Khaw Boon Wan
Singapore
“Motor vehicle dealerships and showrooms have been closed since the start of the circuit breaker. As COE bidding is done mostly by the motor vehicle dealers on behalf of prospective owners, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) suspended COE bidding for the months of April and May.”
“Though stressed by the financial pain, they press on with the immediate priority of fighting the virus and supporting essential services. Post-pandemic, we will see how public transport evolves. Will demand for public transport services simply return to the pre-pandemic level?”
“Under our rail financing framework, the Government fully pays for the cost of building new rail lines. In other words, we do not recover the cost of building the Cross Island Line (CRL) from commuters through fares. The CRL project is being implemented and the final costs will depend on tender bids.”
“There are around 5,000 private bus operators with a combined fleet of 13,500 private buses. As we do not track the number of private bus trips and passengers, we do not have data on their carbon emissions.”
“There are nursing rooms at 50% of our bus interchanges. We will provide nursing rooms at all new bus interchanges and integrated transport hubs. For the MRT network, we will provide nursing rooms at all new interchange stations. We will also explore providing such facilities when MRT stations undergo upgrading.”
“Over the last three years, Singapore carriers have reported a total of 20 incidents of food allergies on board their flights. None required the use of epinephrine or emergency flight diversions.”
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“There is a wide range of rental contracts among more than a thousand fleet owners in the point-to-point passenger transport (P2P) rental market. This provides drivers with a range of choices, with varying durations, rates and conditions that they can choose from based on their needs. Some prefer short-term contracts with higher rental rates so that they can exit the market quickly, others prefer longer-term contracts to enjoy lower rental rates and loyalty bonuses, but which come with penalties for early termination. Some drivers are employed by P2P operators. The current situation caused by COVID-19 is unprecedented. Drivers face a sudden and significant reduction in their takings, and those who have committed to the P2P industry for the long term will be especially concerned about their livelihoods. That is why the Government has introduced the Special Relief Fund (SRF) and the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS). Under the SRF, active drivers will receive the Government's contribution of $300 per month per vehicle for 7.5 months, on top of the additional contributions from taxi and PHC operators. Under the SIRS, eligible drivers will receive payouts of $1,000 per month for a period of 9 months. The financial status of taxi operators and car rental companies have also been severely affected by the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the companies have initiated significant rental reductions to help defray drivers' costs and sustain their livelihoods. They have also exercised flexibility in addressing rental arrears or the premature return of vehicles. Even as we address the immediate challenges, it is important that we continue to take a long-term view that allows the rental market for P2P vehicles to remain competitive and responsive to drivers' needs.”
“Motor vehicle dealerships and showrooms have been closed since the start of the circuit breaker. As COE bidding is done mostly by the motor vehicle dealers on behalf of prospective owners, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) suspended COE bidding for the months of April and May. To keep community transmission low, the Government has announced plans to resume economic activities in a cautious manner, in phases. Motor vehicle dealerships have not yet been allowed to re-open. COE bidding will only resume after the dealers are allowed to re-open. As new travel demand patterns may emerge as a result of COVID-19, LTA will monitor the situation closely before deciding how the accumulated COE quotas from the suspended bidding exercises should be factored into future bidding exercises.”
“To mitigate the impact arising from COVID-19 and the circuit breaker, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has already made adjustments to land transport services and charges. For instance, LTA has extended the inspection deadline for private car owners originally scheduled to have their cars inspected during this period. LTA has also extended the deadline for vocational drivers to submit their medical examination reports when renewing their vocational licenses. In both cases, the motorists can continue using their vehicles as long as they have valid insurance coverage and road tax. LTA has also ceased Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) at all gantries from 6 April 2020, in view of the reduction in traffic volume during this period. We have received requests to extend the validity period of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), road tax and other relevant motor vehicle licences. However, private vehicles are still allowed on our roads for essential work or personal activities like getting groceries. The relevant COE, road tax and vehicle licensing costs will therefore continue to apply. The Government has introduced substantial support measures in the Unity, Resilience and Solidarity budgets to help businesses and households cope with the COVID-19 situation. We must remain prudent in how we use our limited fiscal resources as the pandemic may be long-drawn.”
“Though stressed by the financial pain, they press on with the immediate priority of fighting the virus and supporting essential services. Post-pandemic, we will see how public transport evolves. Will demand for public transport services simply return to the pre-pandemic level? Or will Singaporeans decide to adopt working from home, and flexitime as the new norm? Or will more Singaporeans take to cycling as their preferred mode of commuting? It is too early to determine the post-pandemic world and hence premature to assess its long-term impact to public transport financials. Suffice to say that the pandemic will reshape our economy, our way of life and how we move about. If the impact is drastic, we may have to update the current financing model for public transport appropriately. Meanwhile, let’s continue to focus on defeating the virus, protecting our staff and our commuters. We remain fully committed to ensuring that our essential workers can go to their workplaces safely, conveniently and punctually.”
“Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, ridership on public buses and trains have fallen significantly, particularly after the circuit breaker measures were imposed. Compared to pre-COVID levels, current ridership has dropped by 75% for buses and 84% for trains. Fare revenues have correspondingly decreased, by about 80% compared to the pre-COVID levels. Operating costs could have come down if supply was adjusted to match falling demand, but operators have largely preserved service capacity and headways to ensure that commuters can maintain safe distancing. In fact, public transport operators are incurring additional costs, as they step up cleaning regime of buses, trains and public transport premises, protect their staff with masks and face shields, pay for the accommodation costs of their Malaysian bus captains affected by the Malaysian Movement Control Order, and deploy transport ambassadors and enforcement officers to ensure safe distancing among commuters. These costs would eventually have to be borne by operators and taxpayers, as they are not adequately covered by current fares. Our transport operators are therefore under significant financial stress, especially as their rail operations were already making losses prior to COVID-19. For now, the impact on public transport operators is partly cushioned from the broad-based Government relief measures such as the Job Support Scheme, property tax rebates and waiver of the foreign worker levy. The temporary suspension of Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) also helps to reduce costs for bus operators. I am grateful to our transport operators for taking a national perspective, working closely with the Government and the NTUC to battle the virus together.”
“During the current circuit breaker period, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has implemented several safe distancing measures in the public transport network. All trains and train stations, as well as buses, bus interchanges and bus stops have been marked with safe distancing stickers, wherever practical. This includes marking out seats that should be avoided and where commuters should be standing. Public Transport Operators' (PTOs) Transport Ambassadors (TAs) and bus captains work together with LTA's enforcement officers to help commuters maintain a safe distance from one another. We also require all commuters to wear masks in the public transport network. Errant commuters may be refused entry or asked to leave. Offenders will face fines or prosecution in court. When the circuit breaker measures are lifted and commuter traffic returns, the measures will largely remain in place. The exception is that we will find it very challenging to implement safe distancing in public transport, especially during peak periods. It will therefore be very important for companies to continue to implement staggered working hours and maintain their telecommuting practices as much as possible. Commuters can also play their part to minimise discretionary travel and to travel during off-peak hours when the trains and buses are less crowded. However, we will continue to require all commuters to wear masks in the public transport network. Mask-wearing is also the practice in mass rapid transit systems in Taipei, Hong Kong and Seoul.”
“Under our rail financing framework, the Government fully pays for the cost of building new rail lines. In other words, we do not recover the cost of building the Cross Island Line (CRL) from commuters through fares. The CRL project is being implemented and the final costs will depend on tender bids. It is not our practice to reveal project budget so as not to influence ongoing and future tenders. When the tender for the construction of the CRL in the vicinity of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve is called, it will clearly specify LTA's requirements for tunnel alignment and depth, as well as the environmental mitigation measures. The latter must be taken in accordance with the project's Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP). The EMMP was rigorously studied and discussed with key stakeholders, including the Nature Groups, as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment concluded last year.”
“There are around 5,000 private bus operators with a combined fleet of 13,500 private buses. As we do not track the number of private bus trips and passengers, we do not have data on their carbon emissions. The Government announced its vision for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040 and is committed to supporting efforts by private bus operators to adopt cleaner vehicle models for their fleets. From 1 April 2021, they will be able to benefit from the Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme (CVES) and an enhanced Early Turnover Scheme (ETS). Under the CVES, private bus operators who choose lower emissions alternatives for their private buses with maximum laden weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes can enjoy an incentive of up to $30,000. The enhanced ETS will further encourage turnover of older diesel commercial vehicles, including buses, to newer and cleaner models. Separately, the Government will also work with the private sector to increase charging infrastructure provisions at public and private carparks island-wide. This will support greater adoption of electric buses.”
“Malaysia's Movement Control Order has so far not affected our public transport services drastically. First, the number of public transport workers who remain in Malaysia is a very small proportion of the public transport workforce. Most chose to stay and work in Singapore. Second, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the public transport operators worked overnight to adjust the duty rosters promptly, to respond to the sudden announcement. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, public transport ridership has fallen by more than 30%. This is due to individuals and companies responding to Government’s safe distancing measures, which include telecommuting and minimising discretionary travel. As the situation is still evolving, we will continue to work closely with public transport operators to better match supply with demand. If intensified safe distancing measures result in a significant dip in ridership, we will adjust bus and rail capacity, to optimise resource allocation. But we will do this carefully, to allow buses and trains to remain less crowded during this extraordinary period.”
“There are nursing rooms at 50% of our bus interchanges. We will provide nursing rooms at all new bus interchanges and integrated transport hubs. For the MRT network, we will provide nursing rooms at all new interchange stations. We will also explore providing such facilities when MRT stations undergo upgrading. Not all MRT stations and bus interchanges need to be provided with nursing rooms as many of them are adjacent to major developments with nursing rooms, such as shopping centres and libraries. This is a balanced approach, to avoid duplication while meeting the needs of nursing mothers.”
“Over the last three years, Singapore carriers have reported a total of 20 incidents of food allergies on board their flights. None required the use of epinephrine or emergency flight diversions. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) regulations require Singapore carriers to carry first aid and emergency medical kits on their aircraft. Epinephrine auto-injectors are included in the emergency medical kit and cabin crew are trained in the use of the auto-injectors.”
“We are committed to having all public buses run on cleaner energy by 2040. Since March 2019, LTA has deployed 50 hybrid buses across the island. They have been well received by commuters for being quieter and providing smoother and more comfortable rides. The data collected shows that each hybrid bus can reduce tailpipe CO2 emissions by about 32 tonnes per year, or 1,620 tonnes per year for all 50 buses. This is equivalent to the tailpipe emissions of approximately 350 passenger cars. Fuel usage can also be reduced by up to 35% compared to traditional diesel buses. In addition, 60 fully electric buses will be progressively deployed this year. LTA will similarly assess these buses and calibrate our ramp-up of cleaner energy buses accordingly.”
“I have heard his request for additional public bus service for his private estate residents. LTA will evaluate his request seriously, carefully and fairly. We do have shuttle rides. I live in a private estate where there is a shuttle bus going around. In fact, it was the first private estate shuttle that runs on electricity – electric bus. Mr Chairman, over the years, we have progressively transformed our land transport sector to better serve Singaporeans. It has not been a smooth journey but we never let difficulties discourage us. Mr Ang Wei Neng referred to McKinsey’s 2018 report ranking Singapore’s public transport as amongst the best in the world. More recently, there was a Business Insider France (11 February 2020) report on urban mobility, in which consulting firm Oliver Wyman joined forces with the Berkeley University of California to rank the top 10 advanced cities in the world based on the quality of their public transport systems. Singapore came out top. Credit must go to successive generations of MOT and LTA officials who put their heart and soul into this venture. But we know we are far from perfect. We still have a lot of things to do, including to complete the $60 billion strategic long-term plan for our rail network which I have outlined earlier and I look forward to Members’ continuing support. My other MOT colleagues will now elaborate on our other plans moving forward. 11.15 am”
“It requires political honesty and also sound judgement. That is why, among other things, we have a process comprising an objective fare formula and an independent Public Transport Council. I agree with Assoc Prof Walter Theseira that fare adjustments must be accompanied by serious cost containment. We will continue to look for cost-cutting measures and productivity improvement solutions. We will also regularly benchmark our operators’ costs with their counterparts elsewhere. A recent NTU study gave us some reassurance that our operators’ costs are well within normal range. But we must also have the discipline to deploy public transport services prudently. That is why we have to sometimes turn down Members’ requests for new bus services – shuttle service, maybe we can negotiate – or shorter headways. In the coming years, the expansion of rail and cycling lane infrastructure will add greater connectivity to the system and benefit more commuters. A highly interconnected transport network, supported by real-time information, will provide commuters with more route and mode options. Good mobile apps will empower commuters to choose the option that best meets their needs. As travel patterns change, we must be nimble to optimise the provision of public transport services. Assoc Prof Walter Theseira raised the idea of a transitional voucher for commuters affected by such optimisation. I am not so sure if it is easy to design such a scheme. But in a way, our cheaper off-peak rates are one such idea. In any case, we always ensure that commuters affected will have reasonable travel alternatives so that they will not be left in the lurch, and our Members do understand the need for cost management. One such considerate Member is Mr Lim Biow Chuan.”
“By then, we would also be able to see the benefits from the renewal of our oldest LRT line, the Bukit Panjang LRT. Ageing train stations, too, will be suitably refurbished and upgraded, especially the toilets and escalators. In time, we will also need to renew the next oldest lines – North East Line and Sengkang Punggol LRT – in good time. The hard lesson learnt from the problems earlier faced by SMRT is that we must invest in good operations and maintenance. As noted by Miss Cheng Li Hui, this means engineering capabilities, as well as the timely renewal of old MRT and LRT lines. There is no free lunch. As we pursue these projects, let me assure Mr Melvin Yong that we will continue to work with operators and unions to ensure optimal working conditions for our transport workers. Mr Yong knows that these are my top concerns. Every time I visit a depot, I would check in, talk to them, take a good look at their lounge, the furniture, the toilets. Those are signs whether the operators are paying attention. They form the backbone of our transport system. We must support them well so that they can perform to their maximum potential. Mr Chairman, transport is both capital-intensive and skills-intensive. That is why MOT’s budget is among the biggest in the Government. I think we are at number four this year although, in terms of the number of "cuts", we are at the bottom four, I think. I think it says something. To ensure sustainability, we need taxpayers and commuters to co-fund it. The question is how to share the burden fairly. As posed by Mr Sitoh Yih Pin just now, it is how to strike a balance between financial sustainability, affordability, reliability and efficiency. It requires hard-headed calculations and a heavy dose of empathy.”
“Fourth, we will be completing the Jurong Region Line by 2028. Like Mr Arasu Duraisamy, we want our Tuas port workers to have good public transport to Tuas. JRL will benefit them. This is in addition to the Tuas West Extension and bus services 247 and 248 in the Tuas South area which we had put in over the past few years. Fifth, we will be completing Phase 1 of the Cross Island Line by 2029. This will contribute towards the subsequent growth of our rail network to 360 km from the current 230 km. In fact, a Singaporean student studying in Geneva, Faiz Basha, was so excited by the plan for our rail network that he produced a revised MRT map for 2030 and beyond. Mr Cedric Foo referred me to this map. He was intrigued by it and he described it as a beautiful map and, indeed, it is. Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthucheary told me of another Singaporean, architect Cliff Tan, based in the UK who has offered LTA many similar design suggestions. Both are overseas but their hearts are firmly anchored in Singapore! Indeed, by 2030, around 80% of Singaporeans will live within walking distance of a train station. We would have achieved or exceeded the level of train connectivity enjoyed by the residents in Hong Kong, Tokyo and New York today. As Mr Cedric Foo remarked to me about our plan: “This is our commitment to build a liveable city in Singapore and this is MOT’s contribution to reducing traffic jams as well as carbon emissions!” Apart from expanding our rail network, we will finally complete the renewal of the North-South Line and East-West Lines (NSEWL) by around 2023. Actually, 2023 is not too far off. This year is 2020; so, in only two to three years' time, Mr Lim!”
“But if they do, my advice is that their foreign ventures should not distract them from their domestic operations in Singapore. Their priority must always be to ensure safe, smooth and reliable journeys for our commuters in Singapore. In any case, our two rail operators will be fully engaged with our domestic network. There is plenty of work to be done. Over the next decade, we will be spending over $60 billion to expand and renew our rail network – $60,000 million of works to be done. Let me elaborate in response to Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, Mr Melvin Yong and Mr Dennis Tan. First, we will be completing the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL). Stage 1 has already opened. Stage 2 will follow within the next few months – single digit months. Mr Lim Biow Chuan and his residents in Mountbatten will benefit from Stage 4 of TEL by 2023. Can we expedite further? "Jing kang kor" – I think very difficult. First, it is a very complex project. Every time I meet the team, my message to them is "safety first". Do not be hasty. Deadlines are there to meet. Certainly, you want it done as soon as possible. But never compromise on safety. Second, we will be completing the extensions to the North East Line and Downtown Line by 2023 and 2024 respectively – within the next term of Government. We will see four new stations added to our rail network. This includes the opening of Hume Station by 2025, which Mayor Low Yen Ling has actively lobbied for in previous COS. This year, I did not find her "cut". Third, we will be completing the Circle Line when we complete the circle. This final stretch at Keppel is the most challenging to build and also the most costly. But when completed in 2025, it will significantly raise the resilience of our MRT network and the travelling experience of our commuters.”
“On the domestic land transport side, we stand ready to speed up over $100 million worth of cycling path and road construction projects by up to three years. But beyond the immediate, our vision is a clean and green transport system for Singapore. This will raise the quality of life for generations of Singaporeans to come. We will make three strategic moves. First, phase out vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) by 2040. In other words, no more ICE vehicles by 2040! We have 20 years to phase them out. Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthucheary will explain how we can achieve this and replace them with cleaner vehicles. Second, speed up the construction of our cycling infrastructure. Senior Minister of State Dr Lam Pin Min will explain how we can get more Singaporeans to Walk-Cycle-Ride for first-mile and last-mile connectivity. Third, keep our public transport among the best in the world. As noted by Mr Ang Wei Neng, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, Miss Cheng Li Hui, Mr Melvin Yong and Mr Lim Biow Chuan, we have turned the corner on rail reliability. So, let me join these Members to thank our transport workers – LTA, SMRT, SBST and the National Transport Workers’ Union – for their hard work and dedication. But remember, maintenance is a continuous effort. Never lift your eyes off the ball. And, certainly, never be complacent. Let me also thank our commuters for their patience and understanding. But remember, a highly reliable MRT line may still experience some occasional hiccups. We do our best to reduce such inconveniences to the absolute minimum. I note Mr Ang Wei Neng’s suggestion that our rail operators should seek to venture abroad, as our bus operators have done. This is something for the operators to decide.”
“We have the road maps, the air, land and sea transport Industry Transformation Maps, to show us the way forward. Let us carry them out. Second, press on with our infrastructure plans. Over the next five years, we have an extensive line-up of construction projects in the transport sector. On the aviation front, we are expanding Changi Airport. The third runway will be operational by the middle of 2020s. The development of Terminal 5 is well underway. 11.00 am On the maritime front, Tuas Port Phase 1 will be fully operational by 2027. When fully completed in the 2040s, Tuas Port will be the world’s single largest fully-automated container terminal. Together, these investments will grow our external connectivity to seize growth in the global transport of goods and people. Another international link is the proposed RTS Link with Malaysia. Miss Cheng Li Hui asked about the progress. The project remains suspended until the end of April this year. Recent political developments in Malaysia will further impact the project. While we remain committed to working with Malaysia to find a way forward, the project cannot be suspended indefinitely. We, therefore, look forward to hearing from Malaysia soon. Are there other options to address the Causeway jam? Expanding the immigration facilities will help as the current capacity is inadequate to handle the peak traffic. Better distribution of traffic between the Causeway and the Second Link will also help. Likewise, a better distribution of traffic between peak and off-peak periods. We have been trying to pursue all these options, but to move the needle meaningfully, the RTS Link is the answer.”
“Mr Chairman, COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc around the world. In Singapore, Changi Airport took the first hit. Airlines have cancelled over 20% of their scheduled flights. Passenger volume at Changi has plunged by 25% and is likely to fall further. Both the cruise and ferry sectors are devastated. As China locks down, global supply chains are also disrupted. As fear grips, people telecommute more and go out less. Along with reduced tourist arrivals, our bus, rail, taxi and private hire car riderships have fallen by about 20%. This has taken a toll on the livelihoods of our taxi and private hire car drivers. We are also tracking the impact on our transport infrastructure projects. For now, the delay to project timelines is still manageable. But if the outbreak drags on, it could disrupt the supply of construction equipment and materials. This could impact the timeline for Terminal 5, Tuas Port, new MRT stations and the next-generation ERP system. For example, our new trains are being built in China. With support from our tripartite partners, the Government reacted swiftly with a robust Unity Budget 2020. For the transport sector, MOT worked closely with NTUC and our transport operators to put in place relief measures to support our workers, while providing assurance to our commuters. Let me join Mr Sitoh Yih Pin to thank all frontline transport workers for keeping Singapore moving amidst this outbreak. The COVID-19 outbreak will burn out. Sooner or later, our economy and our industries will recover. While we attend to the immediate needs, we should also focus on the eventual recovery and make full use of this lull period. First, position our companies and workers to ride the eventual upturn. Use this opportunity to transform and grow.”
“Thank you, Chairman. Sir, my Ministry has prepared a simple folder, may I ask permission for the Clerks to distribute some of them.”
“LTA will require its appointed contractor, who will construct the Cross Island Line (CRL) in the vicinity of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR), to engage an environmental consultant. The consultant's role is to strictly implement the mitigation measures identified in the Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP). The EMMP is part of the gazetted Environmental Impact Assessment report for the CRL alignment in the vicinity of the CCNR. It was formulated in close consultation with stakeholders, such as nature groups. LTA will also invite key representatives of nature groups to be part of the implementation process, which includes jointly reviewing these mitigation measures. In addition, LTA will engage a group of experts to form an Environmental Advisory Panel (EAP). The EAP's role is to review and provide an independent assessment of the environmental consultant's implementation of the EMMP.”
“The numbers of registered electric, hybrid and petrol cars are tabulated below.”
“In November 2018, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) introduced e-notifications for vehicle-related transactions, such as road tax renewals, to provide vehicle owners with timely and convenient updates. To ensure reasonable notice, vehicle owners are sent notice of renewals one month ahead of the expiry date. Subsequent electronic reminders are issued seven days and three days before road tax expiry. These reminders are issued via hardcopy letters to vehicle owners who prefer physical notifications. It is an offence for vehicle owners to fail to renew their road tax on time. Since the introduction of e-notifications, the number of such offences has decreased from 7.3% in 2018 to 6.9% in 2019. We have no plans to withdraw the offence of non-renewal of road tax, which ensures compliance with the road tax regime. LTA will assess each appeal carefully, taking into account extenuating circumstances.”
“Silver Zones were launched in 2014 to improve safety for seniors. They include features, such as (a) longer green man timings; (b) two-stage crossings for seniors; (c) reduced speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour; (d) speed bumps and bus-friendly humps; and (e) narrowing of lanes with a centre divider. These features would inconvenience the motorists, but are necessary to enhance safety for senior pedestrians. Since the implementation of Silver Zones, there has been a 75% drop in road accidents involving senior pedestrians within these zones. Silver Zones are implemented in places with a high proportion of senior residents, and where there have been past accidents involving seniors. The Land Transport Authority consults the local community and considers the needs of all stakeholders, including motorists and seniors, in deciding on the location and design of the Silver Zones.”
“The Active Mobility (Amendment) and the Shared Mobility Enterprises (Control and Licensing) Bills which this House debated and passed on 4 February 2020 will include regulations that will apply to businesses, such as food delivery companies, which engage active mobility users in the course of work. The companies should be responsible for ensuring that their riders ride safely. We will introduce a legal obligation on these companies to ensure that all active mobility users they engage in the course of work have third-party liability insurance. This includes users of bicycles, personal mobility devices, power-assisted bicycles and personal mobility aids. Apart from businesses, retailers and users of active mobility devices also play a part in ensuring that the devices used on public paths are compliant and used safely.”
“Indeed, we must have that discipline of making sure that you set down clearly what are the planning assumptions so that you can check back after the project is completed. We do that all the time. That is why there is always a project review or a post-mortem so that we learn from it. But for this particular episode, it is an ongoing saga. My last sentence was deliberately crafted. We cannot tell yet how the saga will end; perhaps, in a couple of years' time. I personally think that demand for privately owned bicycles phenomenon may grow, especially as we expand the cycling path infrastructure, a topic which we will discuss extensively at next month's Committee of Supply for MOT. Stay tuned. 3.00 pm”
“This fundamentally altered the economics of paid underground bicycle parking. As the fees collected could not cover the operating cost, LTA decided to end the pilot or the trial. But overall, Kampung Admiralty has been a highly successful project, although the outcome for underground parking for bicycles has turned out to be disappointing. The underground space of 198 m2 for bicycle parking remains, and can be repurposed. We are keeping the options open, as the current situation is still changing. As the number of PMDs comes down, the usage of shared bikes and privately owned bicycles may well rise again. I would not be surprised that similar underground bicycle parking systems may be needed in Singapore, perhaps even at Kampung Admiralty, in the future.”
“After much deliberation, the committee decided to experiment with underground bicycle parking in Kampung Admiralty, to see if this model could be financially viable in Singapore. HDB called an open tender for the construction of the entire Kampung Admiralty in 2014 and received six competitive bids. HDB eventually awarded the contract to Lum Chang Building Contractors, which subcontracted the construction, maintenance and operation of the bicycle parking system to a Spanish company, which met the relevant requirements. Implementation was uneventful. The Kampung Admiralty project was completed in 2017. The final plot ratio is 3.6, in line with our intent to intensify land use. We set aside 198 m2 – so, that is about 2,000 square feet – for underground bicycle lots, adjacent to the much larger basement car park of about 12,400 m2. So, the bicycle parking lot is less than 2% of the total underground parking space. While Kampung Admiralty was being built, the shared dockless bicycle phenomenon popped up in Singapore! Remember the very colourful Ofo, oBike shared bicycles? We were surprised by the rapid public acceptance and growth of shared bicycles, which led to many problems. By then, I had moved to the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and had to deal with it, including imposing regulatory controls on the operators. But just as we managed down the shared bicycle numbers, e-scooters came along. The new devices had many advantages and took off quickly, creating new problems which we are now actively dealing with. In fact, two Bills are coming up in an hour's time to deal with this problem. Both shared bicycles and personal mobility devices (PMDs), especially e-scooters, have dramatically shifted the usage and parking patterns of privately owned bicycles.”
“All these were built, in addition to the Studio Apartments for the elderly, as per the original intent of this project. We also made generous provisions for greenery and public spaces to support community gardening, so that the elderly residents living there could live an active lifestyle. We also wanted to make this precinct user-friendly for the many residents who cycle to Admiralty MRT station. There were many surface bicycle parking lots at Admiralty MRT station, but they were not enough during peak hours. The shortage was serious back then, with indiscriminately parked bicycles cluttering the parking area and posing safety concerns. The committee did several counts of the parked bicycles there. They projected substantial, long-term demand for over 500 cycling lots in the vicinity of Admiralty MRT station and proposed to meet the demand as part of the Kampung Admiralty project. We then had to choose between surface parking or underground parking. Surface parking was cheaper to build, but underground parking would free up valuable surface space for other uses; and this is an important consideration in land-scarce Singapore. As Japan faces similar land constraints, the committee studied their experience with bicycle parking and became aware of the extensive underground bicycle parking facilities in their cities. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) made study visits to Japan to find out more. I myself visited similar facilities in Tokyo when I happened to be there on one official visit. Each facility stored up to 200 bicycles and charged users up to S$35 a month – so, about a dollar per day – for usage of bicycle parking services. My impression was that the Japanese were very satisfied with their paid underground facilities.”
“Sir, the SecureMyBike project is not part of the Admiralty Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. It is part of the Kampung Admiralty development, a greenfield Housing and Development Board (HDB) project which I initiated in 2012 when I was in the Ministry of National Development. The project site was a vacant plot of 9,800 square metres (m2) – almost 10,000 m2 – next to Admiralty MRT station where HDB had planned to build 2-room Studio Apartments for seniors. We decided to intensify the land use to meet the diverse needs of the potential residential and commercial tenants. I appointed a committee and while the primary objective was to build Studio Apartments for the seniors, I advised the committee to identify the daily needs of the seniors, beyond mere accommodation, so that the seniors could access such needs easily and with little hassle. I envisaged Kampung Admiralty to be a mixed precinct that our seniors would find highly liveable and where neighbours look out for one another, with the good old kampung spirit. And that is why we named the project "Kampung Admiralty", to help focus the planning. The committee surveyed the needs of the residents in the precinct and sought the views of the many commuters who regularly used Admiralty MRT station. Over several months, they conducted extensive public consultations and organised many focus group discussions with the potential users of this project. Out of a long wish list, the committee finally decided on the range of services to be provided. These included a hawker centre, an outpatient medical-cum-day surgery centre, a childcare centre, an elderly day care centre, some commercial spaces for shops and restaurants.”
“The table below shows the daily number of bus and train trips taken by Singapore residents on senior citizen concession cards from 2015 to 2019. We do not track the number of trips by the requested age groups as all residents above the age of 60 enjoy the same concessionary fares of up to 55% off normal adult fares.”
“The number of piracy and armed robbery incidents in the Singapore Strait between 2015 and 2019 is tabulated in the table below.”
“We encourage the shipping community to provide timely and accurate reporting of incidents to ReCAAP focal points and the nearest coastal state or authority, so that remedial actions can be taken promptly by the respective littoral states.”
“Over the last three years, piracy and armed robbery against ship incidents in the Singapore Strait numbered eight in 2017, seven in 2018 and 31 in 2019. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) works with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Singapore Police Coast Guard to closely monitor vessels around and within Singapore territorial waters. Should any suspicious vessel enter Singapore territorial waters, our maritime agencies will respond robustly to safeguard Singapore's security. MPA regularly broadcasts alerts to vessels to be vigilant when travelling along the Singapore Strait, and issues shipping circulars to advise them on measures to prevent and counter piracy and armed robbery. Such measures include surveillance and detection systems, access control measures, and radio and alarm procedures in the event of an attack. As the Singapore Strait does not only include Singapore territorial waters, the fight against piracy and armed robbery is a shared responsibility that requires strong collaboration among all regional partners. RSN conducts joint coordinated patrols with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand through the Malacca Straits Patrol (MSP) to ensure the safety and security of the Strait of Singapore as well as the Strait of Malacca. MSP holds regular meetings to enhance coordination, review the conduct of operations, and share intelligence and information. Singapore is also part of a region-wide initiative, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), which serves to be the information hub for combating piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia.”
“According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF's) records, there were 64 vehicle fires in housing estates in 2019. This includes fires that occurred in open air car parks, multi-storey car parks and minor roads within residential estates, and within landed residential units. To prevent vehicle fires, vehicle owners should check for fluid leakage, as this could lead to overheated engines. They should also service their vehicles regularly and avoid modifying their vehicles illegally. For additional tips, they can access SCDF's advisories on social media, and at motorist touchpoints, such as petrol kiosks, Land Transport Authority-authorised inspection centres and customer service centres.”
“We encourage the shipping community to provide timely and accurate reporting of incidents to ReCAAP focal points and the nearest coastal state or authority, so that remedial actions can be taken promptly by the respective littoral states.”
“In December 2019 and January 2020, there were 12 incidents involving piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Singapore Strait. As none of these incidents occurred within Singapore territorial waters, no investigations were required of our agency. If an incident happens within Singapore territorial waters, the Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) will investigate where necessary. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) works with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the PCG to closely monitor vessels around and within Singapore territorial waters. Should any suspicious vessel enter Singapore territorial waters, our maritime agencies will respond robustly to safeguard Singapore's security. MPA regularly broadcasts alerts to vessels to be vigilant when travelling along the Singapore Strait, and issues shipping circulars to advise them on measures to prevent and counter piracy and armed robbery. Such measures include surveillance and detection systems, access control measures, and radio and alarm procedures in the event of an attack. As the Singapore Strait does not only include Singapore territorial waters, the fight against piracy and armed robbery requires strong collaboration among all regional partners. RSN conducts joint coordinated patrols with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand through the Malacca Straits Patrol (MSP), to ensure the safety and security of the Strait of Singapore as well as the Strait of Malacca. MSP holds regular meetings to enhance coordination, review the conduct of operations, and share intelligence and information. Singapore is also part of a region-wide initiative, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) which serves to be the information hub in Asia.”
“To reduce traffic noise along this stretch of the Kranji Expressway (KJE), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will implement a low-noise pavement mix for the at-grade section by the first quarter of 2022. Trials have shown that this low-noise pavement mix is more effective in reducing noise for residents than vertical noise barriers. Noise barriers which cost about $4,000 to $5,000 per metre, are not suitable for this stretch as it will hinder the visibility of oncoming traffic. LTA will continue to explore new and cost-effective ways to mitigate the impact of traffic noise and improve the quality of living for residents living near expressways.”
“The Transition Assistance Package was designed to help food delivery riders switch out of e-scooters, through the e-scooter trade-in grant. As at 31 December 2019, the Land Transport Authority has received 3,550 applications from eligible riders and has approved all applications after accounting for duplicates, and 74.6% of applicants applied to switch to power-assisted bicycles, 24.8% to bicycles, and 0.6% to personal mobility aids. So far, about 790 riders have successfully switched to alternative devices. The rest will progressively switch when they receive their new devices. In the meantime, their food delivery companies have provided them with free bicycle rentals.”
“The Land Transport Authority has not approved any type of throttle-operated power-assisted bicycle (PAB) for use in Singapore since 2017. This is due to safety concerns with sudden accelerations associated with throttle-operated PABs. Action was taken against 1,863, 1,648, 406, 485 and about 837 cases of non-compliant PABs in 2015 to 2019 respectively, the majority of which involved throttle-based PABs.”
“The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is currently studying the feasibility of suitable noise mitigation measures along the highlighted stretch of the Pan-Island Expressway facing the housing blocks. The study includes options, such as noise barriers and noise-reducing pavement mix. LTA will decide on the measure(s) when the assessment is complete. LTA will consider factors, such as the distance between the buildings and the road, and overall cost effectiveness.”
“The Land Transport Authority (LTA) had previously planned to extend the network of cycling paths from 440 kilometres to 750 kilometres by 2025 and 1,300 kilometres by 2030. We have decided to accelerate the pace of implementation and, in so doing, LTA will prioritise towns with high e-scooter populations and without existing intra-town cycling networks. LTA will work with local Advisors to ensure that new cycling paths meet their residents' needs.”
“Tunnelling underground requires deep expertise, complex machinery and precise execution, regardless of the depth. The challenges faced by workers constructing the Cross Island Line tunnels are similar to those faced for the existing Downtown Line and upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line tunnels. With the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the deeper Cross Island Line tunnels do not pose any additional health and safety risk to workers. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) supervises every tunnelling project closely. All tunnelling works must conform to prevailing fire, safety and health regulations. LTA also works with its contractors to ensure that there are multiple safeguards in place for workers. This includes the use of personal protective equipment, provision of adequate lighting and ventilation, as well as the regular rehearsal of contingency plans. These plans include the emergency evacuation of workers from the tunnels to the surface.”
“Last year, when we reviewed the point-to-point (P2P) regulatory framework, the idea of setting a cap on surge pricing resurfaced. There were mixed views on this and, on balance, we decided that P2P fare regulations should focus on fare transparency. This will allow commuters to make informed decisions based on the fares set by operators. There are two safeguards to protect commuter interests. First, we only allow dynamic pricing for flat fare bookings, where fare levels must be displayed upfront, before the commuter books his ride. Second, commuters will continue to have the option to street-hail, or book taxis, according to the metered fare system, for which the fare structure, including the booking fee, requires the Public Transport Council's (PTC's) approval. Fare levels affect the supply and demand for P2P services. This is why dynamic fares are more effective in ensuring that commuters can find rides during peak hours. There are many forms of P2P services, each requiring different fare levels, for example, larger or premium vehicles for higher fares. Given the range of service offerings and the dynamic nature of market conditions, it is best to leave fare levels to market forces. PTC does not intend to start regulating fare levels and setting caps.”
“Vehicle noise is caused by a variety of factors, such as illegal modifications, vehicle design or driver behavior. Since 2017, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has received 4,377 complaints about noise pollution suspected to be caused by illegally modified vehicles. LTA takes public feedback seriously and looks into all such complaints. Over the past three years, LTA has taken action against 3,792 illegally modified vehicles based on such complaints, as well as part of its regular enforcement efforts. Any person who illegally modifies vehicles can be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned up to three months, or both. The penalties will be doubled for repeat offenders. Members of the public can report incidences of illegally modified vehicles to LTA through LTA's feedback channels.”
“Both projects are currently suspended. The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) Project is suspended up to 31 May 2020. Malaysia has requested that both sides discuss the way forward for the HSR Project during the suspension period. To date, Singapore has not received any formal proposal from Malaysia. The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Project is suspended up to 30 April 2020. In October 2019, Malaysia conveyed to Singapore its intention to proceed with the RTS Link Project, but with some changes. However, Malaysia was not ready to formally share all the details of its proposed changes with Singapore. We are nevertheless in close discussions on Malaysia’s proposed changes, including the consequential changes to (a) the RTS Link Bilateral Agreement between the two Governments, (b) the Agreement between Singapore's SMRT Corporation and Malaysia's Prasarana Malaysia Berhad to constitute a joint venture Operating Company (OpCo), and (c) a Concession Agreement for the two Governments to appoint this OpCo as the RTS Link operator. When the details of their complete proposal are made available to Singapore, we will make a thorough assessment and give it serious consideration. While Singapore is not obliged to accept Malaysia's proposed changes to the two projects, we keep an open mind and will assess them objectively when we receive them to ensure that they meet Singapore’s requirements, including financial and operational considerations. We remain of the view that both are fundamentally good projects for both countries and will benefit both our peoples.”
“Based on data from the National Trauma Registry, 299 people were treated at hospitals for personal mobility device (PMD)-related incidents in 2018. These included 259 riders and eight pedestrians. About 63% of the injuries were classified as minor, 21% moderate and 16% severe. In the same time period, 1,836 people were treated at hospitals for injuries from bicycle-related incidents, 5,700 for motorcycle-related incidents, and 6,743 for car-related incidents. Across all these categories, about 89% of the injuries were minor, 7% moderate and 4% severe. We are unable to make an international comparison of PMD-related injuries due to a lack of such published data.”
“When the International Maritime Organization's 2020 global sulphur limit (IMO 2020) comes into effect on 1 January 2020, the permitted limit of sulphur content in marine fuel used on board ships internationally and calling at the Port of Singapore, will be reduced from 3.5% currently, to 0.5%. Based on estimates by IMO, the expected reduction of sulphur oxide emissions globally will be more than 80% when IMO 2020 enters into force. We expect the reduction of sulphur oxide emissions from vessels operating in the Port of Singapore to be similar in proportion.”
“As food delivery riders can work for more than one company, we do not track their number. We understand from the major food delivery companies that their deliveries are largely done by motorcycles and delivery vehicles. Less than 30% of Deliveroo and FoodPanda's riders use e-scooters.”