Implementing New Bus Commuter Conduct Rules Through Enforcement Safeguards and CCTV Utilisation, and Metrics to Assess Behavioural Improvements

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question

Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Minister for Transport given the new bus commuter conduct rules

a.          how will enforcement and safeguards operate for authorised staff and vulnerable commuters;

b.          whether technology including Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) will be utilised; and

c.          what metrics will the LTA use to assess improvements in commuter behaviour and bus environment.

Reply by Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow

1.          We want to foster a caring and gracious commuting culture where commuters look out for one another and exercise social responsibility, so as to minimise the need for enforcement.

2.          For egregious cases of misconduct, technological tools such as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) will be used to support enforcement officers in the identification or tracing of offenders.

3.          All enforcement staff are trained to be consistent, measured and proportionate when enforcing the new regulations. Bus captains are also trained to look out for and assist commuters with disabilities, including those with invisible conditions. They will exercise discretion before requiring a commuter to alight, taking into account the circumstances of each case.

4.          The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will continue to track the effectiveness of the new regulations through feedback received and annual surveys such as the Public Transport Customer Satisfaction Survey.