Transport — Topics

5 Oct 2020

Feasibility of Incorporating Low-noise Pavement Mix for Sections of Expressways Close to Residential Blocks and Measures Implemented to Mitigate Impact of Traffic Noise

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the feasibility of using low-noise pavement mix on expressways near residential areas, specifically along the Tampines Expressway between Sengkang and Punggol, and about implementation preconditions and other noise mitigation measures.
Ong Ye Kung stated that LTA has already planted dense vegetation along the Tampines Expressway with NParks to absorb noise and that HDB developments maintain minimum separation distances from expressways.
LTA is studying the feasibility of low-noise pavement mix and vertical noise barriers for expressways near residential areas to assess noise reduction, road geometry impact, and cost-effectiveness.

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5 Oct 2020

National Project to Widen Footpaths and Build More Cycling Paths

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Transport about progress on the national project to widen footpaths and build more cycling paths in Bukit Batok SMC.
Ong Ye Kung stated that COVID-19 has delayed cycling path projects by up to 12 months due to material and worker shortages.
The government remains committed to tripling cycling paths from 460 km to around 1300 km by 2030 under the Islandwide Cycling Network programme.
The project aims to provide towns like Bukit Batok with a wider active mobility network for safe and convenient use by all path users.

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5 Oct 2020

Progress of Construction of New Bus Depot near Seletar West Farmway and Plans to Improve Bus Services in Fernvale

Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the construction progress of the new Seletar West Farmway bus depot and plans to improve bus services in Fernvale.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the depot's completion was delayed to 2024 due to the Circuit Breaker but assured it would not affect current bus services for Fernvale residents.
Fernvale is currently served by the Sengkang LRT and bus routes connecting to Sengkang Interchange and other areas, with the LTA monitoring and adjusting services based on demand.

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5 Oct 2020

Grace Period for Parking at HDB and URA Car Parks and Other Measures to Help Food Delivery Riders

HDB and URA car parks currently offer a 10-minute grace period, which was temporarily extended to 20 minutes during the Circuit Breaker period to accommodate increased delivery activity.
The grace period has reverted to 10 minutes as demand has normalized, with officials noting that a shorter period ensures quick turnover, reduces congestion, and protects the interests of residents.
Designated loading and unloading bays are available at HDB blocks for delivery riders to use for pick-ups and drop-offs.
Authorities will continue monitoring car park usage and the needs of delivery riders to review the grace period as necessary.
The measures aim to balance convenience for food delivery riders with the need to maintain efficient car park operations for all users.

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5 Oct 2020

Proposal to Extend Cross Island Line Punggol Extension to Seletar Airport, Seletar Private Estate and Fernvale

Gan Thiam Poh proposed extending the Cross Island Line Punggol Extension to serve Seletar Airport, Seletar private estate, and Fernvale.
Ong Ye Kung stated there are no current plans for this extension due to projected travel demand and existing transport options like bus and LRT services.
He noted the upcoming Cross Island Line stations, such as Tavistock and Serangoon North, will serve Seletar residents, and LTA will review connections for Fernvale and Seletar.

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5 Oct 2020

Proposal to Install Acoustic Cameras to Identify Noisy Vehicles for Enforcement Action

Murali Pillai asked whether the Ministry of Transport plans to install acoustic cameras to identify and enforce against noisy vehicles.
Ong Ye Kung explained that excessive vehicle noise stems from factors like illegal modifications, design issues, and driver behavior, and is managed by NEA’s noise standards and LTA’s periodic inspections and enforcement.
The government currently has no plans to use acoustic cameras as the technology is novel and not yet rigorously tested, but will continue monitoring such technologies for potential future enforcement.

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5 Oct 2020

Regulations to Prevent Reckless Cycling on Footpaths

Lim Biow Chuan proposed that the Land Transport Authority introduce rules to prevent cyclists from riding recklessly on footpaths and endangering other users.
Ong Ye Kung stated that existing regulations already set limits for bicycles and cyclists, including weight and width restrictions, speed limits, and a ban on using mobile devices while riding, with penalties up to $10,000 fines or 12 months’ imprisonment.
Ong Ye Kung emphasized the need for greater social consciousness and highlighted the 2018 Code of Conduct that encourages cyclists to give way to pedestrians and slow down in crowded or complex areas, promoting a gracious active mobility culture.

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5 Oct 2020

Proposal for Carpooling by Taxis to Maximise Seating Capacity and Reduce Overall Carbon Footprint

Ms Hany Soh asked the Ministry of Transport to allow taxi operators to carpool to increase vehicle seating capacity and reduce the country's carbon footprint.
Ong Ye Kung stated that no regulations prevent taxi or P2P operators from pooling passengers, and services like GrabShare and RydePool already exist.
Due to COVID-19, Grab and Ryde have voluntarily suspended their carpooling services as a precaution.

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5 Oct 2020

Take-up Rate of Point-to-Point Support Package by Private Hire Car Operators

The Point-to-Point Support Package (PPSP) has disbursed over $300 million across three tranches, with three private hire car operators—Grab, Gojek, and Ryde—participating in the first tranche by contributing over $20 million in commission rebates.
These operators have since stopped matching government assistance in subsequent tranches, but the Ministry of Transport notes this is not faulted, as the package was designed as government assistance, and operators are still helping disburse Special Relief Fund payouts to drivers.
As of 30 September, the government has disbursed approximately $45 million to Grab drivers, $8 million to Gojek drivers, and about $60,000 to Ryde drivers through the Special Relief Fund.
The debate did not explicitly state reasons provided by private hire car operators who chose not to participate in the PPSP, focusing instead on the participation and disbursement details.

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5 Oct 2020

Private Hire Vehicle Companies' Rule for Maximum of Three Passengers

Patrick Tay questioned why private hire vehicle companies were allowed to impose a maximum of three passengers and leave the front seat empty, affecting drivers and passengers.
Ong Ye Kung explained that the requirement was introduced by operators like Grab to create physical distancing during COVID-19, with LTA respecting their decisions if communicated upfront.
He noted that Grab lifted the restriction on 2 October 2020.

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5 Oct 2020

Update on Next-generation ERP System

The next-generation ERP system will use dedicated on-board units (OBUs) instead of smartphones for core charging due to security, reliability, and operational concerns, with the OBU for motorcycles being slightly larger than current units and other vehicles having a separate processing unit and display screen to minimize distraction and improve integration.
LTA is consulting workshops and motor vehicle agents on OBU installation to address public feedback on design, size, and safety, and is studying options like a dimmable display or future smartphone integration for displaying information, but significant design changes are limited by contractual obligations from the 2016 tender.
The first OBU will be free for existing vehicles, while pricing for new vehicles will be part of the overall cost, with LTA ensuring sufficient installation slots and ample notice for bookings, and emphasizing data security by restricting core charging to the OBU to prevent leaks and hacking.

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5 Oct 2020

Measures to Protect Bus Drivers and Public Transport Service Staff

The Ministry of Transport reaffirms a zero-tolerance approach to abuse against bus drivers and will work with unions and operators to raise commuter awareness of the serious consequences.
The government is open to exploring best practices from other regions, such as safety reviews and anti-shatter films, and welcomes suggestions for additional protective measures for frontline staff.
The National Transport Workers' Union is collaborating with operators to trial protective shields on buses, with the Ministry noting that feedback from drivers on safety and glare issues will be crucial before any wider rollout.

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4 Sep 2020

Unprofitable Bus Services as of July 2020

As of July 2020, all public bus services in Singapore generated fare revenues that could not cover their operating costs due to the drop in commuter numbers from COVID-19.
Prior to COVID-19, 345 out of 356 public bus services were unprofitable and required an annual government subsidy of about $1 billion.
The government provides subsidies to support these unprofitable bus services to maintain service standards and frequencies.

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4 Sep 2020

Update on Feasibility Study of Implementing Noise Mitigation Measures along Pan-Island Expressway Adjacent to HDB Blocks in Bukit Batok SMC

The Ministry of Transport reported that LTA's feasibility study on noise mitigation for the Pan-Island Expressway near HDB blocks in Bukit Batok SMC is ongoing.
Trials indicated that low-noise pavement mix is more effective than vertical barriers in reducing noise for nearby residents.
LTA will assess incorporating this pavement mix at an appropriate time, while acknowledging the need for public patience during ongoing efforts to improve living conditions.

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4 Sep 2020

Plans to Review and Extend Guidelines for Covered Linkways Beyond 400 Metres

Don Wee asked the Minister for Transport whether LTA will review and extend the guidelines for covered linkways beyond 400 metres, highlighting their importance in linking people and amenities.
Ong Ye Kung explained that LTA’s covered linkway programme aims to connect commuters to major transport nodes in a fiscally prudent way, with linkways provided within a 400-metre radius of key stations and bus interchanges.
He noted that this approach ensures limited financial resources can cover more locations and benefit more commuters, considering community feedback and the needs of vulnerable groups.

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4 Sep 2020

Plans to Study Feasibility of Introducing Sub-spoke Bus Services

Don Wee asked the Minister for Transport about studying the feasibility of sub-spoke bus services to better connect new estates like Brickland to key amenities in adjacent towns without harming commercial viability.
Ong Ye Kung responded that LTA regularly reviews bus services to ensure proximity to developments and balance connectivity with prudent use of public funds, noting existing services already serve Brickland’s amenities.
LTA monitors travel patterns and may adjust services, such as adding trips for new estates, and is open to considering sub-spoke services but must evaluate potential downsides like increased waiting times, longer travel, and higher fares.

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4 Sep 2020

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Construction of Extended Cycling Path Network

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the extended cycling path network and the expected delays due to COVID-19 disruptions.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the pandemic has affected the availability of construction materials and workers, potentially delaying the completion of cycling path projects by up to 12 months.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to expand the cycling network from 460 km to 1,300 km by 2030 to promote safe and convenient active mobility.

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4 Sep 2020

Progress of Development on Thomson-East Coast Line Given Delays Due to COVID-19

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim queried the Minister for Transport about the progress of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) amid COVID-19 delays and potential spillover effects on other MRT projects.
Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed that TEL Stage 2 will open in Q1 2021, a three-month delay from the original schedule, due to Circuit Breaker measures.
Delays for subsequent TEL stages and other MRT projects remain uncertain as construction activities resume, but the government is committed to expanding the network to 360km by the early 2030s.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Transport will focus on reviving Singapore's air hub by progressively restoring transit services, improving infrastructure like Changi's three-runway system and Terminal 5, and re-skilling workers amid severe COVID-19 impacts.
The maritime sector will be strengthened through investments in Tuas Port, digitalization for efficient operations, and adapting to global supply chain shifts to maintain Singapore's status as a key maritime hub.
Public transport will be expanded and made more sustainable, with new MRT lines, improved accessibility, and a move towards a car-lite nation including phasing out internal combustion vehicles by 2040 and promoting electric vehicles.
Collaboration with Malaysia on land transport projects, like the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link and discussions on the HSR, aims to improve connectivity and people-to-people ties post-pandemic.
Climate change initiatives include promoting sustainable travel patterns, expanding cycling paths, and international efforts in maritime and aviation decarbonisation through advisory panels and green funds.

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4 Jun 2020

Extending Relief under Part 2 of COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 to Cover Rental Agreements between Vehicle Hire Companies and Private Hire Car Drivers

Patrick Tay asked whether rental agreements between vehicle hire companies and private hire car drivers could be covered under Part 2 of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020, which provides temporary relief from legal action for contracts affected by the pandemic.
The Minister for Law, K Shanmugam, stated that while the government studied extending relief to these rental agreements, it concluded such legislative intervention is unnecessary for now, as targeted support measures are already in place.
The government has implemented the Point-to-Point Support Package (PPSP) and Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS), offering cash grants up to $1,300 per month, along with rental waivers, income opportunities, and upskilling support for drivers.
The government continues to work with tripartite partners to provide relief and will monitor the situation, making changes if needed, but does not see a need to extend the Act’s moratorium to rental agreements at this time.

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