Transport — Topics

9 Jul 2018

Lower Speed Limits for Personal Mobility Devices on Footpaths

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked whether the speed limit for PMDs on footpaths and shared paths should be lowered and whether the maximum device speed for motorised PMDs should also be reduced.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that PMDs are subject to a 15 km/h limit on footpaths and 25 km/h on cycling/shared paths, with a device speed limit of 25 km/h for motorised PMDs.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel is reviewing footpath speed limits and will release recommendations later this year.
The speed limit on cycling and shared paths is not under review due to wider paths and fewer accidents, so the 25 km/h device speed limit remains unchanged.

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9 Jul 2018

Legislation to Prohibit Use of Personal Mobility Devices for Carrying Young Children as Passengers

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan asked whether the Ministry of Transport would consider legislation to explicitly prohibit the use of personal mobility devices for carrying young children as passengers.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that PMDs are a convenient transport mode and some are designed to carry passengers, emphasizing that users should ride responsibly.
He stressed that instead of a ban, PMD users should avoid carrying more passengers than the device is designed for and ride slowly to ensure safety for everyone.
The debate highlighted a focus on user responsibility rather than immediate legislative action to restrict passenger-carrying on PMDs.

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9 Jul 2018

Number of Errant Users of Personal Mobility Devices Caught Since Commencement of Active Mobility Act

Since the Active Mobility Act commenced on 1 May 2018, 297 errant PMD users aged 14 to 80 have been caught for offences like riding non-compliant devices, reckless riding, and speeding, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, and device seizure.
The Land Transport Authority is introducing a mandatory registration regime for e-scooters from early next year to deter reckless behaviour and help identify errant users.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel is reviewing regulations, including speed limits, helmet usage, and insurance frameworks, with recommendations expected by the end of the year.

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9 Jul 2018

Speed Regulators at Zebra Crossings to Slow Down Users of Personal Mobility Devices

Azmoon Ahmad proposed installing speed regulators at zebra crossings to slow down users of personal mobility devices.
The Land Transport Authority already uses speed regulating strips and signs at crossings to guide device users to slow down.
There is an existing code of conduct requiring users to stop, look, and cross at walking speed at pedestrian crossings.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel is reviewing user behavior at crossings and will release recommendations by year-end.

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9 Jul 2018

Traffic Impact Assessment for Construction of Staging Ground at Marina East

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether a traffic impact assessment was conducted before setting up the construction staging ground at Marina East and when it will be relocated.
Lawrence Wong confirmed a joint Traffic Impact Assessment was carried out in 2016 for staging grounds in the East Coast/Marina Bay area, with measures like queue bays and traffic control plans to minimise disruption.
The staging ground supports LTA’s rail and road projects; its future use will be reviewed upon project completion and in line with future development plans for the area.

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9 Jul 2018

Traffic Summons Issued to Drivers of Heavy Vehicles along Fort Road, Tanjong Rhu Road and Meyer Road

From 2016 to 2017, 170 traffic summonses were issued to heavy vehicle drivers along Fort Road, Tanjong Rhu Road, and Meyer Road, with unauthorised U-turns being the most common violation.
Authorities have increased police presence and enforcement actions, while also engaging construction site operators and fleet owners to promote safe driving behaviour.
Traffic control plans have been developed to manage heavy vehicle routes and timing, avoiding peak hours and residential areas to enhance road safety.

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9 Jul 2018

Outcome of Investigation into Causes of Collapse of Viaduct Structure at Upper Changi Road East

The investigation into the viaduct collapse at Upper Changi Road East has been completed by the Ministry of Manpower, Building and Construction Authority, and Singapore Police Force, leading to charges filed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers, while the Land Transport Authority (LTA) commissioned an independent engineer to investigate the cause.
LTA has mutually terminated its contract with Or Kim Peow Contractors and plans to engage a new contractor to demolish unsafe structures and complete the viaduct, with the project timeline to be reviewed after awarding the new contract.
LTA will enhance workplace safety by appointing site supervisors, conducting monthly and ad hoc inspections, and holding regular dialogues and safety training with contractors’ management and staff.

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9 Jul 2018

Effectiveness of CCTV Monitoring Zones in Deterring Parking and Alighting of Passengers in Prohibited Areas

Joan Pereira questioned the effectiveness of CCTV Monitoring Zones in deterring illegal parking and alighting, and the frequency of footage review for enforcement.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that LTA's use of CCTV since 2014 has been effective, cutting illegal parking offences by up to 90% at some locations.
The CCTV system automatically detects offences, and LTA's enforcement team reviews the footage daily.

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9 Jul 2018

Plans for Heavy Vehicle Parking Spaces in Housing Estates

Minister Lawrence Wong explained that Singapore has 42,280 heavy vehicle parking spaces, exceeding the number of registered heavy vehicles, with about 30,000 located near residential estates, though safety, noise, and land use concerns make it difficult to continue providing such spaces in housing areas.
When public heavy vehicle parking spaces in residential estates are phased out due to development, they will be replaced with spaces in industrial sites sold through the Government Land Sales programme, and business owners should coordinate transport options for drivers.
In Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency, there are 1,246 heavy vehicle parking spaces, of which 845 are public, all fully subscribed, with about 370 applicants on the waitlist.

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9 Jul 2018

Temporary Occupation Licences Issued to Commercial Plant Operators in East Coast/Marina Bay Area

Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Law how many Temporary Occupation Licences (TOLs) were issued for commercial plant operations in the East Coast/Marina Bay area, their purpose, and whether traffic or environmental impact assessments were conducted.
As of 31 May 2018, 13 TOLs were issued, mainly for concrete batching plants to support public infrastructure projects like the Thomson-East Coast Line and North-South Corridor.
The Singapore Land Authority, with LTA and NEA, assesses TOL applications considering project need, traffic, environmental impact, and alternative sites; mitigation measures like buffers and traffic signals are implemented.
Monthly stakeholder meetings are held to address issues, warning letters are issued for non-compliance, and TOLs may be rescinded for recalcitrant operators.

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9 Jul 2018

Unconsumed Funds in Respect of oBike's Exit from Singapore

oBike’s sudden exit from Singapore inconvenienced many users, prompting the Minister to outline that oBike is responsible for refunding deposits and removing its bicycles, with LTA and CASE overseeing the process.
The government introduced a new licensing regime under the Parking Places Act to regulate bicycle-sharing operators, aiming to internalize social costs and reduce indiscriminate parking, with the regime to kick in by October 2018.
Affected consumers are advised to file Proofs of Debt with the liquidator FTI Consulting, and LTA will study the need for security deposits or bonds if operators require them under the new licensing regime.

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9 Jul 2018

Passing Rate for Private Hire Driver Vocational Licence Test

The passing rate for the Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence test is about 80%, and tests are conducted only in English to ensure drivers can read road signs and communicate effectively with commuters.
The Ministry has no plans to offer tests in vernacular languages, as English is necessary for navigating roads and handling emergencies, though it works with drivers to provide remediation support for those struggling to pass.
The Ministry will study the possibility of allowing tests for persons with hearing disabilities and invites members to provide specific cases for follow-up.

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9 Jul 2018

Impact of Cancellation of High Speed Rail Project on Development Plans for Jurong Lake District and Related Areas

The Minister confirmed that plans for Jurong Lake District were developed before the High Speed Rail proposal and include commercial, housing, and transport upgrades that remain valid despite the project's cancellation.
The government has acquired land for Jurong Country Club and Raffles Country Club sites to support mixed-use developments, community facilities, and the Cross Island Line’s depot, with these needs unchanged by the HSR decision.
The Minister stated that while specific details and timelines may need adjustments if the HSR is cancelled, the overall vision and impetus for developing Jurong Lake District as an urban centre will proceed.
In response to a clarification, the Minister acknowledged that the cancellation could affect staging and timing of surrounding areas but emphasized that exact impacts are being monitored and will be addressed as needed.

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9 Jul 2018

Update on Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail Project

Malaysian leaders have indicated they may terminate the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project, but Singapore has not received an official notice, leaving Singapore to continue incurring costs under the binding bilateral agreement.
Singapore has already spent over S$250 million on the HSR project, with ongoing monthly expenses of over S$6 million, and expects to spend at least S$40 million more by end-2018 if the project is delayed.
The Minister emphasized that if Malaysia terminates the project, Singapore would seek compensation for incurred costs in accordance with the bilateral agreement and international law, not as a penalty but for actual expenditures.
Regarding the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, Malaysia has not officially confirmed its intentions, but the project’s joint venture company deadline was missed, potentially requiring an open tender.
Singapore continues to press Malaysia for official clarification on both projects to minimize wasted expenses and allow bidders and stakeholders to make informed decisions.

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18 May 2018

Deducting Expenses from Assessable Income Tax for Taxi Drivers and Private Hire Car Drivers

The Ministry of Finance currently does not allow tax deduction for car-related expenses for private hire car drivers, aligning with longstanding car ownership policies, but allows deduction for non-car-related expenses like operator commissions.
Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged that the tax policy predates private hire platforms and is being reviewed holistically in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport's regulatory review to ensure relevance.
The review will consider differentiating tax treatment for full-time versus part-time private hire drivers and may tie deductions to minimum mileage thresholds, pending clarity from regulatory updates.
The timeline for the review depends on the parallel work by the Ministry of Transport and Land Transport Authority; announcements will be made once both regulatory and tax treatments are finalized.

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18 May 2018

Review Options for Bukit Panjang LRT System

LTA evaluated non-LRT options like buses on existing roads or viaducts but found them infeasible due to severe congestion and the need for extensive civil works, leading to the decision to renew the Bukit Panjang LRT system with Bombardier.
The renewal will address past breakdowns by introducing wireless CBTC signaling, enhanced traction power systems, and new trains with AC propulsion, aiming for smoother rides by 2022 and full completion by 2024.
Despite the timeline, the Minister committed to intensifying maintenance now and exploring ways to accelerate train deliveries, while noting long-term car-lite visions may allow alternative uses for the viaducts in the future.

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18 May 2018

Suspending Shared PMD Permits Until Riding Culture Improves

Dennis Tan asked if the government would suspend commercial shared PMD services until riding culture improves, citing safety concerns.
The Minister of State replied that current measures include registration of e-scooters, public education, and enforcement, while licensing for shared services may be considered later after more study.
MPs raised supplementary issues on improving riding etiquette, handling PMD use in private premises like malls, victim compensation in accidents, and safety at crossings.
The Minister detailed multi-pronged efforts such as education campaigns, safety programs, enforcement, and trials with CCTV, while noting private landowners are responsible for PMD use on their property.
The Minister acknowledged rising accident statistics and said the Active Mobility Advisory Panel would review further measures, including insurance frameworks and speed limits.

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18 May 2018

Adequacy of Network Capacity Factor to Address Gap in Transport Cost and Fares

The Network Capacity Factor (NCF) was introduced to address the gap between transport costs and fares by accounting for changes in network capacity relative to commuter demand, ensuring the public transport system's sustainability while keeping fares affordable.
The government continues to provide significant subsidies for public transport infrastructure and services, with ongoing reviews of concession schemes to support low-income and elderly Singaporeans.
While the new fare formula aims to balance cost recovery and affordability, concerns were raised about potential fare increases contradicting car-lite goals and the need for greater transparency and inclusion of service standards in the formula.

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18 May 2018

Profile of Singaporeans on Public Transport Concession Schemes

The number of Singapore Residents with public transport concession cards increased from 1.4 million to 1.8 million over five years, with the senior citizen scheme accounting for over 40% of concession holders; by 2020, nearly 900,000 residents aged 60 and above are expected to qualify.
Senior citizens’ average journeys increased by around 50% over five years, while concession pass holders grew by about 30%, indicating more travel possibly due to factors beyond the concession scheme.
Concession schemes are reviewed by the Public Transport Council to ensure affordability, with low-income residents’ monthly transport expenditure as a share of household income dropping from 4.2% to 2.7% over the past decade; most schemes are cross-funded by full-fare paying commuters, except for government-funded Workfare and disability schemes.
The government will continue to review and potentially enhance concession schemes to address the ageing population and changing needs, while balancing financial sustainability of the transport system with fare affordability.

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7 May 2018

Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Transport will strengthen Singapore’s global connectivity by expanding Changi Airport and Tuas Port, and building new regional links like the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail and Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link to support economic growth and job creation.
Enhancements to domestic transport include expanding the rail network by 130 km by 2030, improving rail reliability, and developing cycling networks and bike parking in all HDB towns, alongside licensing frameworks for shared mobility services.
The ministry is advancing sustainability and innovation through electric car sharing, hybrid and electric buses, digitalisation of services, and the use of data analytics and AI to improve transport efficiency, safety, and user experience.
Efforts to support diverse mobility needs include making public buses wheelchair-accessible by 2020, creating more Silver Zones, and developing assistive technologies for commuters with special needs in collaboration with industry and community partners.

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