Transport — Topics

10 Jul 2018

Recourse for Victims of Hit-and-run E-scooter Accidents

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked what recourse pedestrians have after being knocked down by a hit-and-run e-scooter rider and whether compulsory third-party insurance for e-scooters will be introduced.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that under the Active Mobility Act, riders involved in accidents must stop and provide details, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both for hit-and-run offences.
He advised victims to file a Police report and noted that the Land Transport Authority will introduce a mandatory registration regime for e-scooters to aid identification and enforcement.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel is reviewing the insurance and compensation framework, including compulsory third-party insurance, with recommendations expected by year-end.
The review will balance the needs of pedestrians against the impact on responsible users and consider practices in other jurisdictions.

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10 Jul 2018

Top-up of EZ-link Cards at Passenger Service Centre of MRT Stations

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about the inability to top up EZ-link cards at Passenger Service Centres (PSCs), the limited availability of General Ticketing Machines (GTMs) for top-ups, and the absence of notes-changing services for commuters and tourists.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that all MRT and LRT stations have GTMs accepting cash top-ups in common note denominations, so PSCs do not provide cash top-ups.
He emphasized that encouraging e-payment at GTMs helps commuters avoid cash hassles and allows PSC staff to focus on operational efficiency and safety.

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10 Jul 2018

Projects Undertaken by PIE Viaduct Collapse Contractor

Miss Cheng Li Hui inquired about the number of projects undertaken by Or Kim Peow Contractors, safety measures in place, the need for stronger supervision, follow-up actions with implicated consultancy firms, and how the Ministry ensures responsible performance by these firms.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that LTA mutually terminated the TPE-PIE Changi Viaduct contract with Or Kim Peow Contractors, appointed an independent engineer to assess structural safety, and will demolish unsafe structures.
Or Kim Peow Contractors has two other LTA contracts for covered linkways, with increased inspections showing no safety non-compliance, and LTA ensures compliance through site supervisors, regular inspections, and training dialogues.
The implicated consultancy firms will be replaced, and their consultants face legal charges under the Building Control Act and Workplace Safety and Health Act, with LTA assessing past performance in future tenders.

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10 Jul 2018

Design PMD Rules to Keep Elderly, Younger and Disabled Pedestrians Safe

The Minister for Transport explained that PMD safety rules, including speed limits, device restrictions, and a code of conduct, were developed through public consultation and are enforced alongside education efforts.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel is currently reviewing areas such as speed limits, helmet use, and insurance frameworks, with recommendations expected by year-end to enhance safety.
The Minister emphasized that individual responsibility and respect for other path users are crucial for ensuring safe sharing of public paths.

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10 Jul 2018

Minimum Age for Users of Electric Bicycles, E-scooters and PMDs

Dennis Tan Lip Fong proposed setting a minimum age limit of 18 for users of electric bikes, e-scooters, and other PMDs for safety reasons.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that there is already a minimum age of 16 for power-assisted bicycles due to road use, but no age limit applies to PMDs like e-scooters since they are restricted to off-road paths.
He emphasized education over age bans, noting the Land Transport Authority’s Safe Riding Programme in schools to promote safe habits for PMD users.

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10 Jul 2018

Proposal for MRT stations for Cross Island Line at Fernvale, Sengkang, Hougang and Buangkok

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether the Land Transport Authority has completed its study for new Cross Island Line stations in Fernvale, Sengkang, Hougang, and Buangkok.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that engineering studies for the Cross Island Line are still ongoing.
The Land Transport Authority considers land use plans, transport needs, and construction safety when deciding station locations.
Station locations will be announced after the engineering studies are completed.
The minister did not confirm specific stations but emphasized the ongoing evaluation process.

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10 Jul 2018

Proposal to Tighten Regulations for Users of Personal Mobility Devices

Seah Kian Peng proposed tightening regulations for all personal mobility device (PMD) users, including compulsory licensing and mandatory public insurance.
The government accepted the Active Mobility Advisory Panel's recommendation to introduce mandatory registration for e-scooters from early next year, but not for other PMDs like hoverboards and unicycles due to lower usage and speeds.
The Panel is reviewing insurance and compensation frameworks, including optional compulsory third-party insurance, and will weigh the impact on responsible users against safety needs.
The review will consider practices from other jurisdictions and is expected to conclude by the end of the year, with recommendations to be published.

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10 Jul 2018

Enforcement Action against Errant Users of Personal Mobility Devices

Sylvia Lim questioned the Minister for Transport on enforcement actions taken against errant users of personal mobility devices since the Active Mobility Act began.
Khaw Boon Wan referenced a prior reply from the 9 July 2018 Parliament Sitting for details on enforcement actions.
The response pointed to an official report on the number of errant users caught since the Act commenced.
The debate highlighted ongoing concerns about safety on public paths involving personal mobility devices.
The exchange emphasized the government's reliance on previously provided data to address parliamentary queries.

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10 Jul 2018

Transport Safety Investigations Bill

The Transport Safety Investigations Bill is introduced to provide a legal framework for investigating transport occurrences and enhancing transport safety, with related amendments to other Acts.
The bill is presented by the Senior Minister of State for Transport on behalf of the Minister for Transport and undergoes its first reading in Parliament.
The bill is scheduled for a second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting and will be printed for further review.

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9 Jul 2018

Status in 2028 of Motorcycles Registered before 2003 under LTA's Classic Vehicle Scheme

Motorcycles registered before 1 July 2003 will not be allowed on Singapore roads after 30 June 2028, except those under Classic, Vintage (Restricted), or Revised Vintage Vehicle Schemes due to limited usage.
Motorcycles registered before 1 July 2003 and at least 35 years old by 30 June 2028 are eligible to convert to the Classic Vehicle Scheme.
Eligibility for conversion depends on meeting LTA requirements, including vehicle inspection and motor insurance coverage.
The Classic Vehicle Scheme allows these motorcycles to continue being used under specific conditions despite the general ban.
The policy aims to manage older vehicles while preserving heritage motorcycles through regulated schemes.

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9 Jul 2018

Plans for Polyclinic within MRT Station in Vicinity of Potong Pasir

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Health about plans for a polyclinic within one MRT station from Potong Pasir.
The Ministry of Health is developing a new Kallang Polyclinic in the Kallang-Balestier area.
The new polyclinic will be located next to Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital.
It will be within walking distance from Boon Keng MRT station.
The location is one MRT stop away from Potong Pasir MRT station.

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9 Jul 2018

Incidents of Vehicles with Objects not Properly Secured and Falling off onto Roads

Between 2015 and 2017, the Traffic Police recorded 248 instances of unsecured vehicle loads, with 80% involving heavy vehicles, and 13 related accidents, 11 of which involved heavy vehicles.
The police conduct regular enforcement operations, particularly on roads used by heavy vehicles, with offenders facing fines up to $180 and up to six demerit points.
The authorities engage heavy vehicle fleet-owners and drivers through road-safety dialogues to promote best practices for securing loads.
The Workplace Safety and Health Council issues advisories and guidelines on safe loading techniques to help reduce such incidents.

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9 Jul 2018

Rectification Works for Faulty Construction of Viaduct Structure Linking PIE and TPE at Upper Changi Road East

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if Or Kim Peow Contractors will bear the cost and responsibility for rectification works and additional expenses for the faulty viaduct linking PIE and TPE at Upper Changi Road East.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed LTA has terminated the contract with Or Kim Peow Construction and will recover appropriate costs from them.
LTA will appoint a new contractor to complete the viaduct construction and rectify any unsafe structures, with the project timeline to be reviewed after awarding the new contract.

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9 Jul 2018

One-off Exemption for Motorcycles Manufactured between 1993 and 2003 under Classic Vehicles Scheme

Ong Teng Koon proposed a one-off exemption for motorcycles manufactured between 1993 and 2003 to register under the Classic Vehicles Scheme.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the scheme requires vehicles to be at least 35 years old and can only be used on roads for up to 45 days a year.
The Ministry noted that motorcycles from 1993–2003 are only 15–25 years old, falling short of the 35-year requirement.
Khaw stated there are no plans to grant an exemption for these motorcycles to register under the Classic Vehicles Scheme.

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9 Jul 2018

Regulating Monopolistic Private Hire Car Market

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for Transport about regulating the monopolistic private hire car market after the Grab-Uber merger, its impact on consumers and drivers, and whether the regulatory framework would be expedited.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that the Land Transport Authority is reviewing the regulatory framework for the point-to-point sector to keep the private hire car industry open and contestable, with an announcement expected later this year.
The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore has issued a proposed infringement decision to Grab and Uber, including remedies to restore market contestability, and is seeking public feedback on their sufficiency.

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9 Jul 2018

Construction of Longer Tunnels for Residents to Nearest MRT Stations

Lim Biow Chuan asked if longer tunnels could be built to provide better sheltered links for residents to nearest MRT stations
Khaw Boon Wan said underground tunnels are much costlier and more disruptive than at-grade sheltered walkways, especially in mature estates
At-grade sheltered walkways are more inclusive as they cover all footpath users, not just commuters
The Walk2Ride programme will complete over 200 kilometres of at-grade sheltered walkways by year-end
The government prefers at-grade solutions over tunnels due to cost, disruption, and inclusivity considerations

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9 Jul 2018

Detrainment of Passengers in Bukit Panjang LRT Breakdown

Mr Liang Eng Hwa inquired about the procedures, safety measures, and potential improvements for detrainment during Bukit Panjang LRT breakdowns.
The Minister explained that detrainment prioritizes passenger safety, with trains halted, power switched off, and staff guiding passengers to safety via announcements and walkways, including assistance for those with special needs.
The current process is deemed safe and effective, with continuous reviews and regular exercises conducted to enhance incident management and staff readiness.

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9 Jul 2018

Raising Minimum Age Requirement for Private Hire Car Drivers to that for Taxi Drivers

Christopher de Souza asked if the Transport Ministry would raise the minimum age for private hire car drivers to match that for taxi drivers to improve passenger safety.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that driving experience, not age, is prioritized for safety, noting a requirement of two years' driving experience for private hire car drivers.
The LTA's current requirement focuses on experience rather than age for private hire car driver licensing.

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9 Jul 2018

Effectiveness of Enforcement on Designated Parking for Shared Bicycles

Christopher de Souza inquired about the effectiveness of enforcing designated parking for shared bicycles and sought further measures to prevent inconveniences to path users.
Khaw Boon Wan highlighted that indiscriminate bicycle parking is a major issue, with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) issuing over 3,300 removal notices to date.
LTA plans to introduce a licensing regime for bicycle-sharing operators by end-2018 to manage fleet sizes, require operators to address improper parking, and impose penalties on users who park outside designated areas.
The licensing regime will include QR code geo-fencing and temporary bans for users who repeatedly park improperly, alongside public awareness campaigns and additional parking spaces.
LTA aims to enhance enforcement through regulatory measures, operator collaboration, and user education to mitigate the impact of shared bicycles on public pathways.

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9 Jul 2018

Assistance for Candidates More Proficient in Own Vernacular Languages for Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence Test

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked if language assistance could be provided for Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL) test candidates more proficient in vernacular languages, while retaining English proficiency requirements.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that drivers must communicate in simple English and read basic English for navigation, as required for commuter interaction and road safety.
The government acknowledged language difficulties among applicants and offers employment assistance through the Employment and Employability Institute or Workforce Singapore for those seeking other jobs.
For those still wishing to drive, remedial classes by training providers like Singapore Taxi Academy and ComfortDelGro Taxi are available, with the Land Transport Authority ensuring language assistance is provided.

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