highlighted because they require minimal electrical upgrades, but all HDB towns will become EV-Ready Towns by the 2030s.
For private developments, owners must assess their own deployment needs, and the government supports this through incentives like the EV Common Charger Grant.

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14 Sep 2021

Delay in Commencement Date for ERP 2.0 Given Work-from-home Trend

Ms Poh Li San queried if the commencement of ERP 2.0 should be delayed due to reduced peak-hour congestion from work-from-home trends.
Minister S Iswaran stated that ERP 2.0 is necessary to replace the 20-year-old system and is not dependent on current traffic conditions.
The priority is to ensure a smooth rollout for nearly one million motorists, with adjustments to ERP rates still based on traffic conditions.
LTA is coordinating with contractors to manage the implementation amid the evolving COVID-19 situation.

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14 Sep 2021

Proposal to Raise Height of Station Platform Doors for Above-ground MRT Stations

Saktiandi Supaat asked how safety protocols can be improved and if platform doors at above-ground MRT stations could be raised, following an incident where a commuter climbed over a door onto the tracks.
S Iswaran outlined existing safety features like platform screen doors, emergency phones, and stop plungers, noting that these were used effectively in the recent incident to ensure the commuter's safety.
The minister confirmed that the current height of platform screen doors is designed for airflow and is comparable to other cities, and there are no plans to raise them at above-ground stations.

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14 Sep 2021

Proposal for Subsidies to Help Delivery Riders Afford Motorcycles in View of Recent Increases in COE Prices

Joan Pereira proposed subsidies for delivery riders to afford motorcycles amid rising COE prices.
S Iswaran referred to a prior response on a related COE proposal for motorcycles used for delivery work.
The debate highlighted concerns about the financial burden on delivery riders due to high motorcycle COE costs.

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14 Sep 2021

Causes for Recent COVID-19 Infections amongst Bus Captains at Bus Interchanges

Gerald Giam asked about COVID-19 transmission modes at bus interchanges, whether commuters were infected, and if all bus captains will be required to be vaccinated, highlighting concerns about safety measures and vaccination mandates for public transport workers.
S Iswaran responded that high vaccination rates among public transport workers (over 96%) and enhanced cleaning and safe management measures have been prioritized to protect staff and commuters, with ongoing reviews as the virus mutates.
MOH's preliminary findings suggest infections among bus workers likely originated from the community, especially during July's case surge, leading to proactive testing and isolation measures, including routine testing and targeted swab tests at high-case interchanges to contain spread.

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14 Sep 2021

Singapore Green Plan Targets following Sixth Assessment Report of UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Member Lim Biow Chuan asked if Singapore will bring forward its Green Plan 2030 targets and introduce more electric vehicle incentives following the IPCC’s “code red” climate warning.
Minister Grace Fu affirmed Singapore’s commitment to climate action, noting that the Green Plan is dynamic and will be strengthened where feasible as technology and international cooperation evolve.
The government is advancing low-carbon technologies like hydrogen and advocating for global collaboration, while systematically transforming industries and society toward greater energy and carbon efficiency.
For transport, Singapore is limiting vehicle growth, promoting EV adoption through existing schemes like the VES and EV Common Charger Grant, and accelerating charging infrastructure deployment toward a 60,000-point target by 2030.
The government will continue to review and adjust its climate initiatives and incentives based on evolving conditions, technological progress, and international developments.

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14 Sep 2021

Flood Management and Adaptation Measures for Public Transport Systems

The Minister outlined flood management measures including adherence to PUB’s drainage code, enhanced design standards since 2011, and infrastructure features like raised platforms and flood barriers, with annual inspections and regular maintenance of drainage equipment.
LTA and PUB are conducting a review of flood risks for MRT stations and depots, with preliminary findings indicating existing protections are sufficient, and a full study expected by 3Q 2022.
Emergency plans involve SCDF leading evacuations if passengers are stranded, LTA coordinating with SPF to manage road closures, and real-time traffic information being disseminated to the public.
LTA works with agencies and operators to regularly exercise emergency flood responses, including biannual staff training for flood barrier installation.

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