Transport — Topics

5 Aug 2019

Statistics on MRT Train Delays Not More Than Five Minutes for Past Three Years

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport for the number of MRT train delays of not more than five minutes per line over the past three years.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that short delays between two to five minutes are tracked, with performance improving and such delays rarely exceeding one per day, except on the East-West Line.
Delays under two minutes are not tracked as they are often due to operational factors like passenger boarding rather than reliability issues.
The Minister emphasized that the Mean Kilometres Between Failure (MKBF) is the preferred measure for rail reliability, as it allows fair comparisons across different lines and is internationally recognized.

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5 Aug 2019

Measures to Deter Reckless Driving of PMDs

Christopher de Souza sought legal tools to deter reckless PMD driving that endangers pedestrians and vehicles.
Khaw Boon Wan referred to the Ministerial Statement on Personal Mobility Devices from 5 August 2019 for the response.
The debate highlighted the need for stricter regulations to prevent injuries from PMD misuse.
It was noted that existing measures and future actions may be guided by the 2019 Ministerial Statement.

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5 Aug 2019

Updates on Commuter Graciousness Index and Plans to Engage in Public Education

The Land Transport Authority conducts the Commuter Graciousness survey every one to two years, with the latest results showing an increase in commuters noticing gracious behavior from 52% in 2016 to 56% in 2018.
Ongoing efforts include the annual Graciousness Campaign, with this year's activities featuring refreshed publicity materials and engagement to promote a caring commuting culture.
The Public Transport Council is introducing a new Caring Commuter Award and expanding Heart Zones to recognize and connect commuters who need assistance.
There is a commitment to continue public education and foster a gracious commuting environment, emphasizing the collective role of all commuters.

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5 Aug 2019

New Measures to Reduce Impact of Loud Traffic Noises on Residential Housing Situated Near Expressways

The Land Transport Authority has completed trials on noise barriers and low noise pavement mix to reduce traffic noise for residents near expressways and plans to roll out these measures progressively.
Implementation will consider site-specific conditions and cost-effectiveness, with noise barriers not suitable where they may obstruct motorists’ view.
The Ministry will continue exploring with other agencies new measures to mitigate traffic noise and improve residents’ quality of living.

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5 Aug 2019

Action against Companies whose Heavy Vehicle Drivers Accumulate More Than Three Speeding Summons Per Year

Lim Biow Chuan asked if the Ministry will take legal action against companies whose heavy vehicle drivers accumulate more than three speeding summons per year.
K Shanmugam stated that drivers are personally liable for traffic violations, while employers may only be liable in specific cases, such as when an employee is asked to drive while under suspension.
Heavy vehicle owners must ensure speed limiters are fitted and functional; if absent, not working, or tampered with, they can be charged under the Road Traffic Act with penalties including imprisonment or fines.

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5 Aug 2019

Review of Criteria for Building Lifts at Overhead Bridges Given Ageing Population

Joan Pereira questioned whether the criteria for installing lifts at overhead bridges should be reviewed to better support an ageing population with mobility challenges.
Khaw Boon Wan noted that 47 bridges have received lifts in the past five years, with plans to add 50 more by 2022.
He emphasized the high cost of lifts (up to $4 million per pair) and the need for prudent prioritization, focusing on locations like public transport hubs and healthcare institutions that most benefit seniors and those with mobility issues.

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5 Aug 2019

Measures to Protect Privacy of Drivers with New Satellite ERP System

The government will incorporate security technologies and controls in the new satellite ERP system to protect driver privacy as a key requirement in the tender.
ERP data will be anonymised and aggregated for traffic management and analysis, and will not include driver identity.
Strict access controls will be enforced to ensure only authorised personnel can access the collected data.

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5 Aug 2019

Personal Mobility Devices

The Ministry of Transport announced stricter safety measures for PMDs, including advancing the mandatory UL2272 fire safety certification deadline to July 2020 and introducing a mandatory inspection regime from April 2020, while providing support for users to switch to compliant devices.
To enhance path safety, the government will expand cycling infrastructure, designate pedestrian-only zones in town centers, implement school zone markings, and increase enforcement resources and the use of technology like mobile CCTV to deter errant riding.
The government will not ban PMDs, citing their benefits for mobility and livelihoods, but will continue public education and work with insurers and delivery companies to provide third-party liability coverage, while urging responsible usage and safe charging practices.

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5 Aug 2019

Protection and Safety of Pedestrians Given Challenges Presented by PMDs and E-scooter Users

Multiple parliament members expressed concern over the safety and regulation of PMDs and e-scooters, specifically regarding pedestrian safety, infrastructure capacity, and the rise in fire incidents linked to non-compliant devices and battery overcharging.
Key questions focused on strengthening enforcement, accelerating the deadline for UL2272 safety certification, prosecuting retailers selling non-compliant devices, and considering dedicated lanes or temporary bans to mitigate risks.
The Minister of State for Transport requested permission to address all 16 questions in a single ministerial statement, indicating the government's plan to provide a comprehensive response to the multifaceted issues raised.

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8 Jul 2019

Number of Foreign Motorists Summoned for Not Displaying Vehicle Plates Properly and Measures to Ensure Easy Identification of Foreign Vehicles

Rahayu Mahzam asked about the number of foreign motorists summoned in the past three years for improperly displayed vehicle plates and the measures to ensure foreign vehicles are easily identifiable at checkpoints.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that between July 2017 and May 2019, the Land Transport Authority turned back over 2,200 foreign vehicles for failing to display licence plates properly.
The Ministry of Transport is developing an enhanced enforcement system using cameras, sensors, and data analytics to better identify vehicles with improperly displayed plates, to be deployed in the second half of 2020.

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8 Jul 2019

Reasons for Delaying Decision on Licences for Shared-PMD Operators

Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Transport about the safety concerns causing delays in deciding which companies can operate shared-PMDs and the additional requirements to address them.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the decision was deferred to allow more time for LTA to review safety measures, including imposing UL2272 certification for fire safety and insurance against third-party injury or death.
LTA plans to start conservatively by limiting sandbox licensees to small fleet sizes during a one-year trial period.

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8 Jul 2019

Action Taken against Singaporean Drivers Who Change Their Car Licence Plates When Entering Malaysia

Darryl David questioned what action can be taken against Singaporean drivers who change their licence plates in Malaysia, noting the adverse effects on other Singaporean drivers whose plates are copied.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that whether plate swapping outside Singapore is an offence depends on the case, and if the driver possesses a false plate with intent to deceive in Singapore, they face a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 12 months in jail.
The government is willing to share information with foreign counterparts, as permitted by law, to assist with investigations into possible offences under foreign laws.
Displaying false number plates in Singapore is itself an offence, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 12 months in jail.

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8 Jul 2019

Further Attempts for Bus-on-demand Trial

Prof Lim Sun Sun queried the Minister for Transport on exploring cheaper software options and better commuter education for the discontinued bus-on-demand trial.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed the trial ended, finding on-demand buses less cost-effective than regular services due to high software costs despite competitive bids.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) attempted to raise commuter awareness through posters, ground ambassadors, and direct engagement, resulting in over 29,000 rides booked.
LTA is open to future trials as technology matures, expecting improved cost-effectiveness and building on past commuter education efforts.

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8 Jul 2019

Sufficient Workers Involved in Preventive Maintenance of MRT Lines

The Minister confirmed that over 50% of staff at rail operators, numbering more than 4,000, are dedicated to maintenance and engineering, which has led to MRT reliability comparable to Taipei Metro and Hong Kong MTR.
To support the expanding network, the government is working with operators and unions to upskill existing workers and attract new talent, ensuring staffing levels remain sufficient for both current and new lines.
Initiatives like the $12.5 million Public Transport Manpower Development Fund provide training grants and study awards to develop and retain skilled technical workers for the rail industry.
Collaborations with Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore include a Skills Framework and Professional Conversion Programmes to enhance career pathways and enable mid-career transitions into rail maintenance.
The Ministry plans to continue engaging stakeholders to deepen and widen efforts in building a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers for preventive maintenance.

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8 Jul 2019

Accidents Involving Cyclists and PMD Users at Bus Stops

In the past year, there were 18 reported accidents involving cyclists and PMD users at or near bus stops.
The Land Transport Authority is improving bus stop infrastructure by building cycling paths and widening footpaths, adding features like speed regulating strips and signage to guide cyclists and PMD users behind bus stops rather than through them.
LTA conducts nationwide public education campaigns and a Safe Riding Programme to promote safe practices such as giving way to pedestrians, slowing down near bus stops, and walking or dismounting devices in crowded areas.

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8 Jul 2019

Approval to Operate Commercial Shared PMD Services

Dennis Tan inquired whether any companies have been approved for commercial shared PMD services on public footpaths and parks, the timing and details of any awards, and updates on conditions or restrictions.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that the awarding of PMD-sharing licences has been deferred to later this year as LTA needs more time to review additional safety requirements.
LTA is considering requiring shared PMDs to be UL2272-certified for fire safety and insured against third-party injury or death claims.
The LTA will start conservatively with a 1-year sandbox period, restricting licensees to small fleet sizes.

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8 Jul 2019

Road Accidents Involving Cyclists

In 2018, there were 501 road accidents involving cyclists, with 10 of these involving cyclists cycling against traffic.
Cyclists riding against traffic may be fined up to $1,000 and/or imprisoned for up to three months for first-time offences, with higher penalties for repeat offenders.
The Traffic Police conducts enforcement operations in cyclist-frequented areas to deter unsafe riding.
The Land Transport Authority and Traffic Police run public education campaigns, such as the "Safer Together" initiative and engagements with school students, to promote safe cycling practices.

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8 Jul 2019

Motorcycle Owners being Summoned for Illegal Parking at Carparks or Service Roads

Mr Zainal Sapari asked whether there has been an increasing trend of motorcycle owners being summoned for illegal parking at carparks or service roads in the last three years and whether HDB should provide designated motorcycle parking lots near loading and unloading bays for delivery riders.
Minister Lawrence Wong stated that parking offence notices issued to motorcyclists at HDB estates were around 25,000 in 2016, 28,000 in 2017, and 21,000 in 2018, with no clear increasing trend.
The Minister explained that motorcyclists making home deliveries should use the existing loading and unloading bays for quick activities, so no additional motorcycle lots are needed.
HDB does not plan to provide designated motorcycle parking lots next to loading and unloading bays near HDB flats, as the current facilities are sufficient for delivery riders' short-term parking needs.

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8 Jul 2019

Swapping of Car Registration Number Plates with Another Car's Plate

Mr Yee Chia Hsing asked whether swapping car number plates outside Singapore to avoid foreign traffic summons is an offence and how many drivers have been fined for displaying incorrect plates in the past three years.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained that such swapping outside Singapore depends on case specifics, but if done with intent to deceive in Singapore, it can lead to fines up to $5,000 and/or up to 12 months in jail.
The Minister noted that displaying false number plates in Singapore is an offence with the same penalties, and between 2017 and 2018, six persons were convicted for this, with three receiving jail sentences and three fined.
The government is willing to share information with foreign counterparts, as permitted by law, to assist in investigations under foreign laws.

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8 Jul 2019

Response Time of Emergency Ambulances During Rush Hour

During rush hours, the median response time for an emergency ambulance to arrive at an incident is about seven minutes, with the travel time to the nearest hospital being about nine minutes.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) targets responding to 80% of emergency medical calls within 11 minutes and achieved 91% in 2018; it does not set a target for hospital arrival time but strives for the shortest travel time possible.
SCDF ambulances can now run red lights and make U-turns at non-designated junctions during life-threatening emergencies when safe, and a traffic priority system near hospitals is being implemented to aid faster arrivals.
Public education efforts have raised awareness, and motorists are generally cooperative in giving way to ambulances during rush hours.

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