Transport — Topics

11 Feb 2019

Take-up Rate for parking.sg App

The Parking.sg app has been used by more than 550,000 unique vehicles, representing over 60% of cars, with over 15 million parking sessions initiated since its launch in October 2017.
Coupon usage has declined significantly, from 180,000 booklets monthly at launch to about 50,000 booklets in December 2018, while app sessions have tripled from 300,000 to over 1.1 million per month.
Currently, payments via the app are limited to credit and debit cards, but the team is reviewing user feedback for potential improvements, including exploring other payment platforms like PayNow.
Government agencies are promoting the app through flyers at motorist-frequented locations and social media advertising to increase awareness and adoption.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Feb 2019

Possibility of Operationalising Thomson-East Coast MRT Line Ahead of Schedule

The Thomson-East Coast Line is scheduled to open in stages from December 2024, with no likely acceleration due to safety and complex construction requirements.
There are no plans to extend the Thomson-East Coast Line to Pasir Ris and Punggol for added connectivity.
The Land Transport Authority is studying a possible extension of the Cross Island Line to serve Pasir Ris and Punggol, with engineering studies ongoing for that stretch.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Foreigner on Long Term Visit Pass Applying for Private Hire Car Vocational Licence

Murali Pillai questioned the circumstances under which a foreigner on a Long Term Visit Pass with a Letter of Consent can apply for a Private Hire Car Vocational Licence despite not meeting the LTA's requirement of a work pass with "chauffeur" as the vocation.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the Land Transport Authority does not allow Letter of Consent holders to obtain a Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence.
The debate clarified the policy restriction preventing foreigners with a Letter of Consent from acquiring the necessary licence for private hire car driving.
The exchange highlighted the misalignment between the Ministry of Manpower's Letter of Consent and LTA's vocational licensing requirements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Recent Accidents and Enhancing Road Safety on West Coast Road at Section between Penjuru Road and Jurong Town Hall Road

Between 2016 and 2018, 12 accidents were recorded on the specified stretch of West Coast Road, with current safety measures including integrated pedestrian crossings, countdown timers, road markings, double white lines with reflective markers, and safety bollards at bus stops.
The Land Transport Authority is studying additional traffic calming measures like centre dividers and bus-friendly humps to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance pedestrian safety.
Authorities will continue monitoring the area, and all road users are urged to exercise caution and consideration to prevent accidents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Stricter Alcohol Limits for Motorists

Murali Pillai proposed stricter alcohol limits for motorists under 21 or on probationary licences.
K Shanmugam explained that Traffic Police uses broader criteria for drink-driving beyond just blood alcohol limits.
The minister noted that current enforcement does not differentiate based on age or driving experience.
Young and probationary drivers are not statistically more likely to engage in drink-driving.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Flexibility for Bus Captains to Meet Bus Service Reliability Framework Requirements

The Bus Service Reliability Framework (BSRF) sets arrival time ranges to balance punctuality and bus speed, giving captains flexibility under varying traffic conditions, with incentives for operators that meet targets.
Bus captains have expressed stress from BSRF requirements, but operator support through training and service controllers has reduced complaints, according to the National Transport Workers' Union.
Commuters have raised concerns that buses may travel too slowly to avoid early arrivals, but the Land Transport Authority works with operators to review schedules and considers commuter feedback.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Putting Commuters First in Public Transport

Dennis Tan highlighted that while Singapore's public transport reliability has improved, metrics like MKBF exclude minor delays and do not fully capture commuter experience, and he called for broader reliability indicators and independent service quality assessments in fare reviews.
He proposed including operator profits in the fare review formula, mandating profit transfers from retail operations to infrastructure funds, and adopting multi-channel communication for service disruptions.
Dr Janil Puthucheary affirmed the government's commitment to commuter-centric transport, noting existing mechanisms like penalties, subsidies, and accessibility improvements have already enhanced reliability, affordability, and inclusivity.
The Senior Minister of State emphasized that fare policies have kept transport costs affordable relative to income growth, with concession schemes benefiting 1.8 million commuters, and that continuous refinement of existing frameworks remains the focus.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Impact of Causeway Jams on Businesses in Singapore

Leon Perera questioned the extent of impact from recent Causeway jams on Singapore businesses and asked about measures to reduce future jams and their effects.
The Minister for Trade and Industry stated that businesses and agencies work together to diversify supply chains, hold buffer stocks, and time deliveries to avoid peak periods, minimizing disruptions from jams.
The minister noted that while jams may delay deliveries, no major business disruptions have been reported, and companies can use alternative routes or reserve stocks if needed.
The government will continue monitoring the situation and collaborate with businesses to enhance supply chain resilience against various risks, including Causeway jams.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Average Number of Foreign-registered Motor Vehicles Driven in Singapore on a Given Day by Vehicle Type

In the last 12 months, foreign vehicles made an average of two million trips into Singapore per month, with motorcycles accounting for 78% of these trips, cars 15%, and the remainder by goods vehicles, buses, and taxis.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) enforces vehicular emission regulations at entry checkpoints, issuing on-the-spot notices for non-compliant vehicles and turning back excessively smoky commercial vehicles.
NEA collaborates with the Land Transport Authority and Traffic Police to conduct joint operations against noisy foreign vehicles and will continue exploring measures to reduce emissions from such vehicles.
The public is encouraged to report smoky or noisy foreign vehicles via NEA’s online feedback form, myENV application, or hotline.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Progress of Rapid Transit System Project Linking Johor Bahru to Woodlands

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is behind schedule due to Malaysia’s delays in confirming its joint venture partner, which has stalled the formation of the operator company and the signing of the concession agreement.
Singapore has prepared draft tender documents for an open tender as required by the bilateral agreement, but Malaysia has not responded, risking the inability to secure the Thomson–East Coast Line core systems before procurement options expire.
Both governments must jointly call a fair, international open tender by 31 March 2019 unless mutually agreed otherwise, but Malaysia’s lack of engagement makes this deadline uncertain.
Singapore remains committed to the project, has assembled a team and called civil tenders, but the RTS Link’s service commencement may be delayed beyond the original target of 31 December 2024.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Malaysia’s Intention to Build Third Road Link to Singapore

Mr. Ang Wei Neng questioned whether Singapore had been informed of Malaysia’s plan for a third road link and if it is necessary, suggesting possible locations.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that Singapore has received no official proposal from Malaysia regarding a new road link.
The Minister emphasized that Singapore’s priority is on existing bilateral projects and easing congestion at current land checkpoints.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Offence under Active Mobility Act for Users of Personal Mobility Device or Power-assisted Bicycle

Murali Pillai asked whether the Active Mobility Act would be amended to make it an offence for users of personal mobility devices or power-assisted bicycles to ride while using a mobile device or while intoxicated on public footpaths or roads.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that reckless or dangerous riding under intoxication or device use is already an offence under existing laws, with PMDs barred from roads and PABs regulated by the Road Traffic Act on roads.
The Ministry has no plans to create new specific offences, as current legislation already covers such behaviours, and efforts will focus on raising public awareness of existing rules.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Tighter Enforcement for "Reserved Seats" on MRT Trains

Yee Chia Hsing asked the Minister for Transport to improve regulation and enforcement of reserved seats on MRT trains, noting many able-bodied passengers do not give up seats to those in greater need.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the Land Transport Authority has run annual Graciousness Campaigns since 2009, which have increased seat-giving behavior, with 70% of commuters noticing more people giving up seats in recent years.
Khaw emphasized that promoting a gracious commuting culture is a shared responsibility and requires commuters to take initiative, with the goal of fostering a culture beyond relying solely on punitive measures.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Considerations for Award of Contract to School Bus Operators and Proposal for Fee Guideline

Schools select school bus operators through a competitive bidding process, considering factors like fare competitiveness, the operator's track record, and ability to meet school-specific needs such as bus capacity and route coverage.
The Ministry of Education enhances the bidding process to encourage more competitive offers and publishes contracted fares on its website as a reference for schools.
The Ministry does not plan to issue a fee guideline, as school bus services are customized and market-driven; instead, it focuses on measures to help operators lower costs for competitive fares.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Nov 2018

Traffic Signal Countdown Timers at Traffic Junctions

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked if LTA will install traffic signal countdown timers at junctions, citing their use in other countries to improve road safety.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that a 2003 LTA trial at North Bridge Road and Rochor Road found countdown timers did not improve safety and led to motorists accelerating to beat red lights.
He added that overseas trials also showed no significant road safety improvements, so LTA has no plans to install such timers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Nov 2018

Lessons for Singapore from October 2018 Hong Kong MTR Breakdown

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport about lessons from the October 2018 Hong Kong MTR breakdown and measures to prevent similar incidents in Singapore's MRT system.
The Hong Kong incident was caused by a signalling system failure due to loss of synchronisation between systems from different suppliers, which required isolating connections and rebooting computers to rectify.
Singapore's MRT lines have a low risk of similar issues because their signalling systems either operate separately or use the same supplier and settings, eliminating the need for cross-system synchronisation.
The Minister emphasized the importance of deep engineering expertise, adequate resources for maintenance, and standardisation of systems across Singapore's expanding rail network to manage complexity and reduce costs.
Singapore continues to monitor the Hong Kong investigation and will implement necessary measures to address any vulnerabilities in its own rail network.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Nov 2018

Introduction of Licensed Public PMD-sharing Services in 2019

The Government will introduce licensed public PMD-sharing services in January 2019, starting with small-scale sandbox operations to assess risks like fire safety and liability insurance before expanding.
The Senior Minister of State emphasized that PMDs provide convenient transport but require strict regulation, including e-scooter registration, public education, and infrastructure improvements to enhance safety.
Dennis Tan expressed concerns that hirers might be less responsible than owners, questioning how the Ministry will educate new users and ensure service providers enforce safe usage, while seeking details on the sandbox size.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

19 Nov 2018

Traffic Violations by Heavy Vehicle Drivers

The most common violations by heavy vehicle drivers are speeding and red-light running, with violations increasing by an annualised rate of 6.7% from 2013 to 2017.
The Traffic Police conducts road safety talks and dialogues with heavy vehicle owners and drivers, sharing causes of accidents and promoting good road safety practices.
Drivers are encouraged to refresh their skills through government-supported training programmes, with safety tips posted on the Traffic Police’s online portal.
Technological solutions like devices alerting to risky driving behaviour are being tested with partners, and effective solutions may be promoted for wider adoption.
The Ministry aims to reduce violations through education, skills upgrading, and technological innovation, given the potential for heavy vehicles to cause greater damage and loss of life.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

19 Nov 2018

Measures to Prevent Traffic Accidents at Causeway

There were nine traffic accidents on the Causeway within Singapore's jurisdiction since the start of the year, with eight involving motorcycles and one involving a motorcycle, lorry, and trailer.
The Traffic Police have placed signs at checkpoints to remind motorists to follow traffic laws and work with immigration authorities to manage traffic flow, especially during peak periods.
The Land Transport Authority has implemented safety infrastructure like demarcated lanes and arrow markings on the Causeway and Second Link.
Authorities will continue monitoring the situation and consider additional road safety measures if needed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

19 Nov 2018

Update on Plans for Development and Opening of Hume MRT Station

Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the plans to develop and open the Hume MRT station and the minimum residential population required for it to open.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that new MRT stations are opened only when there is sufficient ridership to justify the cost and ensure usage, balancing connectivity with prudent use of public funds.
Current residential developments near Hume station do not meet the ridership threshold, but the upcoming Rail Corridor development is expected to add visitorship to the area.
The Land Transport Authority is reviewing the ridership projections and business case for opening the Hume station.
A decision on the station’s opening will be announced when the review is completed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source