Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Update on Plans for Better Transportation Access for Seniors Living in Private Estates

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry has plans to help seniors living within private estates to have better transportation access, such as encouraging the private sector to offer mini-bus services for private estate routes or trialing autonomous private hire vehicles for the private estates.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.    Ensuring that our public transport is inclusive and accessible for all commuters, including seniors, is one of the key thrusts of the Land Transport Masterplan 2040. To this end, we have been expanding our rail and bus network and have also been introducing enhancements such as lifts at pedestrian overhead bridges to make it easier for seniors to access transportation options. However, this has to be done in a financially sustainable manner while balancing other national needs including the healthcare needs of an ageing population.

2.     Residents of private estates can access public bus services along the main roads in their vicinity. In addition, LTA is open to collaborating with private bus operators and the community to serve residents in private estates, subject to commercial assessment of such an arrangement. This is in view that private operators have a role to play as they operate with different fleets that are more navigable in private estates, such as smaller buses, whether on a fixed route or on demand basis. As for the trialling of autonomous vehicles, these are still in very early stages, and we must ascertain that the technology is ready and safe before deployment.