Transport — Topics

1 Apr 2019

Waiting List for Season Parking at Heavy Vehicle Parking Lots at Bukit Batok East Avenue 2 and Bukit Batok Road (Jurong Road)

Ms Rahayu Mahzam requested details on the number of applicants, average waiting time, and alternative parking options for heavy vehicle season parking at Bukit Batok East Avenue 2 and Bukit Batok Road (Jurong Road).
As of March 2019, there were 268 applicants on the waiting list for Bukit Batok East Avenue 2 and 116 for Bukit Batok Road (Jurong Road), with waiting times varying based on space availability and turnover.
The Land Transport Authority's website listed 353 vacant heavy vehicle parking lots in Bukit Batok, Clementi, Jurong East, and Jurong West as of February 2019, with the nearest available spaces approximately 2 km away.

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1 Apr 2019

Progress on Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points Across Singapore

Leon Perera inquired about the progress and timeline for installing 2,000 electric vehicle charging points across Singapore.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the BlueSG electric car-sharing program, supported by LTA and EDB, aims to deploy 500 stations with 2,000 charging points by the end of 2020.
As of the update, BlueSG had installed 178 charging stations and 703 charging points toward this goal.

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1 Apr 2019

Productivity Extraction Factor for Fare Revision Framework to Consider Operating Profits from Retail Operations of Public Transport Operators

Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired whether the Productivity Extraction Factor in the fare revision framework includes operating profits from retail operations of public transport operators.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that the factor measures productivity gains via changes in value-add per employee, which encompasses all operating profits, including those from retail operations.
The framework is designed to share productivity gains with commuters through lower fare adjustments.

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1 Apr 2019

Update on Current Bus Stop Bench Replacement Exercise

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the timing, cost, and lifespan of past and current bus stop bench replacements.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that about 500 benches were replaced in the past five years at $500 to $1,500 per bench, excluding installation.
The current exercise targets replacing benches at 2,300 bus shelters older than 15 years by 2020, with new benches expected to last at least 20 years.

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7 Mar 2019

UL2272 Fire Safety Standards for All PMDs

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh questioned if the electric bicycles and PMDs involved in the 2018 fires would have met UL2272 standards and what steps LTA is taking to reduce fires before the 2021 implementation.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that LTA introduced EN15194 standards for electric bicycles in 2016 and will require UL2272 certification for motorised PMDs from July 2019, with all such devices needing certification by January 2021.
None of the 22 PAB-related and 52 PMD-related fires in 2018 involved devices certified to EN15194 or UL2272 standards.
LTA encourages PMD owners to switch to UL2272-certified devices, purchase from reputable sources, avoid overcharging batteries, and not modify devices, as advised in the Safe Riding Programme.

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7 Mar 2019

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Members debated the Land Transport Master Plan 2040, highlighting ambitious goals for 20-minute towns and a 45-minute city, while questioning the significant costs and fiscal sustainability of public transport investments, including fare affordability and the impact on lower-income commuters.
Concerns were raised about infrastructure and service improvements, such as the Hume MRT station's planned opening by 2025, the feasibility of an MRT line to Tuas South, and enhancing connectivity in areas like Bukit Gombak to support future developments like the NS Hub.
The rapid growth of private hire vehicles, PMDs, and bike-sharing services prompted calls for updated regulations to ensure safety, fair competition, and driver welfare, leading to the announcement of a new licensing framework and tripartite committees to address these issues.

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4 Mar 2019

Prevention of Spillage on Roads by Trucks that Carry Sand

The Ministry engages sand suppliers and transport companies to ensure lorries are covered and conducts enforcement actions, with fines up to $1,000 for uncovered transport and $2,000 for spillage.
NEA uses portable cameras and stake-outs at hotspots to monitor and penalize errant vehicles, while LTA patrols to enforce weight limits with fines or jail for overloading.
Members of the public are encouraged to report spillage to NEA, and feedback indicates a decline in incidents, though enforcement and upstream checks with contractors are considered for improvement.

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26 Feb 2019

Findings from Trial of Using Speed-tracking Devices for Heavy Vehicles

The Ministry of Home Affairs concluded that a trial of speed-tracking devices for heavy vehicles found them accurate but susceptible to tampering, offering no significant advantage over existing speed limiters, and thus decided not to make them mandatory.
The ministry highlighted that tampering with speed limiters is already a punishable offense with significant penalties, and they are considering enhancing these penalties, alongside increased fines for speeding violations involving heavy vehicles.
The ministry noted a 37% decrease in both speeding violations and related accidents involving heavy vehicles between 2014 and 2018, while committing to continue multi-pronged strategies including enforcement, education, and monitoring new technologies.

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18 Feb 2019

Requirement for Shared Bicycle Service Operator’s Financial Viability for Licensing Application

The Land Transport Authority reviews audited financial statements of shared bicycle operators to assess their financial viability before granting full licences.
Security deposits and licence fees are strictly used for regulatory purposes, such as ensuring compliance, covering unpaid penalties, or meeting disposal costs, and are not available to settle private debts.
Vendors, employees, and consumers seeking unpaid claims must pursue civil courts or other dispute resolution channels rather than relying on the licensing framework for repayment.

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13 Feb 2019

Projected Share of Operating Costs for Thomson-East Coast MRT Line to be Covered by Fare Revenues Versus Government Subsidies

The Minister for Transport outlined the government’s heavy investment in rail infrastructure and asset renewal, noting that operators bear operating and maintenance costs while the Thomson-East Coast Line will have its revenue risk borne by the government during its initial concession period.
Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked for the projected share of operating costs for the Thomson-East Coast Line to be covered by fares versus subsidies, and inquired about the financial sustainability of existing lines and potential adjustments to the financing model.
The Minister responded that the Thomson-East Coast Line is expected to receive significant subsidies, with fare revenue potentially covering less than half of operating costs in the early years, and acknowledged the need to balance funding between taxpayers, commuters, and operators.
Both speakers discussed the challenges of financing rail reliability improvements, with the Minister emphasizing the multi-year and multi-billion dollar nature of the effort and the need for a fair funding model.
The debate highlighted the complexity of determining the optimal financing model for MRT lines, considering factors like line maturity, market competitiveness, and the need to avoid excessive costs or profiteering.

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13 Feb 2019

Threat Level for Public Transport Facilities in Singapore

The threat level for public transport facilities in Singapore remains high due to their vulnerability and the potential for mass casualties, with LTA and Home Team agencies implementing tailored security measures and conducting regular exercises.
Public education efforts are ongoing, including videos at stations, SGSecure posters, and quarterly seminars for transport workers, to prepare both staff and commuters for security incidents.
The Ministry is open to exploring the idea of a public training facility, similar to Taipei’s model, to enhance emergency preparedness as part of the broader SGSecure movement.

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12 Feb 2019

Effectiveness of Differential Fares Scheme in Spreading Out MRT Commuter Load

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the effectiveness of the Differential Fares Scheme in spreading out MRT commuters during peak hours and whether further incentives for the elderly could be considered.
Khaw Boon Wan reported that the scheme, introduced in December 2017, has led to a 12% increase in pre-peak morning commuters, which is higher than the overall 2% ridership growth.
He noted that over 70% of seniors already travel during off-peak hours and indicated that the government will continue monitoring before deciding on additional incentives for off-peak travel.

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12 Feb 2019

Actions against Use of PMDs on Roads in Private Landed Estates

The Senior Minister of State for Transport confirmed that it is an offence to ride PMDs on roads, with 616 people caught in 2018, of which 18% were on minor roads in private landed estates.
The Land Transport Authority focuses enforcement on high-traffic areas and responds to footpath obstruction feedback by removing dangerous items or engaging residents to clear blockages, with fines up to $2,000 for offenders.
Both the authorities and residents share the responsibility to keep paths clear of litter and obstruction for the safe use of PMDs, personal mobility aids, and pedestrians.

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11 Feb 2019

Speeding Vehicles at Night along Stretch of Upper Bukit Timah Road outside Springdale and Southaven I & II Condominiums

Between 2017 and 2018, there were 14 complaints about speeding on Upper Bukit Timah Road, but none specifically mentioned the stretch outside Springdale and Southaven I & II condominiums, with only one of the 15 accidents in the area linked to speeding.
The Land Transport Authority will install red-amber-green arrow lights at junctions along the road by the end of the year to improve safety during right turns and U-turns.
Traffic Police will continue regular enforcement operations and have installed prominent speed limit signage, with consideration for future speed camera installation if needed.

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11 Feb 2019

Number of Drivers Aged between 18 and 21 and Probationary Drivers Arrested for Drink Driving in Past Five Years

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the number of drivers aged 18 to 21 and probationary drivers arrested for drink driving over the past five years.
K Shanmugam responded that from 2014 to 2018, an average of about 17 motorists aged 18 to 21 were arrested annually for drink driving.
The corresponding average for motorists with probationary licences was about 111 arrests per year over the same period.
Detailed statistics were provided in a table following the response.
The exchange highlights concerns about drink driving among young and probationary drivers in Singapore.

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11 Feb 2019

Mean Kilometres between Failure for N-S, E-W, Circle, N-E and Downtown Lines for 2018

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked for the Mean Kilometres Between Failure (MKBF) for the North-South, East-West, Circle, North-East, and Downtown Lines in 2018.
The Minister for Transport responded that the overall MKBF for the Mass Rapid Transit network rose from 181,000 train-kilometres in 2017 to 690,000 train-kilometres in 2018.
The MKBF performance for each individual rail line in 2018 was presented in a table included in the response.
The significant improvement from 2017 to 2018 indicates enhanced reliability across the MRT network.

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11 Feb 2019

Increase of Vehicular Traffic from E-commerce and Food Deliveries and Implications on Roads and Government Plans

Dennis Tan asked if the Ministry has studied the rise in traffic from e-commerce and food deliveries, and if so, to share findings, or if not, to consider doing so.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the Land Transport Authority monitors traffic but does not specifically track delivery-related vehicle use, citing no plans to require such data to avoid burdening businesses.
He noted congestion levels have remained stable in recent years, but no targeted study on delivery traffic is being conducted.

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11 Feb 2019

Plans to Encourage Take-up of Third-party Liability Insurance among PMD Users

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport about plans to encourage third-party liability insurance for PMD users and if the Ministry engaged the insurance industry.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that LTA promotes insurance through the Active Mobility Advisory Panel, engages insurers, and lists available products on its website.
LTA encourages registered e-scooter owners and employers like food delivery companies to purchase or provide insurance coverage.
PMD-sharing service operators applying for licences will be required to procure and maintain third-party liability insurance.

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11 Feb 2019

Second Five-year Extension of COE for Vehicles in Good Condition

Henry Kwek asked if a second five-year COE extension could be allowed for vehicles in good condition with a proper maintenance record.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that COE renewals align with new COEs, ensuring uniform premiums, but a five-year renewal is offered as an exception for owners who may not expect their vehicles to last longer.
The five-year renewal is conditional on deregistration afterward and cannot be extended further to prevent speculation on COE prices.

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11 Feb 2019

Prevalence of Road Accidents at Newton Circus and Adjoining Lanes

Between 2016 and 2018, the Traffic Police recorded an average of nine road accidents per year at Newton Circus and its adjoining lanes.
The Land Transport Authority is implementing safety improvements such as new pedestrian crossings, U-turn facilities to reduce roundabout usage, and additional traffic signals for vehicles entering the roundabout.
Authorities will continue monitoring the area, and road users are urged to exercise caution and consideration to help prevent accidents.

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