Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Analysing Public Benefits of Each Transport Mode and Applying Findings to Infrastructure Planning

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     whether the Government does economic analyses of various modes of transport to determine and track the public benefits of each mode of transport in order to guide related policies such as infrastructure planning; and 

b.     if so, how is such input taken into consideration in the policymaking and planning process.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     Our plans for transport infrastructures are guided by long-term strategic plans, such as the Concept Plan and Master Plan. This ensures transport planning is closely integrated with overall land-use planning. Relevant Government agencies work closely with one another to ensure that the necessary transport infrastructure is implemented to meet the needs of commuters, while supporting existing and planned developments.

2.     To guide these decisions, the Government conducts economic analyses when planning for transport projects. These analyses weigh the benefits gained by commuters and society, such as the value of time savings brought about by new transport options, against the costs of building and maintaining transport infrastructure.

3.     While such economic analyses help us to assess the economic viability of our transport projects, they are not the only consideration in our decision-making process. Ultimately, transport is also an economic mobiliser and a social equaliser. It enables all Singaporeans, regardless of where we live, to move around for work, school or recreation. Such non-quantifiable benefits are also taken into account when we evaluate our transport plans and projects.