Speech by Minister of State for Transport Mr Baey Yam Keng at Ministry of Transport’s Committee of Supply Debate 2026

Introduction

1.           Chairman, I will elaborate on how we make land transport people-centric and future-ready. Fellow Singaporeans will play an integral role in this journey. Together, we can shape the next bound of our transport system.

2.           I will start with the refresh of the Land Transport Master Plan, followed by our efforts to promote a positive commuter culture and safety on public paths.

Refresh of Land Transport Master Plan 2040

3.           Ms Tin Pei Ling asked about the future of land transport, and what MOT is doing to build a better and safer land transport system that addresses commuter needs.

4.           As Acting Minister mentioned, LTA has launched a nationwide public consultation to refresh the Land Transport Master Plan 2040, or LTMP in short. This is a long-term strategic blueprint that will chart the next phase of our land transport system.

5.           Why do we need to refresh the LTMP? This is because there are many emerging trends that require us to review our priorities and enhance our strategy.

a.           Firstly, demographic changes such as ageing population, and evolving lifestyle needs of our people meant that transport provisions must also evolve to cater to working adults moving into new estates farther away from their workplaces, families with young children, elderly, Persons with Disabilities and other commuter groups.

b.           The effects of climate change and more extreme weather patterns also cannot be ignored. For instance, we need to continue improving our transport infrastructure so that as much as possible, commuters can walk, cycle, and ride comfortably.

c.           At the same time, we are on the cusp of significant transformation. Advances in intelligent and autonomous systems have enormous potential to improve and expand our mobility options.

6.           What does this mean for the future of transport? Since kick-starting the outreach for our refresh of the LTMP late last year, we have heard from many Singaporeans. I would like to share the 3Cs that have emerged as the top priorities: connectivity, comfort, and community.

7.           To achieve the first ‘C’ of keeping Singaporeans connected and meeting different travel needs, we must continue to invest in our public transport network, as well as on shared and active mobility.

a.           Acting Minister has earlier updated on the progress of the new rail lines under construction. As we build new lines and stations, we will also continue to maintain and rejuvenate older ones, to support the growing demand and to remain inclusive and accessible to all commuters.

b.           When it comes to last-mile connectivity, we hope to cater for more cycling and micromobility networks islandwide as part of infrastructure planning. This allows for safe, convenient and active transport options for shorter distances within a town, such as the use of bicycles and Active Mobility Devices. This approach is especially essential and beneficial for a dense urban city-state like Singapore.

c.           The North South Corridor is a good example. With more traffic diverted to its underground tunnel and viaduct, surface streets will be freed up to prioritise walking, cycling, buses as well as communal and green spaces. When completed, residents in the North can enjoy faster commutes to the city centre, as well as more pleasant and comfortable travel to places along the corridor.

8.           The second ‘C’ is comfort – we want journeys to be comfortable and enjoyable so that public transport remains the mode of choice for Singaporeans.

a.           One aspect of our LTMP engagements is getting Singaporeans from all walks of life to share more about their daily commutes – not only about travel times and connectivity, but also about their travel experience.

b.           Participants talked about how they use their neighbourhood spaces and get to transport nodes. As SMS Sun has shared, we will be expanding Friendly Streets to all towns by 2030.

c.           Members also asked about how we can improve commuter infrastructure that supports walking, such as covered linkways and pedestrian overhead bridges.

d.           LTA is continuously improving the first-mile, last-mile journey to our transport nodes. For example, we already have covered linkways within a 400-metre radius of MRT stations. This is now extended to an 800-metre radius at our Friendly Streets.

e.           We are also installing lifts to existing pedestrian overhead bridges. We have already completed the retrofitting of lifts to bridges near major transport nodes, and are now focusing on bridges that serve more seniors.

f.            Ms Sylvia Lim asked about lift upgrading at four pedestrian overhead bridges in Hougang. Mr Chairman, on behalf of Acting Minister, I would like to confirm that there is no delay. We have been carrying out the retrofitting of bridges with lifts in phases. The four bridges mentioned by Ms Lim is in this current phase, which commenced at the end of last year. There are over 100 bridges that we are upgrading in this phase. Works must be carried out progressively. We will commence works at two of the bridges mentioned by Ms Lim by the middle of 2027, before moving on to the other two bridges later.

g.           Mr Chairman, in every project we do, we have to prioritise and carry out works progressively. Implementing and improving infrastructure takes time and resources, which are also needed by other equally meritorious projects. We take this principle – benefit as many commuters as quickly as possible.

h.           Over time, we will cover all the locations that we have identified for enhancements.

9.           The last ‘C’ is about fostering a sense of community.

a.           Transport is a shared experience. A transport system that fulfils our needs, and one that we are proud of, goes beyond policies and hardware.

b.           It is also a matter of how we treat one another in shared spaces on a day-to-day basis, whether on our roads and paths, or in buses and trains.

10.        While we can improve our infrastructure and hardware, such changes are not without trade-offs. Transport spaces are ultimately shared by all of us. From time to time, conflicting needs do come up.

a.           For example, since 2018, LTA has been procuring buses with more open space where wheelchairs and strollers can be parked. This caters to an increasing number of commuters with diverse needs.

b.           But to create space for these bays, LTA had to reduce the number of seats, as Ms Sylvia Lim pointed out. To mitigate this, LTA will install foldable seats within the bays where feasible.

11.        Part of the LTMP exercise is to create the opportunity for these important conversations, to allow people with different needs to hear from one another, and forge consensus on the social compact that underlies our shared spaces in our transport system.

12.        An example of where greater consensus is needed is in the use of spaces set aside for wheelchairs and strollers on buses. Ms Elysa Chen raised the need to make public transport more inclusive for young families. For parents with open strollers, our bus captains will also be happy to activate the wheelchair ramp upon request, to facilitate their boarding process.

13.        We have also heard feedback from parents that they are sometimes asked by the bus captains to fold their stroller and carry their child because the bus is crowded and there is a wheelchair-bound person boarding.

a.           We are actively reviewing this issue and consulting various stakeholders. Aside from increasing the space allocated for wheelchairs and strollers, which comes with trade-offs, LTA has been conducting small-scale operational trials on the more flexible use of such spaces, and have gathered initial operational insights. We are now ready to test this at a larger scale.

b.           From April 2026, on around 10 selected bus services plying routes that serve more wheelchair or mobility aid users and parents with young children, our bus captains will facilitate the use of bays by wheelchairs and open strollers on a first-come-first-serve basis.

c.           Depending on the findings, we will consider making this the norm across the entire network.

d.           We will also gather views at the upcoming LTMP consultations, from commuters, families, and advocates to find a balanced way forward together.

14.        Our aim is for our public buses and trains to be an inclusive space for commuters of all needs, including wheelchair users and parents with young children. Singaporeans’ active participation in this conversation, and our gracious commuting behaviours, will make all the difference.

15.        Aside from the suggestions to improve our transport system, we also heard about the positive impact that our transport system has made on Singaporeans’ everyday lives, and that is heartening.

16.        We know that land transport is a deeply personal part of everyone’s lived experience and an issue close to many people’s hearts. There will be more LTMP engagements to come, including school outreach, pop-ups, and thematic focused group discussions that deep dive into targeted issues.

17.        We want to hear your stories and perspectives, discuss the necessary trade-offs, and partner you in co-creating a transport system that we can all take pride in.

Forging a “We-First” Commuting Culture

18.        Next, I will speak on our efforts to cultivate a more gracious and caring commuting culture.

19.        Beyond faster and more convenient journeys, ensuring an inclusive public transport system is equally important, as Ms Elysa Chen has mentioned. Besides access to public transport, we want everyone to feel safe and confident when using our buses and trains.

20.        Over the years, we have made our system more accessible to commuters of all needs. Our public transport system is now almost entirely barrier free. LTA and our transport operators are also expanding our efforts to support commuters with other diverse needs.

a.           To give an example, SBS Transit has piloted a Sign Language Virtual Assistant kiosk called SiLViA at Chinatown MRT station. Using AI, the kiosk features a female avatar, which can translate spoken words or public announcements into sign language.

b.           Ms Rachel Ong asked whether there are plans to scale this. So far, commuters with hearing difficulties have found the kiosk useful. LTA will work with SBS Transit to deploy this initiative at more locations.

21.        Beyond hardware and technology, all commuters can play a part. A “We-First” society starts with our everyday interactions on our public transport system.

a.           Queuing to board our MRT trains and letting commuters alight first was not the norm here in the past.

b.           However, after LTA launched the Graciousness Campaign in 2009 and marked out queue lines at MRT platforms, this is now second nature.

22.        Building such norms is an ongoing process. The Public Transport Council regularly engages commuters on how we can make the public transport system more gracious and inclusive.

a.           Some feedback that they have received includes how our commuters with diverse needs can find it difficult to get a seat, especially if their condition isn’t visible to others.

b.           Commuters with open strollers sometimes also have to wait for the lift behind long queues of able-bodied people.

23.        The Caring SG Commuters Movement, led by PTC and LTA, will launch a new campaign to shape positive behaviour norms in our public transport system.

24.        First, we will clearly set up priority queue lines at the priority boarding doors within MRT stations and at the lifts within our public transport nodes progressively.

a.           If you are using a wheelchair, pregnant, or travelling with a stroller, you can use these priority queue lines when waiting for the train or the lift.

b.           For other commuters, we encourage you to use the escalators and stairs so the lifts can be prioritised for those with greater needs. And if you still wish to use the lift, please let those in the priority queues enter first.

25.        Second, we encourage all commuters who need a seat, such as those who are pregnant or have health conditions, which may not be visible, to obtain a “Helping Hand” card from the passenger service centres at train stations and bus interchanges.

a.           I also encourage commuters to show acts of care by actively giving up their seats to those who need them more, including those carrying the striking yellow “Helping Hand” cards.

b.           We also want to make it a norm for those who need a seat to ask for one. While some commuters may not notice that you need a seat, I am sure that most people are understanding, and are prepared to give up their seats if they are approached politely.

Safety on Public Paths

26.        Lastly, Mr Gerald Giam, Mr Jackson Lam and Ms Valerie Lee asked about the different ways to improve the safe use of public paths, which are shared between pedestrians and users of mobility devices.

27.        Indeed, we want to encourage active mobility while ensuring safety. To do so, we set out the rules and regulations, enforce them, build the infrastructure, and promote the safe and gracious sharing of public paths through education and engagement.

28.        On the requirement of lights, bicycles, power-assisted bicycles, or PABs, and personal mobility devices, or PMDs, must display a front white light and a rear red light when ridden on public paths and roads during hours of darkness between 7pm and 7am.

a.           This ensures that riders are visible to pedestrians and other path users at night.

b.           LTA conducts regular enforcement operations to ensure compliance.

29.        On cycling etiquette and the rights and responsibilities of path users, the Code of Conduct for Users of Public Path provides guidelines to ensure harmonious path sharing.

a.           Riders should look out for and give way to pedestrians on public paths. The bell is meant to gently alert others before overtaking, rather than to demand the right of way.

b.           When approaching bus stops and intersections of public paths, riders should slow down and stop if necessary. This reduces the risk of accidents with other path users, such as those boarding or alighting from buses.

c.           At the same time, pedestrians should also do their part to stay alert to oncoming riders or any potential danger, by keeping their eyes and ears open.

30.        Where possible, we also have designed infrastructure to enable safe use and sharing of paths.

a.           For example, LTA builds bypass paths behind bus stops to separate cyclists from bus commuters where possible.

b.           Markings, signs, and speed regulating strips also remind cyclists to slow down and give way to pedestrians near bus stops.

31.        LTA also enforces against cyclists who speed or cycle recklessly. We will continue to monitor accidents and public feedback to identify areas for improvement.

32.        On whether to prohibit pedestrians from walking on cycling paths when a dedicated alternative is provided, this had been deliberated before. We do not plan to prohibit pedestrians from using cycling paths adjacent to Pedestrian-Only Paths, or POPs in short.

a.           This provides pedestrians – who are the largest group of path users – with the flexibility to also walk on the cycling paths when it is safe to do so.

33.        Our approach is to clearly demarcate the paths and focus on strengthening user awareness about path safety through education and outreach efforts.

a.           Users are advised to keep to their own paths under the Code of Conduct.

b.           Enforcement officers on the ground and volunteers from the Active Mobility Community Ambassadors scheme will also educate pedestrians seen walking on cycling paths to keep to the POPs for their own safety.

34.        Chairman, I will now say a few words in Mandarin.

35.        自去年11月起，我们展开为期一年的公众咨询更新陆路交通发展总蓝图，目的是与大家一起探讨不同的通勤需求、共同塑造未来的交通系统。过去四个月来，我们收到改善交通连接，和提升旅途舒适度的建议。大多数人都憧憬一个更加包容以及更加相互关怀的通勤文化。这需要所有人都尽一份力。每当您你在地铁、公共巴士上匆匆赶路时，是否留意到那些更需要座位和电梯的乘客，例如年长人士、轮椅使用者、身怀六甲的孕妇、或携带婴儿推车的家长，而自动自发地礼让？

36.        我们也了解到不少家长携带婴儿推车乘搭公共巴士的不易。因此，我们会在今年4月起推行一项试点安排：在约十个巴士路线，车长将会帮助携带婴儿车的家长和轮椅乘客，根据先到先用的原则，使用专属的空间。有时候巴士上可能较为拥挤，我呼吁乘客们多多体谅彼此、热心协助有需要的人。今天您为他人伸出援助的同一双手，也在为您的家人挚爱明天的需要而铺路。

37.        相互礼让与关爱的精神也应当延伸至公共道路的使用。为确保不同使用者如行人、个人代步工具使用者的安全，陆交局实施了相关的规章制度和优化了道路设计。我们将持续这方面的公共教育和取缔与执法，来应对危险的违规行为。希望大家在同行的道路上，让谨慎代替侥幸，让包容化解隔阂，让相互守望照亮彼此的旅途。

Conclusion

38.        To conclude, we will continue to work hand in hand with fellow Singaporeans to enhance our land transport system and commuter culture. This will ensure that it is future-ready and able to meet the diverse needs of our people.

39.        Thank you.