Transport — Topics

4 Jun 2020

Structure of Rental Contracts for Taxis, Private Hire Cars and Limousines

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira raised concerns about the structure of taxi, private-hire car, and limousine rental contracts, including duration, fees, early termination penalties, and whether they expose drivers to excessive risk during demand downturns like COVID-19.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the rental market offers diverse contract options tailored to different driver preferences, with varying trade-offs between flexibility and cost, and noted that some drivers are employed directly by operators.
The government has introduced support schemes such as the Special Relief Fund and Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme to help drivers cope with reduced income during the pandemic.
Fleet owners have also offered rental reductions and flexibility on arrears or early vehicle returns to assist drivers amid the crisis.
Both speakers emphasized the need for a balanced, competitive rental market that supports drivers’ livelihoods while maintaining long-term industry resilience.

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26 May 2020

Supply of Certificates of Entitlement after Lifting of Circuit Breaker Measures

Sitoh Yih Pin asked about LTA's plan for COE supply after circuit breaker measures are lifted.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that COE bidding was suspended in April and May because motor vehicle dealerships were closed.
COE bidding will only resume once dealerships are allowed to reopen in phases.
LTA will monitor post-COVID travel demand before deciding how to handle accumulated COE quotas.

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26 May 2020

Active Mobility (Amendment No. 2) Bill

The Bill shortens the forfeiture process for dangerous devices seized by LTA and expands the public path network to include certain open spaces for safer active mobility use.
It supports Singapore's vision of making active mobility a safe and sustainable transport option for citizens, aligning with the earlier Small Motorised Vehicles Bill.
The debate was procedural, with the Bill moving through its second reading, committee stage, and third reading without amendment.

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26 May 2020

Small Motorised Vehicles (Safety) Bill

The Small Motorised Vehicles (Safety) Bill introduces an import control regime requiring LTA approval before bringing non-compliant personal mobility devices (PMDs) and power-assisted bicycles (PABs) into Singapore, with enforcement at checkpoints and penalties for unauthorised imports.
The Active Mobility (Amendment No. 2) Bill shortens the forfeiture process for dangerous non-compliant devices to mitigate fire risks and expands the public path network to include path-connected open spaces like courtyards and plazas for clearer regulation.
Parliament debates highlight concerns about online purchases of non-compliant devices, the need for third-party liability insurance for PMD users, and enhanced enforcement and public education to ensure safety amid rising active mobility usage.

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5 May 2020

Proposal for Relief on Motor Vehicle Depreciation Costs due to Reduced Motor Vehicle Usage

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira proposed extending the validity of COEs, road tax, and motor vehicle licences at no charge to offset reduced vehicle usage due to COVID-19 measures.
Khaw Boon Wan noted that LTA has already implemented relief measures like extending inspection deadlines and suspending ERP charges, but argued that current vehicle licenses remain valid as vehicles are still used for essential purposes.
The government prioritizes fiscal prudence, focusing on broader support measures rather than specific vehicle depreciation relief, given the potential long-term impact of the pandemic.

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5 May 2020

Impact of Safe Distancing Measures on Demand for Public Transport

COVID-19 safe distancing measures caused a sharp drop in public transport demand, with ridership falling by 75% for buses and 84% for trains, and fare revenues decreasing by about 80% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Public transport operators are facing significant financial stress due to preserved service levels and increased costs for cleaning, staff protection, and compliance with safe distancing measures.
Government relief measures and temporary suspensions like the ERP have provided some cushion, but the long-term financial impact on bus and rail systems remains uncertain and may require adjustments to the public transport financing model.

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4 May 2020

Measures to Ensure Safe Distancing on Public Transport during Circuit Breaker Period and Thereafter

During the circuit breaker period, the Land Transport Authority marked seats and standing areas with safe distancing stickers on public transport and deployed transport ambassadors and enforcement officers to help commuters maintain distance.
All commuters must wear masks on public transport, with refusal of entry, fines, or prosecution for non-compliance.
After the circuit breaker, safe distancing measures will remain but may be challenging during peak hours, so companies should stagger working hours and continue telecommuting while commuters travel off-peak.
Mask-wearing will continue to be mandatory on public transport, consistent with practices in cities like Taipei, Hong Kong, and Seoul.

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4 May 2020

Active Mobility (Amendment No. 2) Bill

The Ministry proposed amending the Active Mobility Act 2017 and the Road Traffic Act to regulate public paths and manage seized personal mobility devices and other vehicles.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport introduced the bill on behalf of the Minister, ensuring the amendments align with current mobility needs and enforcement practices.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next parliamentary sitting, with the text to be printed for review.
The debate focused on modernizing existing legislation to improve safety and order for all road and path users in Singapore.
The amendments aim to clarify the handling of seized devices and expand the scope of regulated paths to include shared mobility solutions.

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4 May 2020

Small Motorised Vehicles (Safety) Bill

The Small Motorised Vehicles (Safety) Bill aims to regulate the import and safety of personal mobility devices, power-assisted bicycles, and similar vehicles.
The bill includes provisions to amend existing land transport laws, ensuring all related revenues are paid into the Consolidated Fund.
It was presented by the Senior Minister of State for Transport and approved for a second reading in the next parliamentary session.

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7 Apr 2020

Cost of Building Cross Island Line and Measures to Ensure Minimal Impact on Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Affordability to Vulnerable Populations

Khaw Boon Wan clarified that the government fully funds the construction of the Cross Island Line (CRL) under the rail financing framework, ensuring commuters do not bear the cost through fares.
He stated that the final cost depends on tender bids and the government does not disclose project budgets to avoid influencing ongoing or future tenders.
For the Central Catchment Nature Reserve section, tender requirements will specify tunnel alignment, depth, and environmental mitigation measures as outlined in the Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan.
The plan was developed through rigorous study and stakeholder consultation, including Nature Groups, as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment.
No specific measures were mentioned for protecting vulnerable populations from affordability issues, as the cost is not passed to commuters via fares.

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6 Apr 2020

Private Bus Operations and Ridership in 2018 and 2019 and Their Contribution to Total Carbon Emissions and Measures to Achieve Goals of Land Transport Masterplan 2040

Ms Anthea Ong inquired about the number of private bus operators, buses, trips, passengers, and carbon emissions for 2018 and 2019, as well as the timeline for supporting cleaner private buses to meet the Land Transport Masterplan 2040 goals.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed there are about 5,000 operators with 13,500 private buses but stated the ministry does not track trip or passenger data or corresponding carbon emissions.
The government will support cleaner private buses through the Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme offering up to $30,000 incentives from April 2021 and an enhanced Early Turnover Scheme for older diesel vehicles.
The government will collaborate with the private sector to expand charging infrastructure in carparks to promote electric bus adoption.
These measures align with the vision for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040 and support the Land Transport Masterplan 2040 climate goals.

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6 Apr 2020

Effect of Malaysia’s Lockdown on Public Transport Operations in Singapore and Measures to Minimise Disruptions and Ensure Optimisation of Resources and Cost Efficiency

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked how Malaysia's lockdown would affect Singapore's public transport due to Malaysian commuters, what measures would minimize disruptions, how ridership has changed with more people working from home, and how operators are ensuring cost efficiency.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the lockdown has not drastically affected services, as most transport workers stayed in Singapore, and authorities adjusted duty rosters promptly after the announcement.
Public transport ridership has fallen by over 30% due to safe distancing measures like telecommuting, and authorities will continue to match supply with demand by adjusting capacity carefully to maintain less crowded conditions while optimizing resources.

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26 Mar 2020

Proposal for all MRT Stations and Bus Interchanges to Have at Least One Lactation Room and Breastfeeding Room

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked about the current percentage of MRT stations and bus interchanges with lactation and breastfeeding rooms, and whether it can be made compulsory for all to have at least one.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that 50% of bus interchanges already have nursing rooms, with plans to include them in all new interchanges, integrated transport hubs, and new MRT interchange stations.
The Ministry will explore providing nursing rooms during upgrades of existing MRT stations but does not plan to make them compulsory for all, as many stations are already near facilities like shopping centres that offer such rooms.

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26 Mar 2020

Breastfeeding on Public Trains and Buses

The Ministry of Transport confirmed that breastfeeding is not prohibited on Singapore's public trains and buses, and nursing rooms are provided at key transport nodes for those who prefer privacy.
Louis Ng pointed out that SMRT's website still suggests it's best to feed children before entering stations, which may deter mothers, and urged clearer messaging.
The Ministry agreed to advise public transport operators to update their websites and FAQs to affirm that breastfeeding is allowed without restriction.
It was confirmed that there are no regulations requiring mothers to cover up while breastfeeding on public transport.

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6 Mar 2020

Data on New Diesel-hybrid and Electric Buses Deployed since 2018

Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Transport about collated data on operational efficiency, emissions reduction, and rider feedback for new diesel-hybrid and electric buses deployed since 2018, and which indicators will support the proportion of each vehicle type in the cleaner bus fleet by 2040.
The Minister confirmed that since March 2019, 50 hybrid buses have been deployed and are well received by commuters for being quieter and smoother, with each bus reducing tailpipe CO2 emissions by about 32 tonnes per year, saving 1,620 tonnes annually across the fleet.
The hybrid buses also reduce fuel usage by up to 35% compared to traditional diesel buses, and 60 fully electric buses are being deployed in 2020 for assessment and to calibrate the ramp-up of cleaner energy buses.
The government is committed to having all public buses run on cleaner energy by 2040, and LTA will continue evaluating data to guide the transition.

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5 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

The COVID-19 outbreak has severely impacted Singapore's transportation sector, leading to reduced travel across air, sea, and land, prompting the government to implement support measures for affected workers and businesses while planning for prolonged disruption.
Significant investments are being made to expand and renew Singapore's rail network, with major projects like the Thomson-East Coast Line, Cross Island Line, and renewal of older lines, aiming to double the rail network by 2030 and improve reliability.
The government outlined long-term strategies to transition to a sustainable land transport system, including phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040, accelerating cycling path construction, and promoting walk-cycle-ride modes to reduce carbon emissions and improve connectivity.
Discussions included enhancing safety and inclusivity in transport, such as implementing pedestrian safety measures, streamlining medical exams for elderly taxi drivers, and expanding trial programs like priority cabins on trains for vulnerable commuters.
Members raised concerns about various issues, including the need for more support for point-to-point drivers, progress on cross-border projects like the RTS Link, and environmental considerations for infrastructure projects like the Cross Island Line, with ministries providing updates and commitments to address these.

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4 Mar 2020

Consideration to Evaluate Battery-Swapping as Alternative to Charging for Electric Vehicles Charging Points

Leon Perera asked the Ministry for Trade and Industry whether it is evaluating battery-swapping as an alternative to charging for the target of 28,000 EV charging points.
Chan Chun Sing confirmed the Ministry is exploring battery-swapping as a complement to charging.
The efficacy of battery-swapping and technological progress in EVs and charging infrastructure will influence the final design of the EV charging network.
The debate highlighted that battery-swapping is being considered alongside traditional charging methods rather than as a complete replacement.
The government's approach will be shaped by ongoing evaluations of both charging and battery-swapping technologies.

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4 Mar 2020

Measures to Assist Self-Employed Tourist Excursion Bus Owners Impacted by COVID-19

Liang Eng Hwa asked if measures exist to assist self-employed tourist excursion bus owners affected by COVID-19 and if the Point-to-Point Support Package could be extended to them.
Chan Chun Sing stated that the Stabilisation and Support Package provides broad and targeted support, and self-employed tourist bus owners are eligible for the Temporary Bridging Loan Programme and Jobs Support Scheme.
The government is studying additional support for self-employed private hire bus owners who cater to tourist groups based on feedback received.

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4 Mar 2020

Conduct Independent Environmental Assessments and Release Regular Reports to Public during Construction of Cross Island MRT Line

Louis Ng asked if the Ministry will conduct independent environmental assessments and release regular public reports on mitigation measures during Cross Island Line construction near the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
Khaw Boon Wan said the Land Transport Authority will appoint a contractor to engage an environmental consultant to implement the Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan, which is part of the gazetted Environmental Impact Assessment and was developed with stakeholder input.
The LTA will involve nature group representatives in reviewing mitigation measures and will establish an Environmental Advisory Panel of experts to independently assess the consultant’s implementation of the plan.

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28 Feb 2020

Data on Median and Mean Road Taxes Paid by Owners of Electric, Hybrid and Petrol Cars in Past Three Years

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Transport for the median and mean road taxes paid by owners of electric, hybrid, and petrol cars over the past three years, and whether the Ministry would start collecting such data if not already doing so.
Khaw Boon Wan responded by providing the data in a tabulated format, confirming the figures for each car type and year.
The exchange highlights parliamentary interest in understanding road tax burdens across different vehicle categories and the Ministry’s readiness to share this information.

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