Baey Yam Keng
Singapore
“Our next generation will have far greater opportunities to make their mark here. The Government will also guide them into the transport sector through scholarships, training and career development pathways, so that they can put their talents to good use and contribute to society.”
“I would say that the greening of bus stop roofs may not be something that is practical across all bus stops. I do not have the exact figures, but I am sure we must have tens of thousands of bus stops in Singapore. So, there is a cost element.”
“Based on earlier trials conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), fans have a limited impact on the ambient temperature in an exposed bus stop environment. Commuter feedback from the trials was also unfavourable. Most bus stops are also shaded by surrounding buildings and trees, reducing the effectiveness of solar installations.”
“Certainly. Members would remember that over the years and decades, our bus stop designs have evolved. We have to take into consideration various factors, not just the comfort of commuters who are waiting there but also the practicality of sighting of buses coming ahead as well as maintenance, safety and different factors like that.”
“I thank Ms Gho for her concern for the arts and the artists. Indeed, it is part of our commitment to provide affordable, accessible spaces for artists and arts groups. We have announced last year that we are doing a study on how the arts spaces provision can be better improved and the study is ongoing.”
“Speaker, the median and maximum waiting time for pedestrians at signalised junctions are 120 seconds and 140 seconds respectively. Wait times for pedestrians depend on the nature of road, junction size and configuration, as well as prevailing traffic volume.”
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“Our next generation will have far greater opportunities to make their mark here. The Government will also guide them into the transport sector through scholarships, training and career development pathways, so that they can put their talents to good use and contribute to society. The torch is passed from one generation to the next, and the flame burns on. The future of transport is being built for the next generation and so we must build it together with them. As long as we remain committed to technological innovation and the development of our people, Singapore's transport system will continue to improve and benefit all Singaporeans. (In English): Mr Speaker, to conclude, our investments in transport research and innovation are strengthening our transport system today while preparing Singapore and Singaporeans for the future. By investing in both innovation and people, we aim to build a transport system that not only serves the future generations well, but one that they will help to shape. 6.24 pm”
“Even earlier, their grandfather used to drive a wooden tongkang along the Singapore River. Growing up, they spent much of their childhood in shipyards, immersed in the maritime environment. These early experiences shaped their interest in the industry and they later chose to join it. They did more than just continue the business. As the sector decarbonises, they founded Pyxis to develop electric vessels and introduce new technologies. Their journey shows how the next generation can build on what came before them and help transform the sector. This is why we want to tap on this potential and build clear and structured pathways for the next generation, as highlighted by Dr Wan Rizal. Through scholarships, work attachments and mentorship programmes, we will continue to help young Singaporeans gain skills and build meaningful careers in the transport sector. The future of transport should be built for future generations and hence, it should be shaped with them. Mr Speaker, allow me to say a few words in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The future of transport is not only about technological advancement – it is also deeply tied to our national development and overall competitiveness. What we are witnessing today is the fruit of labour, of generations before us. It is precisely because of the strong foundation laid by our predecessors that we can keep innovating and introducing new technologies into this sector. Encouragingly, a new generation is already injecting fresh energy into the industry. Building on this legacy, they continue to innovate, propelling the industry towards a more efficient and sustainable future. This also means that the industry is opening up exciting new frontiers for growth.”
“As rightly pointed out by Mr Jackson Lam, Mr Edward Chia and Mr Lee Hong Chuang, SMEs are a critical part of our transport ecosystem and must be supported to digitalise and remain competitive. Government agencies have worked with the industry to support SMEs in adopting digital solutions. For example, the Sea Transport Industry Digital Plan provides a clear roadmap to guide maritime SMEs in adopting digital solutions at each stage of their growth while building the necessary skills. To complement this, we have also introduced hands-on programmes. Under the MPA-Singapore Polytechnic Maritime SME Digital Adoption Pilot Programme, SMEs gain knowledge on digital technologies and acquire practical experience in applying automation and data analytics to their operations directly. This helps them move from awareness to implementation, strengthening capabilities and improving productivity. Beyond sector-specific support, the Government also works with industry partners to help SMEs build capabilities and access overseas opportunities. This includes public-private partnerships such as the Singapore Business Federation's Centre for the Future of Trade and Investment, which provides SMEs with advisory support on trade agreements, regulatory requirements and overseas opportunities. This brings me to my final point. The next generation is critical to the future of transport. They are not just future users of the system. They are our future planners, engineers, entrepreneurs and leaders who will shape what comes next. We have already seen how the next generation can make meaningful contributions. A good example is Pyxis. Mr Tommy Phun and Ms Lyn Phun are carrying forward their family's maritime legacy from Eng Hup Shipping, which was founded in 1957.”
“In aviation, we will focus on next-generation air navigation services. As air traffic grows, we need to manage more flights safely and efficiently. We will invest in AI-enabled air traffic flow management to better balance traffic demand with airport capacity, enabling smoother and more efficient flights. In maritime, we will continue to strengthen our smart maritime operations and services, and support the safe use of alternative maritime energy. As vessel traffic increases, we need to manage more activities within limited land and sea space, as well as manpower constraints. We will invest in AI-enabled port analytics and predictive traffic management to improve efficiency and reduce vessel turnaround times. As the sector transits to alternative fuels to reduce international shipping's carbon footprint, we will also invest in research to ensure they can be delivered and bunkered safely. Together, these efforts will help us to do more with less. We will make better use of our manpower in a tighter labour environment, while using less space and emitting less carbon so that Singapore remains strong as a global transport and connectivity hub. Mr Dennis Tan mentioned that Singapore cannot rely solely on adopting technologies developed elsewhere. This is why we are building our own capabilities in areas where we have unique strengths and operational advantages. As part of the $800 million investment, we will support our IHLs, research institutions and transport companies to develop Singapore-based expertise, generate valuable intellectual property and export to global markets. Ultimately, the value of innovation depends not just on what we develop, but how it is applied in real operations. Our SMEs will play an important role in making this happen.”
“This also builds on the point raised by Mr Ang Wei Neng on advancing the use of AVs in aviation and maritime. This will allow us to handle higher volumes more efficiently and enable workers to focus on tasks that require human judgement and expertise. Once developed, we will pilot these solutions with the industry. With our high volumes of cargo and supportive regulatory environment, Singapore can serve as a real-world "living lab" to test and deploy these solutions at scale. Once proven here, they can be adopted internationally. This reinforces the point raised by Mr Jackson Lam, that Singapore should not only be a transport hub, but a transport innovation hub. Autonomy alone is not enough. We must also improve how the transport system works as a whole. Therefore, we will invest in digital twins to manage the transport network more intelligently. For example, by integrating data across port, airport and logistics network, we can track cargo flows in real-time, anticipate disruptions and adjust operations more effectively. This also aligns with Ms Tin Pei Ling's suggestion to deepen digital twin capabilities, alongside proposals by Mr Sharael Taha and Mr Edward Chia to move towards a more integrated sea-air logistics control tower. To build our digital twins, we are strengthening our common digital infrastructure to facilitate sharing. We are leveraging platforms such as SGTraDex, which Ms He Ting Ru had raised, to strengthen such sharing and seeking more partners for existing use cases and to drive new ones. At the same time, we will continue to deepen sector-specific capabilities across aviation, maritime and land transport. I will elaborate on aviation and maritime which are closely related to this Motion.”
“In July 2025, CAAS and seven regional partners successfully trialled the automated exchange of simulated flight management information, to collaboratively manage flights across the region. Over time, this will lead to more punctual and predictable flights, as well as lower fuel use and emissions. In maritime, similar improvements are taking place. MPA invested in smart port operations and vessel coordination, to improve efficiency across port activities. For example, AI-enabled vessel voyage planning helps shipping companies plan more fuel-efficient routes and coordinate vessel arrivals more effectively. Although it is at the prototype stage, simulated trials have shown reduced fuel use, pointing to more efficient scheduling and faster turnaround times. In a major hub like Singapore, this translates to lower costs and smoother, more reliable movement of goods. These examples show how our investments are strengthening reliability and efficiency of our transport system today. While we continue to improve the transport system today, we must also prepare for what lies ahead. We face tightening manpower, limited space and growing climate challenges. This makes innovation even more critical. Therefore, we will invest $800 million to support research in transport and connectivity, with approximately two-thirds directed towards cross-cutting capabilities in autonomy and digital twins. A key challenge is tightening manpower, even as our transport system becomes more complex. As such, we are investing in autonomy to fundamentally improve how operations are carried out. We will focus on new operating models involving AVs, vessels and robotics across our port, airport and logistics network.”
“Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion. Members have spoken about what the future of transport could hold and why we must invest today to capture new opportunities tomorrow and remain competitive globally. I fully agree. The seeds of the future must be planted today, through sustained investments in technology, systems and our people. As Acting Minister Jeffrey Siow mentioned, MOT plans to invest $800 million over the next five years on transport research and innovation. I will elaborate on how our investments are strengthening our transport system today, while preparing Singapore for the future. Transport connects Singapore to the world through our aviation and maritime networks, underpinning our competitiveness as a global hub. We cannot take this for granted. We must continue to plan ahead and invest in the future of transport. I will cover three points. First, how our investments are making a difference today. Second, why we must continue to innovate for the future. And third, why we must build the future together with the next generation. Across aviation, maritime and land transport, our investments are already improving reliability and efficiency today. Given the focus of this Motion, I will highlight examples from aviation and maritime. In aviation, CAAS invested in next-generation air traffic management concepts and tools, to optimise flight operations amidst growing traffic density. One focus area is collaborative decision-making. An example is the Regional Collaboration Platform, which is an experimentation tool that allows air navigation service providers to share information and optimise air traffic flows across the region.”
“I would say that the greening of bus stop roofs may not be something that is practical across all bus stops. I do not have the exact figures, but I am sure we must have tens of thousands of bus stops in Singapore. So, there is a cost element. And as mentioned earlier, whether it is practical because the vegetation there also needs sunlight and water. So, if the surrounding has a lot of tall buildings or tall trees that do not provide enough sunlight, then the green roof will not grow well. So, we will have to look at the conditions, whether they are favourable for a green roof to succeed and flourish. And then, as I said, it will also be done in tandem with the regular schedule of bus stop rejuvenation.”
“Certainly. Members would remember that over the years and decades, our bus stop designs have evolved. We have to take into consideration various factors, not just the comfort of commuters who are waiting there but also the practicality of sighting of buses coming ahead as well as maintenance, safety and different factors like that. So, as we predict more climatic challenges ahead, if we are able to address that and provide a more conducive environment for waiting commuters, that is something that we will definitely look into.”
“I thank the Member for her interest in this area. Yes, we are looking at options all over the world, but they need to be commercially viable and available. I had a quick look at what the Member had suggested, the one in Spain. If I am not wrong, it is a university research project. So, it is probably still at an early stage and I understand that it will also require some underground water piping to include mist in the fans. So, this sounds quite expensive and I am not sure whether we will be able to do it and deploy across Singapore at bus stops. Even though our trial was done 10 years ago, I think certain factors like shading from buildings and trees is still a factor that we have to overcome. In fact, I think the effect would have been more pronounced now because of our continuous greening efforts in Singapore. But we will continue to look at that. The question about the green roof deployment, it is not just about putting turf or soil on the bus stop roof and planting some seeds because the structure of the roof must be reinforced to handle the additional weight as well as needs for access for maintenance and things like that. So, we will normally do it during the scheduled refurbishment of bus stops. It would be carried out in phases. We note the Member's interest for her area in Nee Soon. I am sure other Members will be interested as well, but we will do it in due course. On the second point about heat resilience, may I ask the Member to just clarify again? I did not really get the question.”
“Based on earlier trials conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), fans have a limited impact on the ambient temperature in an exposed bus stop environment. Commuter feedback from the trials was also unfavourable. Most bus stops are also shaded by surrounding buildings and trees, reducing the effectiveness of solar installations. We therefore have no plans to install solar-powered fans at bus stops. LTA will continue to study other options to improve commuter comfort at bus stops, including the use of green roofs which can help lower the ambient temperature.”
“I thank Ms Gho for her concern for the arts and the artists. Indeed, it is part of our commitment to provide affordable, accessible spaces for artists and arts groups. We have announced last year that we are doing a study on how the arts spaces provision can be better improved and the study is ongoing. We will be sharing the findings and recommendations when we are ready.”
“So, it serves a variety of functions. We will customise it for the need of the particular crossing and where possible, we use technology data from the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) 2.0 system to allow us to better assess the different needs and then to achieve a more optimal situation for all.”
“Sir, the configuration for signal timing needs to strike a balance among all the users of the junction, whether vehicles on the roads or pedestrians. And while I appreciate that the Member has concern for people waiting longer at the traffic junction, waiting for the green man, we also have to take account for traffic. Traffic is not just private vehicles. It also includes public buses, which need to stick to a schedule to make sure they bring commuters to work on time. So, we do need to look at the interest of all parties, which will be affected by changes in the traffic light timings. Having said that, we do take a look at the junctions in question. So, we mentioned that there is a median time; it is not a fixed time for every junction. We look at the configuration, the volume of pedestrians and traffic, so that we are able to achieve an optimal situation to balance the different needs. We do have dynamic systems that are able to track traffic volume. We are working on a better system where at certain junctions we might want to install cameras at the pedestrian waiting area to track pedestrian volume and whether we are able to build that capability to also incorporate pedestrian data to adjust traffic lights timings dynamically. But it will be within a certain range. As for the green man, the Member was talking about pressing the button, whether that activates it faster. I think it depends on the junction. For some, it does turn faster; and for some, there are some crossings where the lights do not usually change because it has a very low pedestrian crossing volume. And therefore, the lights are green in favour of the traffic, and unless someone presses it and then, it will turn red or have the green man turned on for the pedestrian.”
“Speaker, the median and maximum waiting time for pedestrians at signalised junctions are 120 seconds and 140 seconds respectively. Wait times for pedestrians depend on the nature of road, junction size and configuration, as well as prevailing traffic volume. For example, waiting times at signalised junctions of Friendly Streets, which we are expanding to every town by 2030, are under 60 seconds.”
“On the use of the Culture Pass, right now, we have set it at age 18 and above. I think it is also to respect that the individual has to exercise their own decision to purchase things, whether books or any other cultural offerings. As for the younger Singaporeans, they are also supported for their consumption of arts offerings in schools, because under 18, most of them will be in our education institutions. As shared, there are various arts programming that we are working with MOE, with the arts ecosystem to provide these offerings. And a lot of these are heavily subsidised or even free of charge to help us develop a generation of Singaporeans who are exposed to and can appreciate the arts. So, the Culture Pass is for those who are much older. As I said, it is just about half a year that we have launched the Culture Pass. We will look at how it is utilised. We will definitely look at ways to further enhance this or to make it more accessible to Singaporeans.”
“Strengthening our shared identity will enable us to overcome these challenges with confidence. We must renew our commitment to multiculturalism. The arts have the unique power to deepen our distinctive brand of multiculturalism and build a more inclusive Singapore. We will continue to invest in and grow the arts landscape to amplify its positive impact.”
“I am happy to announce that NAC will enhance the Arts Resource Hub to better address the challenges they face. Over the years, the Arts Resource Hub has provided SEPs access to legal guidance through contract templates and peer learning opportunities. We are starting a partnership with Pro Bono SG this year. It will provide SEPs with education programmes and tailored resources to strengthen their understanding of legal topics and empower them to capitalise on opportunities. SEPs can also tap on consultations with a dedicated onsite lawyer. NAC will also introduce a new Creative Entrepreneurship Programme to support SEPs in developing entrepreneurial skills and growing their portfolios for greater financial resilience. Both initiatives will be available in the second half of this year. These initiatives that I shared today ensure that we continue to have strong funding, talent and domestic support pipelines for the arts, which Ms Eileen Chong spoke about. As we support our artists and arts groups to thrive and express our cultural heritage, they serve as our ambassadors to the world. Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh had asked about using cultural diplomacy to reinforce our Singapore identity. We will continue to support our practitioners to make their mark internationally and to showcase our Singapore identity beyond our shores. For instance, the Singapore Pavilion at the Osaka World Expo 2025 featured many local performing artists, including multicultural ensemble yINHarmony, acapella group The Island Voices and Bharathanatyam dancer Shruthi Nair, showcasing Singapore's rich cultural diversity to global visitors. Mr Chairman, as we look ahead, Singapore must prepare to face new waves of challenges from a changing world.”
“These programmes are designed to enhance the well-being of seniors at AACs. We aim to grow the pipeline of skilled practitioners who can deliver effective arts-based well-being programmes. We have conducted these programmes in 28 AACs and aim to reach a total of 110 centres by 2028. Dr Kenneth Goh and Ms Goh Sze Kee asked about how we are supporting our artists to build sustainable and resilient careers. We will continue to invest in the growth and development of our local arts and culture sector to support its ambitions. This includes encouraging and catalysing private sector support through measures, such as the Cultural Matching Fund, which provides matching grants for donations to arts and heritage charities and to date, more than $450 million has been matched to around 130 unique charities, and we also have the Patrons of the Arts and Patron of Heritage Awards to recognise contributions to the local culture sector. Arts self-employed persons (SEPs) form a significant segment of Singapore's arts workforce. We are committed to empowering them to build capabilities and forge meaningful careers. Since I launched the Arts Resource Hub back in 2019, more than 4,000 SEPs have subscribed to the Arts Resource Hub. This is around two thirds of our arts SEPs in Singapore. Julian Low is one example. He went through the Arts Resource Hub's IGNITE programme, which provided mentorship, networks and guidance in building a brand identity. Julian established Wushiren Theatre with his wife in 2024. Their debut production, I Am Finally In Love With The World, was successfully staged in 2025. We recognise that our arts SEPs face evolving challenges that require enhanced support.”
“Besides expanding access to the arts and developing audiences, we are exploring ways to harness the potential of the arts to generate positive social impact. One such area is in arts education research. Positive engagement with the arts from a young age supports holistic development. Through sustained and localised research, we can better determine how arts-based education can nurture the next generation of Singaporeans. MCCY has commissioned a five-year research study on how arts engagement can boost creativity and strengthen the socio-emotional well-being of our students. The study is led by the National Institute of Education, in partnership with MCCY, NAC and the Esplanade. Through this study, we hope to provide insights for schools and arts agencies that inform efforts to support youth development. Another emerging area that shows great promise is the nexus of arts and well-being. The National Gallery Singapore's Slow Art Guide is an example, delivered through a self-guided audio experience and reflection booklets. Through slow looking and mindfulness exercises, the initiative encourages visitors to engage mindfully with artworks. This evidence-based approach positively impacts mental health and cognitive function. 5.00 pm As Singapore's population ages, the arts provide a platform for our seniors to live and age well. NAC has partnered SingHealth Community Hospitals and the Agency for Integrated Care on a research study. The study aims to determine the impact of arts programmes on senior well-being. The insights will help design effective interventions to support our seniors. NAC is also working with the arts community and healthcare and community care practitioners on a series of arts programmes.”
“This could support artists who interweave elements from different cultures in a meaningful way and those who wish to develop mastery in art forms beyond their own cultural traditions. It will also support ecosystem-building activities that strengthen the multicultural arts landscape. The Multicultural Arts Programme Grant will be launched in the coming months, and NAC will share more details then. Another initiative that expands access to local arts and culture offerings is the SG Culture Pass, launched in September 2025. Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh had asked whether it is reaching new audiences. I am pleased to share that over 1.2 million citizens have registered for the SG Culture Pass. Of these, seven in 10 had not attended a local arts and culture programme in the past five years. Among those who have used their credits, nine in 10 expressed interest to attend another local programme. Through the Culture Pass, Singaporeans have discovered more about different cultures in Singapore beyond their own. I thank Assoc Prof Terence Ho for suggesting regular top-ups of the Culture Pass, first-timer discounts and bonus credits. As the scheme was just launched recently, MCCY will monitor utilisation trends before making adjustments. Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the statistics, which show that the Culture Pass has helped Singaporeans discover the diversity of our local cultural landscape. Assoc Prof Terence Ho also asked about whether more could be done to support our local publishers and bookstores. Since 1 March 2026, Singaporeans have been able to spend their Culture Pass credits on Sing Lit books at participating bookstores. This strengthens our support of the local literary arts sector and directly benefits publishers and bookstores.”
“We have been doing this through ArtsEverywhere@CDC, which brings arts and cultural performances to our everyday spaces. For example, Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts presented a blend of traditional Malay art forms, with musicians playing the angklungs, dancers weaving melodies into stories and intricate wayang golek puppets. The initiative has reached audiences of more than 63,000 since its launch in 2024. Looking ahead, we will focus on showcasing Singapore's multiculturalism through ArtsEverywhere@CDC in our heartlands. We will introduce more traditional arts and cross-cultural performances and programmes. These will deepen Singaporeans' understanding and appreciation of the cultures and traditions of different ethnic communities. For instance, the Open Score Project, co-founded by Gildon Choo, combines global ethnic musical cultures and pushes the boundaries of cross-cultural collaboration. As part of ArtsEverywhere@CDC, their ensemble performed at Jurong Lake Gardens last year. Through such programmes, we can grow a deeper appreciation for arts experiences that connect our cultures. We want to encourage even more arts practitioners and groups to nurture connections and collaborations that express who we are as a people. To support this, I am happy to announce a new Multicultural Arts Programme Grant, seeded by the President's Challenge and MCCY; $20 million will be available over the next five years to support practitioners and organisations developing traditional and multicultural art forms and promoting cross-cultural engagement through the arts. The Grant will support artists and projects blending elements from different cultures, traditions and disciplines.”
“NAC is expanding opportunities for students to do so. At the preschool level, NAC will commission artists and arts groups to develop offerings that enable sustained access to arts experiences. One of the programmes, designed with The Artground, focuses on multicultural arts. The programme will feature Malay and Indian dance, Peranakan arts, traditional hand puppetry and Chinese Opera. NAC will pilot these programmes with selected preschools. At the secondary school level, NAC will introduce a two-year Ethnic Fusion Dance Programme, delivered by O School Limited. This enrichment programme will allow students from different schools to learn about various ethnic dance forms together, then apply them in contemporary dance. The students will have a chance to audition for a final showcase at Super 24, a regional competition featuring dance groups from across Asia. We will strengthen funding support for schools to bring in artists to deliver traditional and multicultural arts learning experiences. Currently, under the Artist-in-School Scheme, NAC funds 70% of supportable costs for schools to bring in artist-run programmes, up to $15,000 per year per school. NAC will increase support for artist-run traditional and multicultural programmes under the AISS, to fund 100% of supportable costs, up to $25,000 per year per school. For 2026, NAC has curated close to 300 programmes under the NAC-Arts Education Programme, working with MOE schools to nurture an appreciation of Singapore's multicultural identity among students across all levels. This is nearly a 35% increase from 2025, offering schools more choices to spark greater interest in multicultural arts. Beyond schools, we will increase the exposure of multicultural arts in the community.”
“Drum Feng opened the performance with Chinese drums, which was then joined by Nadi Singapura's kompang and rebana drums, and Singapore Dhol Squad's parai drums. These instruments from different cultures blended seamlessly to deliver a great performance. We will continue to support our traditional arts and culture, so that this precious part of our cultural heritage is passed down to future generations. Various artists and arts groups whom we have consulted gave us this advice to develop multiculturalism through and in the arts. We must work harder to engage the young to understand and appreciate the cultural heritage within and across the various ethnic communities and to expand the reach of monocultural traditional art forms within the general population. In particular, we should promote cross-cultural awareness and appreciation. By building these bridges, we learn to better appreciate the culture and art forms outside our own ethnic community. Upon this strong foundation, we can do more to support cross-cultural artistic creations that are sophisticated, innovative, high quality and that are uniquely Singapore. To achieve this, we will provide more support to promote the development of multicultural art forms, whether through productions that infuse the influences of other cultures, creations and organisations that express our multiculturalism, or artists learning a new cultural art form from another ethnic community. This must start at a young age. As Ms Eileen Chong spoke about, fostering greater participation among the young is important for the long-term sustainability of the arts sector. Early and meaningful engagement with our diverse arts traditions lays the foundation for our children and youths to appreciate one another's cultures.”
“Mr Chairman, Acting Minister spoke about how multiculturalism bridges communities and forms the core of who we are as Singaporeans. Multiculturalism is and has always been, the bedrock of the Singapore identity. For Singapore, a sense of shared identity is essential. It holds us together and gives us a sense of belonging. Our multicultural identity reminds us of what it means to be Singaporean. Today, we embrace it as a way of life. This was on display just recently, when Chinese New Year coincided with the start of Ramadan. Last Saturday afternoon in my constituency, I saw Muslim residents doing the lohei together with the community at a Chinese New Year celebration and grassroot leaders dabaoing the buffet, so that they can enjoy it after breaking fast. Even so, there is more that we can do and should do to deepen our multicultural DNA. Around the world, we see how social diversity leads to fragmentation. It is therefore critical that we strengthen our cross-cultural understanding and deepen our shared identity. This is where the arts can be a powerful catalyst. Through the arts, we get to know ourselves and where we came from. More importantly, arts encourage us to look beyond their differences and value our commonalities. It is encouraging that in the Population Survey on the Arts, conducted by the NAC, eight in 10 Singaporeans agreed that the arts allow us to better understand people from different backgrounds and cultures. Over the years, the local arts scene has developed generations of practitioners, groups and platforms that embody Singapore's diverse cultural traditions. Two weeks ago, I attended the Spring Reception held at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. One of the performances was a multi-ethnic percussive showcase.”
“These are things that would need to be worked through. LTA will be happy to look into it and we can provide more details if the Member can file a Parliamentary Question.”
“I would like to update the Member that right now, for upcoming condominium developments with more than 700 dwelling units and are located within 400 metres of a MRT station, developers are already required to submit walk-cycle-ride plans as part of the development application process. If covered linkways are required to connect residents to nearby transport nodes, URA will work with LTA to impose requirements on the condominium developers to construct these covered workways as part of the planning approval. So, that is for new developments. I know that for existing condominiums or estates that were built before this requirement, there could be challenges. And for LTA's planning, you might be aware that we already provide linkways, covered linkways within transport nodes, 400 metres, 800 metres within Friendly Streets and all these. But in areas where the land belongs to another agency, like PUB as in the case that he mentioned in his cut, LTA will help to discuss with the different stakeholders. If it is on PUB land, PUB must give approval. And we have to respect the authorities' assessment of the land. There could be drainage or water pipes underneath that may be affected if we have to dig and build a sheltered linkway. So, there are technical considerations that we have to respect in the respective agency's assessment. I know the Member has been pushing for a particular condominium, Parc Vera, if I am not wrong. In the case of that particular condominium, I understand that the condominium does not currently meet the LTA's requirement because there is no internal sheltered linkway from the residential building to the side gate – so that must first be in place, before LTA can even think about joining it to a bus stop or transport node.”
“Yes, I thank Ms Chen for the clarification. Indeed, to make our commuting experience enjoyable, pleasant, every commuter plays a role. Therefore, whether is it someone who needs help or can offer help, we want to make this a norm that people are encouraged to ask for a seat, you know, and it is not just for priority seats. Any seats could be taken or could be given up for anyone who is in greater need. So, we have the Caring Commuters' movement. We have Caring Commuter champions. We have the graciousness campaign going on. And we will continue in these efforts to cultivate a gracious and a caring culture on public transport. We hope that through education we can develop a new generation of commuters. And the kids can also influence their parents and elders to be more thoughtful for other commuters.”
“I believe that with that kind of approach, we will be able to cater to the needs of our ageing population in time to come.”
“As Ms Tin has mentioned, with the changing needs of the population, our infrastructure needs to keep up with the needs. Infrastructure like pedestrian overhead bridge (POB) lifts, as mentioned, we are in this current phase with more than 100 POB lifts. This is Phase 4. We are now focusing on locations that serve more seniors. We may need a few years, because as we have mentioned in the House before, construction of a pair of lifts at the POB is not so straightforward. We need to look at underground services that may be disrupted and various things. It does take time and resources. The Member has rightly pointed out, it is not just building it, it is also maintaining the lifts subsequently. After Phase 4, do we have Phase 5 and subsequent phases? We do have Members asking for lifts at POBs in their respective areas. I believe, if I am not wrong, we have easily more than 700 POBs around Singapore. I do not think we will be able to install lifts at all the POBs or, in that argument or rationale, improve amenities or infrastructure to cater to all needs of the population over time. I think MOT and LTA will have to look at each of the request and come up with a strategy of addressing the needs of as many as commuters as quickly as possible, as I have mentioned in my speech. It is about balancing the different needs, managing our resources prudently, bearing in mind not only the cost of the construction development but the whole tail of maintenance. We will definitely make sure that whatever we build will be maintained properly. We call to the public and commuters to make use of these facilities properly, make sure that they last a long time so that we do not need to do repairs or refurbishment too frequently.”
“I hope that as we use our shared paths, let us take greater care and not leave safety to chance, be gracious when resolving any differences and look out for one another. (In English): Mr Chairman, to conclude, we will continue to work hand in hand with fellow Singaporeans to enhance our land transport system and commuter culture. This will ensure that it is future-ready and able to meet the diverse needs of our people.”
“] Since November last year, we have embarked on a year-long public consultation to update the Land Transport Master Plan with the aim of exploring different commuting needs together and jointly shaping our future transport system. Over the past four months, we have received suggestions to improve transport connectivity and enhance journey comfort. Most people aspire towards a more inclusive and caring commuting culture. This requires everyone to do their part. Whenever you are travelling on the MRT or public buses, do you notice passengers who need the seats and lifts more, such as seniors, wheelchair users, pregnant women and parents with strollers, and voluntarily give way to them? We also understand the difficulty faced by many parents travelling on public buses with strollers. Therefore, we will implement a pilot programme starting in April this year. On approximately 10 bus routes, bus captains will help parents with strollers and wheelchair-bound passengers with the use of the designated spaces, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sometimes, buses may be rather crowded. I encourage passengers to be more understanding of one another and assist those in need. The same hands you extend to help others today are in fact paving the way for your family and loved ones' needs tomorrow. The spirit of mutual courtesy and care should also extend to the use of public roads. To ensure the safety of different users, such as pedestrians and users of personal mobility devices, LTA has implemented relevant regulations and optimised road infrastructure. We will continue public education and enforcement in this area to address dangerous and illegal behaviours.”
“This reduces the risk of accidents with other path users such as those boarding or alighting from buses. At the same time, pedestrians should also do their part to stay alert to oncoming riders or any potential danger by keeping their eyes and ears open. Where possible, we also have designed infrastructure to enable safe use and sharing of paths. For example, LTA builds bypass paths behind bus stops to separate cyclists from bus commuters where possible. Markings, signs and speed regulating strips also remind cyclists to slow down and give way to pedestrians near bus stops. LTA also enforces against cyclists who speed or ride recklessly. We will continue to monitor accidents and public feedback to identify areas for improvement. On whether to prohibit pedestrians from walking on cycling paths when a dedicated alternative is provided, this had been deliberated before. We do not plan to prohibit pedestrians from using cycling paths adjacent to Pedestrian-Only Paths. This provides pedestrians, who are the largest group of path users, with the flexibility to also walk on the cycling paths when it is safe to do so. Our approach is to clearly demarcate the paths and focus on strengthening user awareness about path safety through education and outreach efforts. Users are advised to keep to their own paths under the Code of Conduct. Enforcement officers on the ground and volunteers from the Active Mobility Community Ambassadors scheme will also educate pedestrians seen walking on cycling paths to keep to the Pedestrian-Only Paths for their own safety. Chairman, I will now say a few words in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.”
“I also encourage commuters to show acts of care by actively giving up their seats to those who need them more, including those carrying the striking yellow "Helping Hand" cards. We also want to make it a norm for those who need a seat to ask for one. While some commuters may not notice that you need a seat, I am sure that most people are understanding and are prepared to give up their seats if they are approached politely. Lastly, Mr Gerald Giam, Mr Jackson Lam and Ms Valerie Lee asked about the different ways to improve the safe use of public paths, which are shared between pedestrians and users of mobility devices. Indeed, we want to encourage active mobility while ensuring safety. To do so, we set out the rules and regulations, enforce them, build the infrastructure and promote the safe and gracious sharing of public paths through education and engagement. On the requirement of lights, bicycles, power-assisted bicycles and personal mobility devices must display a front white light and a rear red light when ridden on public paths and roads during hours of darkness between 7.00 pm and 7.00 am. This ensures that riders are visible to pedestrians and other path users at night. LTA conducts regular enforcement operations to ensure compliance. On cycling etiquette and the rights and responsibilities of path users, the Code of Conduct for Users of Public Path provides guidelines to ensure harmonious path sharing. Riders should look out for and give way to pedestrians on public paths. The bell is meant to gently alert others before overtaking rather than to demand the right of way. When approaching bus stops and intersections of public paths, riders should slow down and stop if necessary.”
“Queuing to board our MRT trains and letting commuters alight first was not the norm here in the past. However, after LTA launched the Graciousness Campaign in 2009 and marked out queue lines at MRT platforms, this is now second nature. Building such norms is an ongoing process. The Public Transport Council regularly engages commuters on how we can make the public transport system more gracious and inclusive. Some feedback that they have received includes how our commuters with diverse needs can find it difficult to get a seat, especially if their condition is not visible to others. Commuters with open strollers sometimes also have to wait for the lift behind long queues of able-bodied people. The Caring SG Commuters Movement, led by Public Transport Council and LTA, will launch a new campaign to shape positive behaviour norms in our public transport system. First, we will clearly set up priority queue lines at the priority boarding doors within MRT stations and at the lifts within our public transport nodes progressively. If you are using a wheelchair, pregnant or travelling with a stroller, you can use these priority queue lines when waiting for the train or the lift. For other commuters, we encourage you to use the escalators and stairs so that the lifts can be prioritised for those with greater needs. If you still wish to use the lift, please let those in the priority queues enter first. Second, we encourage all commuters who need a seat, such as those who are pregnant or have health conditions which may not be visible, to obtain a "Helping Hand" card from the passenger service centres at train stations and bus interchanges.”
“We know that land transport is a deeply personal part of everyone's lived experience and an issue that is close to many people's hearts. There will be more Land Transport Master Plan engagements to come, including school outreach, pop-ups and thematic focused group discussions that deep dive into targeted issues. We want to hear your stories and perspectives, discuss the necessary trade-offs and partner you in co-creating a transport system that we will all take pride in. Next, I will speak on our efforts to cultivate a more gracious and caring commuting culture. Beyond faster and more convenient journeys, ensuring an inclusive public transport system is equally important, as Ms Elysa Chen has mentioned. Besides access to public transport, we want everyone to feel safe and confident when using our buses and trains. Over the years, we have made our system more accessible to commuters with all needs. Our public transport system is now almost entirely barrier-free. LTA and our transport operators are also expanding our efforts to support commuters with other diverse needs. 6.15 pm To give an example, SBS Transit has piloted a Sign Language Virtual Assistant kiosk called SiLViA at Chinatown MRT station. Using AI, the kiosk features a female avatar, which can translate spoken words or public announcements into sign language. Miss Rachel Ong asked whether there are plans to scale this. So far, commuters with hearing difficulties have found the kiosk useful. LTA will work with SBS Transit to deploy this initiative at more locations. Beyond hardware and technology, all commuters can play a part. A "we first" society starts with our everyday interactions on our public transport system.”
“For parents with open strollers, our bus captains will also be happy to activate the wheelchair ramp upon request, to facilitate their boarding process. We have also heard feedback from parents that they are sometimes asked by the bus captains to fold their stroller and carry their child because the bus is crowded and there is a person wheelchair-bound person boarding. We are actively reviewing this issue and consulting various stakeholders. Aside from increasing the space allocated for wheelchairs and strollers, which comes with trade-offs, LTA has been conducting small-scale operational trials on the more flexible use of such spaces and has gathered initial operational insights. We are now ready to test this at a larger scale. From April 2026, on around 10 selected bus services plying routes that serve more wheelchair or mobility aid users and parents with young children, our bus captains will facilitate the use of bays by wheelchairs and open strollers on a first-come-first-serve basis. Depending on the findings, we will consider making this the norm across the entire network. We will also gather views at the upcoming Land Transport Master Plan consultations, from commuters, families and advocates to find a balanced way forward together. Our aim is for our public buses and trains to be an inclusive space for commuters with all needs, including wheelchair users and parents with young children. Singaporeans' active participation in this conversation and our gracious commuting behaviours, will make all the difference. Aside from the suggestions to improve our transport system, we also heard about the positive impact that our transport system has made on Singaporeans' everyday lives, and that is heartening.”
“Implementing and proving infrastructure takes time and resources, which are also needed by other equally meritorious projects. We take this principle: benefit as many commuters as quickly as possible. Over time we will cover all the locations that we have identified for enhancements. The last C is about fostering a sense of community. Transport is a shared experience. A transport system that fulfils our needs, and one that we are proud of, goes beyond policies and hardware. It is also a matter of how we treat one another in shared spaces on a day-to-day basis, whether on our roads and public paths, or in buses and trains. While we can improve our infrastructure and hardware, such changes are not without trade-offs. Transport spaces are ultimately shared by all of us. From time to time, conflicting needs do come up. For example, since 2018, LTA has been procuring buses with more open space where wheelchairs and strollers can be parked. This caters to an increasing number of commuters with diverse needs. But to create space for these bays, LTA had to reduce the number of seats, as Ms Sylvia Lim pointed out. To mitigate this, LTA will install foldable seats within the bays where feasible. Part of the Land Transport Master Plan exercise is to create the opportunity for these important conversations, to allow people with different needs to hear from one another and forge consensus on the social compact that underlies our shared spaces in our transport system. An example of where greater consensus is needed is in the use of spaces set aside for wheelchairs and strollers on buses. Ms Elysa Chen raised the need to make public transport more inclusive for young families.”
“One aspect of our Land Transport Master Plan engagements is getting Singaporeans from all walks of life to share more about their daily commutes – not only about travel times and connectivity, but also about their travel experience. Participants talked about how they use their neighbourhood spaces and get to transport nodes. As Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling has shared, we will be expanding Friendly Streets to all towns by 2030. Members also asked about commuter infrastructure that supports walking, such as covered linkways and pedestrian overhead bridges. LTA is continuously improving the first-mile-last-mile journey to our transport nodes. For example, we already have covered linkways within a 400-metre radius of MRT stations. This is now extended to an 800-metre radius at our Friendly Streets. We are also installing lifts to existing pedestrian overhead bridges. We have already completed the retrofitting of lifts to bridges near major transport nodes and are now focusing on bridges that serve more seniors. Ms Sylvia Lim asked about lift upgrading at four pedestrian overhead bridges in Hougang. Mr Chairman, on behalf of the Acting Minister, I would like to confirm that there is no delay. We have been carrying out the retrofitting of bridges with lifts in phases. The four bridges mentioned by Ms Lim is in this current phase, which commenced at the end of last year. There are over 100 bridges that we are upgrading in this phase. Works must be carried out progressively. We will commence works at two of the bridges mentioned by Ms Lim by the middle of 2027 before moving on to the other two bridges later. We hope that Ms Lim will find this response satisfactory. Mr Chairman, in every project we do, we have to prioritise and carry out works progressively.”
“Since kick-starting the outreach for refresh of the Land Transport Master Plan late last year, we have heard from many Singaporeans. I would like to share the "3Cs" that have emerged as the top priorities: connectivity, comfort and community. To achieve the first C of keeping Singaporeans connected and meeting different travel needs, we must continue to invest in our public transport network, as well as on shared and active mobility. Acting Minister has earlier updated on the progress of the new rail lines under construction. As we build new lines and stations, we will also continue to maintain and rejuvenate older ones to support growing demand and to remain inclusive and accessible to all commuters. When it comes to last-mile connectivity, we hope to cater for more cycling and micromobility networks island-wide as part of infrastructure planning. This allows for safe, convenient and active transport options for shorter distances within a town, such as the use of bicycles and active mobility devices. This approach is especially essential and beneficial for a dense urban city-state like Singapore. The North-South Corridor is a good example. With more traffic diverted to its underground tunnel and viaduct, surface streets will be freed up to prioritise walking, cycling, buses as well as communal and green spaces. When completed, residents in the North can enjoy faster commutes to city centre, as well as more pleasant and comfortable travel to places along the corridor. The second C is comfort. We want journeys to be comfortable and enjoyable so that public transport remains the mode of choice for Singaporeans.”
“Chairman, I will elaborate on how we make land transport people-centric and future-ready. Fellow Singaporeans will play an integral role in this journey. Together, we can shape the next bound of our transport system. I will start with the refresh of the Land Transport Master Plan, followed by our efforts to promote a positive commuter culture and safety on public paths. Ms Tin Pei Ling asked about the future of land transport and what MOT is doing to build a better and safer land transport system that addresses commuter needs. As the Acting Minister mentioned, LTA has launched a nationwide public consultation to refresh the Land Transport Master Plan 2040. This is the long-term strategic blueprint that will chart the next phase of our land transport system. Why do we need to refresh the Land Transport Master Plan? This is because there are many emerging trends that require us to review our priorities and enhance our strategy. Firstly, demographic changes such as ageing population and evolving lifestyle needs of our people meant that transport provisions must also evolve to cater to working adults moving into new estates further away from their workplaces, families with young children, elderly, persons with disability and other commuter groups. The effects of climate change and more extreme weather patterns also cannot be ignored. For instance, we need to continue improving our transport infrastructure so that as much as possible, commuters can walk, cycle and ride comfortably. At the same time, we are on the cusp of significant transformation. Advances in intelligent and autonomous systems have enormous potential to improve and expand our mobility options. What does this mean for the future of transport?”
“As mentioned earlier, such path widening work is usually taken in conjunction with other estate improvement works, for example, drainage or estate improvements and these are not entirely within LTA's jurisdiction. We really have to bear in mind the constraints in private estates, because you have trees, utilities and it is not so straightforward as in other places. We do take a calibrated approach, looking at the volume of users – whether motorists on the roads or pedestrians and riders on the footpaths. So, therefore, we seek Member's and public's understanding that we will do it in a way that is realistic and practical. 10.31 am”
“Public paths are designed to be free from encumbrances to ensure a barrier-free passage. Since 2018, all new standalone footpaths are also required to have a minimum clear width of 1.8 metres, while those adjacent to cycling paths must be at least 1.5 metres. When rejuvenating old footpaths, we will widen them to these standards, unless there are site constraints, such as the lack of roadside space. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) also takes in residents' feedback when planning for footpath widening within private estates, which is often undertaken in conjunction with other programmes, such as drainage or estate improvements. If riders need to use the road briefly to bypass obstructions or access adjoining paths, enforcement authorities will exercise discretion. We would also like to remind device users and motorists to slow down at residential estates and exercise greater caution during such instances.”
“While this Bill covers PMAs and non-UL2272 certified PMDs, it is a collective responsibility by users of all device types and all path users that will define us as a gracious society. Like Ms Valerie Lee, my heart goes out to Mdm Mala who was hit by a PAB rider. I have met her a few times in Tampines where she is a volunteer. But when I visited her in December at her home in Pasir Ris, she was unable to open her mouth. Since then, her husband has been updating me and I am heartened that she is recovering slowly but steadily, and I wish her well. Mr Speaker, the ultimate objective of this Bill is to foster a safe environment where gracious path sharing becomes second-nature, where the PMA user will travel at walking speed on a crowded path and instinctively slow down to give way to other users, where residents dispose of unsafe devices rather than endanger their families and neighbours, and where all path users prioritise mutual respect over rushing to their next destination, even when no enforcement officer is present. It is these actions of the responsible majority that will keep paths safe and inclusive. And all of us can play a part.”
“The benefits of mandating periodic inspections for PMAs solely to check dimensions and speed limits must be weighed against the burden on users. Dr Choo Pei Ling and Mr Cai Yinzhou asked how online marketplaces can take responsibility to eliminate unsafe and non-compliant devices. Mr Yip Hon Weng suggested making it an offence for a seller to mislabel a device as compliant. Since we commenced the Active Mobility Act, the sale of active mobility devices and related services are now more common online. LTA actively works with major e-commerce platforms like Carousell, Lazada and Shopee to take down listings of non-compliant devices. We will look at how we can strengthen rules for online sales and advertising in our legislation. Mr Speaker, I thank Members for their many suggestions and clarifications raised. Due to time constraints, I have not addressed them all, but we will certainly study the points raised and continue to review how we implement the new laws in the Bill, as well as new measures needed. The proposals before us today represent more than new laws. We want to restore the original purpose of PMAs and ensure that they serve those they were truly intended for and protect all path users at the same time. With the Certificate of Medical Need, we distinguish genuine users from those who misuse mobility scooters. Through registration of mobility scooters, we create accountability and ensure users purchase compliant devices. By making it illegal to keep unsafe devices, we keep communities safer. As we conclude this debate, let us return to the fundamental principle that path safety is not merely a regulatory matter.”
“If needed, owners may utilise designated e-waste recyclers or collection drives organised by ALBA in collaboration with Town Councils. I thank Dr Wan Rizal and Ms Tin Pei Ling who expressed support for the new offence of keeping unsafe devices. They urged users to check that their devices meet safety standards and dispose of unsafe devices to keep their communities safe. For PMAs, we may not expect to see a large-scale wave of disposals. To meet the new maximum device speed limit, many existing devices can simply be adjusted. Those who do not qualify for a Certificate of Medical Need can resell their devices, provided they are compliant. Disposal will likely be limited to oversized units or devices that cannot be brought into compliance, such as those with more than one seat, which are considered PMDs, which have their own set of requirements. Beyond the provisions in this Bill, Members have asked about other measures to reduce the fire risks of active mobility devices. I will touch on these briefly as we plan to address some of these issues in a subsequent Bill later this year. Dr Hamid Razak asked for national guidelines for safe charging. Mr Cai Yinzhou suggested periodic inspections for PMAs in the absence of a mandated safety standard. While we continue to monitor the development of international standards for PMAs, LTA and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will remind the public of safe charging and usage practices when using motorised active mobility devices and against using modified second-hand devices and non-original parts. Today, periodic inspections are required for e-scooters to check that they remain compliant with the UL2272 standard and have not been illegally modified.”
“In addition to ground enforcement, LTA conducts targeted operations against retailers who display or sell non-compliant and unregistered devices or offer illegal modification services. Non-compliant devices are seized and enforcement actions taken against offenders. But we must acknowledge that no matter how many boots we put on the ground, enforcement officers cannot be everywhere, neither is it desirable to foster a culture where correct behaviour is dependent only on enforcement and penalties. It is better to also focus on education and awareness. This is why LTA works with the community through Active Mobility Community Ambassadors to promote awareness of active mobility rules. Members, such as Ms Gho Sze Kee, Ms Sylvia Lim and Ms Valerie Lee, asked about enforcement against unsafe devices. LTA will act on feedback received via official channels and social media, surveillance as well as day-to-day operations. Targeted enforcement checks will also be conducted where e-scooters are commonly used, including areas where such devices may be parked or kept. PMDs verified by LTA as non-UL2272 certified will be seized. LTA has the responsibility to enforce against such devices. As Ms Sylvia Lim has acknowledged, LTA already conducts enforcement operations at residential areas to seize non-compliant active mobility devices and will continue to do so, working with our partners. This Bill will allow us to go further. LTA can go beyond seizing the non-compliant device. The individual can also be prosecuted for the offence of keeping the unsafe device. This provides a stronger deterrent against fire hazards. Mr Cai Yinzhou and Ms Poh Li San asked about the disposal process for non-compliant devices.”
“It is not an offence to ride a mobility scooter that is registered to another person as long as the user is granted a Certificate of Medical Need or exempted. This is no different from how vehicles can be driven by multiple drivers as long as each driver has a valid driving licence and the vehicle is insured accordingly. Several Members, including Ms Tin Pei Ling, Ms Joan Pereira, Mr Dennis Tan and Mr David Hoe, raised suggestions to strengthen enforcement of the new PMA rules, including expanding the use of cameras, increasing plainclothes operations and action against non-compliant retailers. To enforce the PMA rules, LTA has a comprehensive strategy. Active Mobility Enforcement Officers will patrol public paths and conduct checks on user and device compliance. They will be supported by volunteer Active Mobility Community Ambassadors to enhance engagement efforts. Ms He Ting Ru also expressed concern that enforcement officers will rely on casual visual perception of able-bodiedness. Enforcement officers will be trained to be sensitive in checking for the Certificate of Medical Need. Public tip-offs on errant users are gathered through LTA's website and social media today, as Members, such as Ms Poh Li San, Mr Ng Shi Xuan and Mr Cai Yin Zhou, have suggested. These complement other data sources to identify offence hotspots for targeted enforcement deployments. Closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) focused on paths are already deployed island-wide to detect and deter offences, such as speeding. Some of the CCTVs are deployed permanently while others are deployed on a roving basis to allow us to respond quickly as new hotspots emerge.”
“Mr Foo Cexiang and Mr Yip Hon Weng asked about the cost of registration and how mobility scooters can be transferred or sold. Retailers need to register the devices to their business before sale or ensure that the device is registered. Ahead of 1 June 2026, LTA will work with retailers to register their existing stock of compliant mobility scooters. Before the sale of the mobility scooter, retailers will check via OneMotoring website to ensure that the prospective owner is either granted a Certificate of Medical Need or exempted from the requirement. The sale should only be completed upon the successful transfer of ownership. We will be mindful that the cost of registration should be kept affordable so as not to place an undue burden on genuine users. As a comparison, the current cost of registering PABs is $50. Dr Hamid Razak suggested markers to visibly identify those with medical need for mobility scooters for ease of enforcement. On the other hand, Mr Foo Cexiang asked if registration and identification marks raised privacy concerns. We appreciate these concerns and we assure Members that the registration and enforcement processes will be handled sensitively. The registration system addresses both concerns. Registration and identification marks will display the device's unique identification number rather than personal details of the owner, similar to e-scooters, where it is a sticker. In addition, as a general rule, only individuals granted a Certificate of Medical Need or exempted from the requirement can register mobility scooters. The registration framework will allow families to share a single mobility scooter. Registration is for the mobility scooter to ensure device compliance.”
“Nonetheless, we understand the worries and LTA will improve awareness to reassure PMA users that six kilometres per hour is safe. Ms He Ting Ru asked whether scientific literature was considered for the Active Mobility Advisory Panel's (AMAP's) recommendation of the speed limit reduction. Ms Yeo Wan Ling, Mr Dennis Tan, Mr Fadli Fawzi and Mr Cai Yinzhou raised concerns that the lower speed limit would increase journey times and affect delivery riders' earnings. In accepting the recommendation to lower the speed limit to six kilometres per hour, our primary consideration was to peg the speed to brisk walking speed since PMAs are a replacement for walking. We acknowledge that the trade-off is that users travel more slowly. This is necessary to protect themselves and other path users. So, I thank Mr Foo Cexiang for citing the many jurisdictions internationally that use six kilometres per hour as the speed limit for PMAs based on brisk walking speed. On Ms He Ting Ru's suggestion, AMAP already comprises stakeholders across various interest and professional groups as well as academics. Ms He Ting Ru and Mr Cai Yinzhou asked if users would have sufficient time to comply with the new rules that will come into effect on 1 June 2026. Mr Speaker, it will almost be two years since the proposals were announced in March 2024. We have received strong calls to implement the rules swiftly to improve path safety. Affected stakeholders, including retailers and users, have had time to change to compliant devices before the PMA rules commence on 1 June 2026. But we will provide more time, until 1 January 2029, for existing mobility scooter users to register their devices and change to devices that comply with the new maximum device speed of six kilometres per hour.”