Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Public Transport Subsidy and Availability for Motorised Wheelchair Users

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     whether the Ministry will consider expanding the Taxi Subsidy Scheme or introducing additional measures to cap surcharges, so that motorised wheelchair users who need to travel for purposes other than to school, work or employment-related training when public transport is unavailable have more affordable travel options; and

b.     whether the Ministry has studied models from cities such as New York and Dubai where wheelchair-accessible transport services operate round the clock at standard taxi or ride-hailing fares for persons with disabilities.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     Point-to-point and private transport operators offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, including those specially retrofitted with ramps to accommodate motorised wheelchairs, to meet the travel needs of persons with disabilities (PwDs).

2.     PwDs who rely on such wheelchair-accessible vehicles for their essential transport needs can tap on various financial assistance schemes, such as the Taxi Subsidy Scheme and the Enabling Transport Subsidy Scheme, administered by SG Enable.

3.     The Land Transport Authority will continue to work with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the operators to explore ways to make point-to-point transport more accessible to passengers with diverse needs.