Transport — Topics

1 Oct 2018

Requests for More High Sheltered Linkways Across Roads and Crossings

Prof Fatimah Lateef requested an update on the pilot for high covered linkways and a timeline for pending requests.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that LTA has completed 200km of covered linkways, including 900 high ones over roads up to three lanes wide.
Requests for linkways over four-lane roads are costlier at about $550,000 each due to reinforcement needs, and LTA will assess priorities with community input.

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1 Oct 2018

Measures to Protect Private Hire Vehicle Drivers against Harassment from Commuters

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Ministry of Transport to introduce measures to better protect private hire vehicle drivers from harassment by commuters.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that the Protection from Harassment Act already makes it an offence to use threatening or abusive words or behave in a way that causes harassment, with penalties including fines or imprisonment.
The Ministry will continue collaborating with the National Private Hire Vehicles Association and private hire car booking service operators to ensure a safe working environment for drivers.

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1 Oct 2018

Waiting Time for Applicants for Heavy Vehicle Season Parking in Nee Soon GRC

There are 339 applicants on the waitlist for 845 public heavy vehicle parking spaces in and around Nee Soon GRC, with waiting times varying based on turnover and lot availability.
Applicants can use private HVP spaces with vacancies or explore alternatives via LTA’s one-motoring website, while nationwide HVP spaces (42,372) exceed the number of registered heavy vehicles (33,500).
Due to resident feedback on noise and safety, and the need for land for housing, new HVP spaces in residential areas are limited; future spaces may be introduced in industrial sites near the area.

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1 Oct 2018

Land Transport Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

The bill aims to amend the Land Transport Authority of Singapore Act to enhance its regulatory powers and operational efficiency for better public transport management.
The amendment is presented by the Senior Minister of State for Transport on behalf of the Minister, with the first reading completed and a second reading scheduled for the next parliamentary sitting.
The debate focuses on modernizing the legislative framework to support Singapore’s evolving land transport needs, including infrastructure development and service standards.

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1 Oct 2018

Speed Up Construction of Jurong Region MRT Line with Resources Diverted from Delayed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail Project

Foo Mee Har asked if resources from the delayed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail project could be used to speed up the Jurong Region MRT Line construction.
The Minister for Transport explained that the JRL is on a carefully planned timeline for safety and quality, citing complexities like utility diversions, interchange works, and tight corridors, and that the LTA is adequately resourced.
Dennis Tan inquired about ongoing HSR-related works during the suspension, and the Minister confirmed no such works would continue after winding down activities.
Gan Thiam Poh asked about the suspension date and tender status for the HSR's AssetsCo, with the Minister noting the tender was aborted due to the suspension, though strong interest had been shown earlier.

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1 Oct 2018

Considerations for Singapore’s Agreement to Malaysia’s Request to Postpone High-Speed Rail Project

Singapore agreed to Malaysia’s request to suspend the High-Speed Rail project for two years until May 2020 in the spirit of bilateral cooperation, though it could have enforced the original agreement and sought compensation.
The suspension will push the project’s completion to 2031 and incur abortive costs of S$15 million, which Malaysia will reimburse by January 2019.
If Malaysia does not resume the project by May 2020, it will be deemed terminated, and Malaysia must reimburse Singapore for all project implementation costs incurred up to the suspension.
Singapore remains open to discussions with Malaysia on reducing costs during the suspension but is not obliged to accept any proposed changes.
Staff working on the HSR project will be redeployed to other MRT-related projects in Singapore during the suspension to utilize their skills.

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10 Sep 2018

Per-trip Payment of Heavy Vehicle Drivers

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked if the government would ban per-trip payments for heavy vehicle drivers to prevent dangerous driving.
The Minister responded that while fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles have decreased, banning per-trip payments is not the solution as driver behavior is the main cause of accidents.
A Safer Roads Industry Taskforce recommended enhancing companies’ ability to manage driver behavior through technology, training, and improved processes instead of a ban.
Trials for speed-tracking devices and a Technology Challenge to fund safety solutions are underway, along with subsidised driver training and company education campaigns.

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10 Sep 2018

Advisory to Owners of E-scooters Which Do Not Conform to LTA's Regulations

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Transport whether there is an advisory for owners of non-compliant e-scooters and if not, whether LTA will produce one.
The Minister for Transport, Khaw Boon Wan, stated that all personal mobility devices used on public paths must not exceed 20 kg in weight, 700 mm in width, or 25 km/h in speed.
He advised that owners of non-compliant devices can approach retailers for modification or trade-in options or contact e-waste or metal recyclers for disposal, with a list available on NEA’s website.

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10 Sep 2018

Reported Cases of Senior Citizens Falling or Injured While Taking Public Buses

In the past three years, there have been approximately 50 reported cases annually of senior citizens being injured from falling on public buses, mainly due to sudden bus movements when moving off or stopping abruptly.
Measures to prevent such incidents include installing telematics systems on about 70% of public buses to help drivers review and improve driving patterns, though abrupt movements cannot be entirely eliminated due to unpredictable traffic situations.
Additional efforts focus on promoting courtesy, such as encouraging younger commuters to give up seats to senior citizens to enhance their safety and comfort.

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10 Sep 2018

Reason for Consistently Higher Number of Expired Category D (Motorcycle) COEs

The Minister explained that motorcycle dealers commonly bid for Category D COEs under their names and stockpile Temporary COEs (TCOEs) to facilitate immediate motorcycle delivery, a model that differs from the car trade where TCOEs are only bid upon confirmed demand.
This business model means dealers bear the risk of not using all TCOEs within the six-month validity period, with about 3% of Category D TCOEs expiring over the past three years.
There is no evidence of market speculation causing the higher number of expired Category D COEs.

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10 Sep 2018

Coordinating Body for Organisation of All Mass Sports Activities

Lim Biow Chuan suggested creating a coordinating body for mass sports activities to prevent traffic disruptions and late-night noise.
Grace Fu explained that agencies already coordinate, with organisers needing approvals from Traffic Police, Land Transport Authority, and Sport Singapore for road closures.
Organisers must engage affected residents and businesses about road closure timings and alternative access.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth will study the suggestion and engage Lim Biow Chuan on it.

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10 Sep 2018

Coordinating Body for Road Resurfacing Work

Melvin Yong asked about the scheduling, quality standards, and central coordination of road resurfacing works to avoid repeated work on the same road in a short period.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) inspects roads regularly and resurfaces them based on condition, ad hoc needs like accidents or defects, and post-utility works.
LTA follows international standards, such as the International Roughness Index, to ensure road quality during resurfacing.
The Road Opening Coordination Committee (ROCC), chaired by LTA, centrally coordinates resurfacing works across agencies to minimise repeated work on the same road.

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10 Sep 2018

Statistics on Number of e-Mobility Devices Registered, Violations Committed and Offenders Charged

About 13,300 power-assisted bicycles (PABs) have been registered since August 2017, with a registration regime for e-scooters planned for early next year, while other PMDs like hoverboards will not require registration due to lower usage and speeds.
Since the start of the year, there were about 650 offences involving PABs, including the use of non-compliant devices.
Since the Active Mobility Act commenced in May 2018, there were over 700 offences involving PMDs, including non-compliant devices and speeding.
The Land Transport Authority does not have records on the number of offenders charged.

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10 Sep 2018

Tweaking Bus Services within Boon Lay Place and Jurong West to Better Serve Residents

Patrick Tay requested the introduction of a new bus loop or tweaks to existing services to improve connectivity between Boon Lay Place and Jurong West for residents.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that current services like Bus 99 already provide direct or one-transfer travel between the two areas.
He stated that no new services or amendments are planned, as the area is adequately served and changes could negatively affect other commuters.

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10 Sep 2018

Findings of Animal Monitoring Programme Conducted at Central Catchment Nature Reserve

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked when the full findings of the animal monitoring programme at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve will be made public and whether the site investigation works resulted in the projected "mainly moderate impact" on the environment.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the Land Transport Authority completed site investigations for the Cross Island Line in the CCNR between May 2016 and September 2017, with a fauna monitoring programme developed in consultation with NParks and Nature Groups.
The LTA is analysing data from camera traps and transect surveys, with initial findings shared with NParks and Nature Groups, and will release the full results after further consultation.
Environmental monitoring for water, noise, light pollution, and waste management was implemented, with mitigation measures followed and compliance monitored weekly to minimise impact.
Camera traps detected animals like the Sunda Pangolin and Lesser Mousedeer after the site investigations were completed, indicating the area remains ecologically active.

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10 Sep 2018

Specific Period for Traffic Summons to be Issued to Driver/Offender

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry inquired if there is a specific period for issuing traffic summons, as evidence or recall may fade over time.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that agencies issue summons only with strong evidence, notifying vehicle owners within a week and non-owners within six weeks to verify identity.
He noted that time norms may not apply if an offence is reported by the public without strong evidence, requiring investigations to establish facts.

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10 Sep 2018

Exemption from Proficiency Driving Test for Class 4 Driving Licence Holders on Reaching Age 65

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked if Class 4 driving licence holders could be exempted from the proficiency driving test at age 65.
The Minister explained that ageing may affect driving ability, so all motorists over 65 must have their fitness certified, with heavier requirements for heavy vehicle drivers.
Heavy vehicle drivers must undergo annual medical exams and proficiency tests from age 65, and enhanced versions annually after 70, to ensure safety due to the higher risk and skill needed for such vehicles.

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10 Sep 2018

Measures to Ensure Safety in Areas with High Number of Elderly Accidents

The Land Transport Authority implements Silver Zones in areas with high senior pedestrian accidents or a high proportion of elderly residents, featuring speed limits of 40 km/h, speed bumps, barrier-free crossings, and enhanced lighting to slow traffic and alert motorists.
Existing 15 Silver Zones have shown a 75% reduction in accidents involving the elderly, with plans to complete six more by year-end and reach 50 by 2023, with potential for further expansion based on need.
Silver Zones include centre dividers to narrow lanes, reduced speeds, and longer green man timing to improve safety for elderly pedestrians.

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10 Sep 2018

Measures to Deal with PMDs and Vehicle Users Blaring Loud Music or Sounds in Public Areas, Pathways and Roads

The debate was initiated by Murali Pillai, who asked about measures to address the nuisance caused by PMDs and vehicle users playing loud music in public areas, pathways, and roads.
Khaw Boon Wan responded by emphasizing the Land Transport Authority's encouragement for considerate and gracious behavior among all transport users.
He highlighted the role of individuals in advising and nudging each other against ungracious actions, rather than solely relying on regulatory measures.

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10 Sep 2018

Mechanisms to Ensure Affordability of School Bus Services to all School-going Children

Schools use a competitive bidding process to select bus operators, with fare competitiveness as a key factor, enhanced since 2015 to include more operators.
Government measures like COE exemptions and road tax rebates help lower operators’ costs, enabling more competitive fares.
MOE provides a transport subsidy covering 50% of monthly bus fares for primary students on the Financial Assistance Scheme since April 2015.
Approximately 3,600 primary students currently benefit from MOE’s transport subsidy.

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