Review of Seat Widths and Spacing on MRT Trains and Public Buses

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question 

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport 

a.    whether LTA takes into account updated anthropometric data of the Singapore population when specifying seat widths and spacing for MRT trains and public buses;

b.    when these specifications were last reviewed; and

c.    whether the Ministry will consider revising seating standards given that Singaporeans are now taller and broader.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow: 

1.     The Land Transport Authority (LTA) requires that seats on all new trains must minimally be 48cm wide. As buses have more space constraints, seats on all new buses have lower requirements, but must still minimally be 42cm wide. Our standards exceed the relevant European Union standards for bus and train seats.

2.      We have no plans to revise the minimum standards for seat width at this time. LTA will continue to evaluate train and bus designs holistically based on commuter feedback and capacity requirements, including to maintain sufficient space for standing commuters and wheelchair users.