Evaluating Wheelchair Bay Trial Against Disability Rights Obligations and Parameters for Restoring Priority or Redesigning Bus Spaces

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Transport regarding LTA's "First to Board, First to Use" wheelchair bay trial

a.          whether it will be assessed against obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

b.          what parameters will govern whether to restore wheelchair users' priority or explore bus redesigns with separate convertible spaces as proposed by disability groups; and

c.          by when a decision will be made.

Reply by Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow

1.          The Land Transport Authority’s (LTA’s) intent for the trial is to address situations where passengers who are already using the wheelchair bay cannot practically give way to someone who is about to board the bus. The trial also enables us to get better feedback on how different commuter groups are impacted.

2.          As previously stated, the trial is expected to end on 26 October 2026. After the end of the trial, LTA will consider all feedback from disability groups and families with young children, and the implications for bus captains’ operational duties, before deciding on the way forward. Our bus network will continue to comply with Singapore’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

3.          Our newer buses are designed with two wheelchair bays. While these bays are equipped with foldable seats for other passengers when they are not in use, this still results in fewer overall seats compared to older buses. We will continue to explore designs that will best accommodate different commuter groups.