MOBILE TV IN PUBLIC BUSES

Mr Simon Tay asked the Minister for Communications and Information Technology how the introduction of Mobile TV in public buses affects the basic services offered to commuters.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology (Assoc. Prof. Yaacob Ibrahim) (for the Minister for Communications and Information Technology): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Public Transport Council (PTC) has a set of service guidelines to ensure that basic bus services meet the needs of commuters. These guidelines stipulate, among other things, service frequency and coverage, time of operations and display of service information. The PTC conducts regular audits of the services provided by the public transport operators to measure their level of compliance to these guidelines. In addition, the PTC and the LTA encourage bus operators to introduce new and innovative schemes to improve the quality of customer service, provided that these schemes do not have an adverse impact on safety and basic service level offered to commuters. . The TV Mobile scheme does not affect basic service level provided by the bus operator. The TV monitors would not pose a danger to the passengers, hinder the movement of passengers in the bus and/or affect the concentration of the drivers. The bus operator will also not be exposed to undue financial risk. We understand that in a survey conducted by the operator during a one-month public trial in 1999, commuters' feedback on the TV Mobile scheme was positive. . We are aware of the discomfort expressed by some commuters regarding the presence of the TV Mobile monitors in the buses since its launch on 14th February 2001. We have asked the bus company and Media Corp to improve the system and they are currently looking into adjusting the volume and improving on the quality of the images. We will continue to monitor to see that commuters' concerns are duly addressed.

Mr Simon Tay: Sir, the Parliamentary Secretary has said that there is no effect on the safety. May I know whether any tests have been carried out in case of a crash, because it seems to me that these screens could fall on somebody, or somebody could impact himself against the screen?

Assoc. Prof. Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, when the request was made, approval from the LTA was required, as there was a need to ensure safety, in case the monitors may impede the flow of commuters in the bus and they must be securely fastened, and all other relevant technical details to ensure that they do not become a hazard. The technical details were cleared and sorted out with LTA's Vehicle Engineering Department and therefore we gave the approval.

Mr Simon Tay: I am not sure whether the Parliamentary Secretary has answered my question about a crash simulation, Sir.

Assoc. Prof. Yaacob Ibrahim: I will ask the LTA to look into this. At this point in time, I do not have the answers.

Mr Simon Tay: Sir, my second question is about noise volume, whether they have set some requirements of noise level and whether it is possible to secure some parts of the bus so that people who want quiet when they travel could actually opt for those seats.

Assoc. Prof. Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, as we understand it, the operator and Media Corp are looking into it. I can forward the suggestions of Mr Simon Tay to the operator. As I understand it, they are looking into how to adjust the volume to meet the needs of various commuters in the bus.

Dr S. Vasoo (Tanjong Pagar): Sir, I want to ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether there will be an increase of charges as a result of this frill that has been introduced. Because if you introduce more frills in future, it is not only a distraction from the basic core services, but I would like to ask him whether there will be an increased cost.

Assoc. Prof. Yaacob Ibrahim: No.

Mr Simon Tay: Sir, I have a reverse question. Since this is another revenue stream for the bus company, will there be a reduction in cost?

Assoc. Prof. Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, fares are regulated by the PTC. The operators are free to put up requests. We have a formula in place and we have ensured that the operators follow the formula.