Ministry of Transport

The Minister for Transport (Mr Lui Tuck Yew): We will create an attractive living environment for Singapore with a people-centred land transport system, and strengthen our position as a leading transport and logistics hub by enhancing our global connectivity. Over the next five years, we will see the realisation of substantial investments in our public transport infrastructure and significantly enhance the capacity and service levels of our rail and bus systems.

We are making steady progress in implementing the Land Transport Masterplan (LTMP). We will strive to achieve our mode share target of 70% for public transport by 2020 by delivering a high quality and integrated public transport system that is an attractive and viable alternative to the car for regular commutes.

The Government will continue to invest heavily to expand our rail network. Beyond the $20 billion invested in our existing rail lines and the $60 billion for the new rail lines committed under the LTMP, we are also finalising plans for additional lines and extensions beyond 2020 to improve the network and serve new areas.

We will develop a five-year action plan to improve bus capacity, service and connectivity. To improve bus service reliability, we will upgrade major bus stops and implement more bus priority measures. More integrated transport hubs will also be built to enhance bus-rail transfers and provide commuters with better real-time bus information.

To enhance commuter experience and the accessibility of our transport nodes, we will improve last mile connectivity, with more sheltered walkways, underground pedestrian networks and linkages to nearby buildings, especially in the city. There will also be more cycling paths and bicycle parking facilities at transport nodes.

To make our transport system more barrier-free and elderly-friendly, more MRT stations will have additional barrier-free routes through additional lifts inside stations or at overhead bridges near stations. Today, one in three bus services is wheel-chair accessible. In five years, this will grow to some eight in 10 services.

We will review both rail and bus financing frameworks to keep fares affordable even as services improve. The Public Transport Fare Adjustment Formula will be reviewed to balance affordable fares with an efficient and sustainable public transport industry. We will also ensure that public transport remains accessible to low-income groups.

We will continue to fine-tune our car ownership and usage measures. We will have to reduce the vehicle population growth rate further given the constraints we face in expanding the road network.

We will study measures to make Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) more effective and targeted. There is scope to fine-tune ERP application where trips are predominantly home-bound and some congestion is tolerable. We are looking into the possible implementation of a next generation ERP system based on Global Navigation Satellite System technology. Such a system will address the limitations of the current gantry-based system and increase the scope for real-time intelligent traffic management systems that can improve the driving experience.

Page: 47

The transport sector will do its part to reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, and new schemes will be implemented to encourage the take-up of low-emission vehicles. After the 2011 Concept Plan Review is completed, it will be timely to review the LTMP and our rail and road infrastructure plans. We will work with key stakeholders over the next one to two years to develop an updated LTMP to guide key land transport developments over the next 10 to 15 years.

Our maritime and aviation sectors continue to be key pillars of our economy. We will continue to strengthen our maritime and air links and create a pro-business environment to grow these sectors.

The expansion of Pasir Panjang Terminal is proceeding on schedule. We will build ahead of demand to cater for future growth and ensure that our port continues to deliver a high level of service and operational efficiency. We will also continue to attract and anchor a core group of ship owners and operators in Singapore. This will in turn drive the growth of a comprehensive suite of maritime services and contribute to our growth as an international maritime centre. Greater efforts will also be made to align maritime research and education to build our expertise and intellectual capital in the sector.

The Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) is our economic lifeline. Keeping the SOMS safe and open to international shipping is critical. We will thus continue to work with the international community to enhance the safety in this important waterway.

Singapore's liberal aviation policy remains a cornerstone of our strategy. We will continue to pursue air services liberalisation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, including working through ASEAN.

Following the corporatisation of Changi Airport in 2009, we have seen the airport operator demonstrating greater focus and nimbleness in meeting the needs of airlines and passengers and growing air traffic. We will ensure that Changi Airport continues to meet high service standards by expanding and enhancing airport infrastructure ahead of demand, and remains a hub of choice. We will also continue to pursue initiatives to enhance aviation safety and security for the travelling public, addressing evolving challenges in these areas.

To develop the wider aviation industry, we will continue to roll out programmes and initiatives that enhance productivity and innovation, and work to ensure a ready pool of talent for the sector.