Speech by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Mr Baey Yam Keng, at MOT Committee of Supply Debate 2025

Safe and Comfortable Journeys on Paths and Public Transport

Introduction

1.     Chairman, allow me to share how we are making journeys on public paths and public transport safer and more comfortable.

a.     First, as announced last year, we will implement new rules to curb the misuse of Personal Mobility Aids, or PMAs. 

b.     Second, we will improve the commuting experience on public transport, by rejuvenating our stations and cultivating a better commuting culture.

Curbing the Misuse of PMAs

2.     Last year, the Government accepted the Active Mobility Advisory Panel, or AMAP’s, recommendations to tighten regulations for PMAs. We have observed more able-bodied individuals misusing PMAs, which are meant for those with mobility needs. Speeding and overly large PMAs have also caused anxiety and concern. We need these new rules to improve path safety, especially for vulnerable users, like young children and seniors.

3.     Ms Jean See and Ms Poh Li San asked for an update on the new rules, while Mr Eric Chua asked how we can improve path safety. 

4.     To implement the rules, we need to amend legislation and are scheduled to do so through Parliament later this year. We will provide sufficient transition time for users and other stakeholders. 

5.     I will now share more details on how we plan to implement the new PMA rules.

6.     First, we intend to reduce the speed limit for riding PMAs on public paths from 10 kilometres per hour to 6 kilometres per hour from the first quarter of 2026. The exact timeline will depend on when we can amend legislation. 6 kilometres per hour is the same speed as a brisk walker, so that is a reasonable top speed allowable since PMAs are meant for those with walking difficulties.

7.     Second, we will align the PMA dimension restrictions on public paths with those on public transport, also from the first quarter of 2026.

a.     This means individuals should not ride a PMA exceeding a width of 70 centimetres, a length of 120 centimetres, a height of 150 centimetres and a laden weight of 300 kilograms. 

b.     We will make it an offence to display, advertise and sell PMAs exceeding the dimension limits, or with device speed limit above 6 kilometres per hour. Based on checks with several retailers, many have already stopped selling such PMAs, or are clearing limited stock. 

8.     We understand that genuine users may own PMAs that can go up to 10 kilometres per hour, based on the current rule. 

a.     We will allow PMAs with a device speed limit of up to 10 kilometres per hour to be used on public paths until end 2028. However, they must be used safely within the new speed limit of 6 kilometres per hour and comply with the upcoming dimension limits. 

b.     To monitor their speed, PMA users may take reference from the walking speeds of other path users, or use a physical speedometer or mobile application. 

9.     Third, only those with genuine medical needs will be allowed to use a mobility scooter. Since last year, we have engaged  stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, to develop the certification process. MOH will engage and provide guidelines to the medical community ahead of implementation. This requirement for certification does not apply to motorised wheelchair users.

10.    From the fourth quarter of this year, we will implement the Assessment for Mobility Scooter, or AMS. Under the AMS, users with medical conditions which result in mobility difficulties will be certified to need a mobility scooter. 

a.     Before the commencement of AMS, those who were prescribed a mobility scooter subsidised by the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund, SMF, under the Agency for Integrated Care, or the Assistive Technology Fund, ATF, under SG Enable, will automatically be certified without having to do anything.

b.     Individuals with an existing non-subsidised mobility scooter or who intend to obtain a mobility scooter, should visit their regular doctor for an AMS.

c.     Those purchasing an SMF- or ATF-subsidised mobility scooter for the first time should obtain an AMS through their regular doctor or Occupational Therapist at their existing touchpoints. For most new SMF or ATF clients, the AMS will not add any extra steps to the current subsidy application process.

11.    From the first quarter of 2026, mobility scooter users on public paths must have this certification of need. We will give users some time to obtain the certification, and enforcement officers will engage and educate users on the new rules during this transition period. Users do not have to approach healthcare professionals to obtain certification now. Please wait for more details to be released in the third quarter of this year. 

12.    We understand that some genuine PMA users who do deliveries are concerned that the reduced speed limit will affect earnings. Together with delivery platforms and the National Delivery Champions Association, we have just issued a joint statement on this. Delivery platforms have given assurance that they will continue to be inclusive on their platforms in terms of job allocation and managing customer expectations. In addition, the Government will continue working with stakeholders to enhance the infrastructure and processes supporting last-mile deliveries at developments. 

13.    Taken together, we hope these new rules will curb the misuse of PMAs and improve safety for all path users.

Safety Risks of Motorised PMDs and PABs

14.    Mr Lim Biow Chuan raised concerns on safety risks from non-compliant motorised Personal Mobility Devices, or PMDs; and Power-Assisted Bicycles, or PABs; both the device itself and its use on public transport. 

15.    Over the years, we have put in place stringent measures and safety standards to mitigate the risks of motorised PMDs and PABs. Our enforcement officers conduct operations daily against non-compliant devices on paths, and we take action against retailers selling non-compliant devices, or those that illegally modify devices. However, challenges remain with online sales and illegal modifications.

16.    We have observed incidents in other cities where such devices caught fire on public transport, resulting in injuries and the banning of such devices from public transport. While there has not been any fire incident involving such devices on our trains and buses so far, the safety risk is amplified in such enclosed crowded spaces, with potentially serious consequences to surrounding passengers. As such, AMAP will be consulting the public on the safety and mobility needs of commuters, before making its recommendations to the Government. Thereafter, we will review the regulations on motorised PMDs and PABs on public transport.

Enhancing the Commuter Experience

17.    Another aspect of making commuters feel safe and comfortable is the behaviour of fellow commuters on public transport. Mr Gan Thiam Poh, Mr Lim Biow Chuan and Mr Dennis Tan raised feedback on inconsiderate commuters who eat and drink, play loud music and pose a nuisance to other commuters. In more egregious cases, some harass others and even challenge our bus captains. Public transport is a shared space, and such behaviour affects the commuting experience for everyone. At worst, it can make people feel unsafe about travelling on public transport. 

18.    We have therefore increased patrolling and enforcement against such offences on both trains and buses, and will be strengthening our regulatory powers to act against inconsiderate behaviour. 

19.    At present, our regulatory power to manage commuter behaviour onboard buses is more limited than for rail. As a first step, we are working with our public bus operators to put in place Conditions of Carriage. These conditions will provide for a safe and comfortable experience for commuters and bus captains. It will set out what transport workers can do to alleviate situations with uncooperative commuters. In egregious cases, bus captains can instruct disruptive commuters to alight from the bus, or if necessary, activate the Police.

20.    By next year, our regulatory framework against inconsiderate behaviour will be aligned across trains and buses. Those who behave egregiously will face penalties commensurate with the severity of their impact on other commuters, with higher penalties for repeat offenders. I thank Mr Dennis Tan for his suggestions – the use of loud speakers on public transport is one of the nuisance behaviours that we are looking at, and we will consider the suggestion of using a decibel threshold to define disruptive noise. 

21.    We recognise that some cases involve commuters who may be experiencing a mental health episode, and what they need is support. Our officers will exercise discretion in applying these regulations.  

22.    To complement these, we will continue to promote gracious journeys, with more signages and public announcements to encourage positive behaviour, such as keeping volumes low and occupying only one seat. 

23.    Commuters can also make journeys more gracious by looking out for those in need. In 2023, I had announced the expansion of the ‘Helping Hand’ scheme, with cards indicating, for example, a commuter’s need for a seat. Recognising that commuters have different needs, we will be launching a universal Helping Hand card with a blank space where commuters can write their specific needs. This will be in addition to the earlier issued cards. 

24.    With these measures, I hope that all commuters will play their part in fostering safer and more gracious journeys.

Improving Commuter Infrastructure

25.    Sir, Minister spoke about prioritising the commuter experience in the coming years. Let me share more on how we are enhancing commuter infrastructure for more comfortable and enjoyable journeys.

26.    Just as we rejuvenate older estates, we want to make sure that commuter infrastructure keeps pace with changing needs. For example, after the completion of the Woodlands Extension in 1996, the total daily ridership for the North-South and East-West lines stood at about 900,000. Today, that number has grown to 1.6 million. Our infrastructure must also be inclusive, especially for seniors and those who need more assistance with navigation.

27.    We have continually improved our MRT stations over the years.

a.     Certain high-traffic stations, like City Hall and Raffles Place, are undergoing enhancements, such as new lighting and air-conditioning systems, upgraded toilets, and clearer signages.

b.     When a new line connects to an existing station, we improve pedestrian walkways and include new entrances and exits for better accessibility and crowd management. For example, when linking Orchard station along the North-South Line to the Thomson-East Coast Line, we installed more escalators and travellators, and new entrances serving surrounding malls.

c.     Besides nearby transport nodes, we also endeavour to provide covered linkways from new stations to key developments. We seek Mr Lim Biow Chuan’s understanding that these sometimes come after new stations are opened, as more time is needed to address differing stakeholder requirements.

28.    Beyond these station improvements that have taken place over time,  we are planning for a refresh of our North-South East-West Line stations to accommodate increasing ridership and ensure a more seamless, comfortable commute. We will study how the positive lessons from the newest Thomson-East Coast Line, which has been well received by commuters, how the lessons can be applied to older stations. These improvements could include:

a.     Making stations more accessible, with additional escalators and lifts; 

b.     Improving navigation, with better wayfinding signages; and

c.     Making our spaces more pleasant, with upgraded amenities like toilets and services for commuters.

29.    We are currently looking at Yishun station as our first case study. Yishun is one of our older North-South Line stations. In recent years, the station has become busier and we expect more commuters as surrounding developments are completed.

a.     We will study whether the station platform can be extended to ease crowding during peak hours;

b.     We may add escalators, lifts, and access points to facilitate the flow of commuters;

c.     We will also explore how we can improve the transfer experience, with upgrades to the bus stop, drop-off point and taxi stand, and new covered linkways to enhance shelter to nearby locations. 

30.    Before the Yishun case study is finalised, we have already made plans for improvements to North-South-East-West Line stations that will become interchanges with the upcoming Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line. These include:

a.     Choa Chu Kang and Boon Lay stations, with works to be completed in 2027;

b.     Jurong East station, in 2028; 

c.     Pasir Ris and Ang Mo Kio stations, in 2030; and

d.     Clementi station, in 2032.

31.    Beyond these infrastructural enhancements, we also want to reimagine public transport spaces to better serve commuters and the community. 

a.     For example, the new Punggol Coast station on the North East Line has a Civic Commons space where residents, students from the Singapore Institute of Technology, and people working in at the Punggol Digital District can enjoy and interact.

b.     Our public transport operators have already been working with the communities to improve the vibrancy of stations and interchanges. 

c.     We will find opportunities to create more vibrant spaces, such as by repurposing under-utilised areas to support community and commercial uses. 

d.     More details will be shared when our studies are completed.

32.    Let me now say a few words in Mandarin. 

a.     去年，我们宣布政府将采取一系列措施，防止健全人士滥用行动辅助工具，并确保这些辅助工具的销售和使用能够在安全、可持续的前提下进行。新规则将于2026年第一季度生效，以确保使用者和销售商有充足的时间来适应新的条例。

b.     根据新的条例，在道路上使用行动辅助工具时超过每小时6公里的速度，以及骑行或售卖体积过大的行动辅助工具，都将是 违法行动。

c.     为了进一步防止滥用，从2026年第一季度起，在道路上使用行动辅助踏板车须持有医疗需求证明。有需要的人士，从今年第四季度，可向医生索取需求证明。我们将在今年第三季度公布更多详情， 也会提供充足的过渡时间，所以有需要者不用急着去看医生索取需求证明。这个新的医疗需求证明也只限于行动辅助踏板车的使用者，使用电动轮椅者不需要任何医疗需求证明。

d.     我们希望这些条例与措施能够确保行动辅助工具的正确使用，让我们的道路更加的安全。

e.     我们也希望公众在乘搭公共交通时的体验，是安全和舒适的。但遗憾的是，我们近期收到了多起关于在公交上不良行为的反馈。这包括在公交上饮食，或大声播放音乐和视频。有的乘客甚至在地铁站任意小便或骚扰其他乘客。

f.     因此，为了让乘客能够享有良好的通勤体验，我们将更加严厉地惩罚恶劣的通勤行为，重犯者会受到更高的处罚。公共交通是我们共享的空间和设施。我们希望所有乘客们都能为他人着想，共同营造舒适、愉快的通勤环境。 

Conclusion

33.    Chairman, in conclusion, we will continue making journeys on public transport and public paths safer and more comfortable. We look forward to the support of commuters in understanding and abiding by the regulations. Together, let’s build a more gracious commuter culture.

34.    Thank you.