Written Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung to Parliamentary Question on Prioritisation Criteria for Planned Lift Installation for Pedestrian Overhead Bridges across Different Towns in Singapore

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     what is the distribution of planned lift installations for pedestrian overhead bridges (POBs) across different towns in Singapore; 

b.     whether the Ministry will consider, in its prioritisation criteria for installations, not only the absolute number of seniors in nearby blocks but also the relative number of seniors in a given town so as to ensure that the elderly living in demographically-younger towns are not disadvantaged in their access to lift-retrofitted POBs;

c.     whether consideration can be given to retrofit the overhead bridge near Block 327A Anchorvale Road with an elevator so as to benefit seniors accessing the nearby crossing; and 

d.     if not, whether this particular bridge will be prioritised in any impending retrofitting of POBs within Anchorvale.

Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung:

1.     Prioritisation of fitting of lifts to pedestrian overhead bridges are broadly guided by two considerations. First, the number of seniors and commuters with mobility challenges that will benefit from the lift, and second, whether the overhead bridge will help better connect them to public transport nodes and healthcare institutions.

2.     These considerations are needed to ensure public funds are put to the best use to benefit the most number of people, in the most meaningful way. As such, it is not appropriate for LTA to base its considerations on the proportion of seniors, instead of the absolute number of seniors living in the vicinity.

3.     In the case of Anchorvale, lifts have been provided at the pedestrian overhead bridge outside Sengkang General and Community Hospital for the benefit of the many senior citizens and patients visiting the hospital. The bridge at Blk 333D next to the hospital is also currently being fitted with lifts.

4.     LTA will continue to periodically review its programme for lifts at POBs and explore other ways to provide barrier-free crossing for those who need it.