Opening Remarks by Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng at the LTMP Refresh Focus Group Discussion on Micromobility

1.           Good evening. Thank you for joining us today for this focus group discussion on micromobility.

2.           In November last year, Acting Minister launched the Land Transport Master Plan (LTMP) Refresh, which looks at key challenges that are shaping our transport system, including climate change, an ageing population, and changes in where we live and work.

3.           In the first phase of focus group discussions, Singaporeans from diverse backgrounds who came to share their experiences and hopes for our future transport system.

a.           Participants said they want a transport system that helps them get to places that matter, at all life stages and regardless of mobility needs.

b.           Travel time and connectivity were top priorities, with many asking for more direct services and better journey planning tools.

c.           Safety, comfort, and weather protection were also important.

4.           These perspectives remind us that we have different needs and aspirations when it comes to transport. But in land-scarce Singapore, we must share the same limited space that we have.

5.           To properly balance the needs of different groups, we must first understand people’s needs This is why, over the past three months, LTA invited participants to go deeper into discussions on specific topics.

a.           They discussed access to cars, and how to better balance the needs of different groups.

b.           Participants also discussed how to reimagine shared spaces for walking and riding to be more pleasant, and to be safe.

c.           LTA paid special attention to those with more unique needs, shadowing them and carrying out focus group discussions focused on inclusivity. This has helped us to better understand the pain points of those living with dementia and disabilities, those with caregiving needs, and families with young children.

6.           Through these discussions, participants could appreciate the perspectives of different groups and co-create mobility solutions for all.

a.           For example, they recognised that maintaining smooth traffic flow remains important, especially for buses. At the same time, they discussed prioritising pedestrians more in places with more vulnerable groups or high footfall.

b.           Participants also recognised that beyond infrastructure, gracious behaviour matters. They discussed how to establish agreed behaviours norms on paths to share space and allow safe overtaking, while, being more considerate of children and seniors. These are all very thoughtful, very conscious of the needs of different communities. But, the challenge is - how do we balance them?

7.           This evening, we continue this conversation with you, people from different backgrounds, with a focus on improving future connectivity through micromobility.

8.           The term “micromobility” may be new to some of us, but the idea is not.

a.           It refers to small, lightweight personal devices, such as bicycles, power-assisted bicycles, personal mobility devices (PMDs) and personal mobility aids (PMAs).

b.           Some of you may already use these devices — for leisure, for your daily commute, or for work. Some of you may have concerns about them - safety concerns, and how it’s used on our paths. Others may not use them at all.

c.           All these perspectives are important. We are here today to listen, and most importantly to have an open conversation.

9.           Looking ahead, several trends will shape how we think about mobility in Singapore, and micromobility will have an increasingly important role to play.

a.           As our population ages, our travel needs will evolve. For those with walking difficulties, motorised mobility devices could offer greater accessibility and independence in moving around their communities.

b.           At the same time, as our climate becomes warmer, micromobility offers a more convenient, comfortable and sustainable way to get around.

10.        Your participation today is important because you come from different backgrounds, and bring different perspectives. We hope to understand not just your current travel experiences, but also your hopes for how you get around in future; what role micromobility could play; and how we can better share our limited spaces among different users.

11.        As we discuss the future role of micromobility, I invite everyone to listen and understand one another’s concerns and ideas with empathy and openness.

12.        Let us make today’s session a welcoming space for all to share openly, as we work towards a common vision for our transport future. I look forward to a fruitful discussion.