Enforcing Safe Distancing Measures on Trains and Public Buses and Managing Commuter Volume during Phase Three (Heightened Alert)

1 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Transport (a) how does the Ministry ensure safe distancing measures are being enforced onboard trains and public buses; and (b) what are the standing instructions for public transport operators for managing commuter volume during Phase Three (Heightened Alert), especially during peak hours.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport (Mr Baey Yam Keng) (for the Minister for Transport): Mr Deputy Speaker, while there are practical challenges in enforcing safe distancing on public transport, our public transport operators have put in place a comprehensive suite of measures to ensure that public transport remains safe for commuters.

Since the start of the circuit breaker period last year, our operators have stepped up regular cleaning of buses, trains and public transport nodes, and have applied a long-lasting microbial disinfectant coating on high contact surfaces. Commuters are also required to wear masks on public transport and to refrain from talking during their commute. An A*STAR study in 2020 concluded that these measures, together with the ventilation systems and natural fresh air intake on public transport, are effective in keeping the risk of COVID-19 transmission low.

Our public transport operators and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) also issue regular public reminders and deploy staff and Auxiliary Police to ensure adherence to these safe management measures.

I seek commuters’ understanding and support to adhere to the prevailing safe management measures and urge all employers to adopt flexible working arrangements and stagger start and end times for their onsite employees. It is only with our combined efforts that we can ensure that the public transport experience remains a safe and pleasant one for all.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Yip Hon Weng.

Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for his response. How can commuters on our buses and trains provide feedback if they experience difficulty maintaining a distance of one metre from other passengers or if passengers talk among themselves or on their phones, despite repeated reminders from the announcements? How should operators manage such feedback?

Mr Baey Yam Keng: Mr Deputy Speaker, maintaining safe distancing is not a particular measure on public transport because, as mentioned, it may not be practical. But it is important to adhere to the safe management measures, such as wearing a mask and not talking. So, for such cases when commuters observe errant fellow commuters, a sensible first step would be to gently remind them to adhere to these measures.

There are cases of genuine mistakes, such as when a commuter forgets to bring his mask when he leaves his home. So, I would like to commend the many commuters who have taken the initiative to remind their fellow commuters and, in some instances, even offering masks to those who may have forgotten one.

If that fails or if the commuters feel uncomfortable in engaging these errant commuters directly, they can inform the nearest public transport staff, such as our bus captains or our customer service officers at the train stations. These staff have been trained to handle such situations.

For cases of non-compliance, our public transport operators will work through LTA to take the necessary enforcement actions, such as issuance of fines or the activation of the Police.

Keeping our public transport safe is a joint effort. I seek commuters' understanding and cooperation again to adhere to the prevailing safe management measures so that we can all enjoy a safe commute.