Plans for Better Transportation Access for Seniors Living in Private Estates
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns plans to enhance transportation access for seniors in private estates, with Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry suggesting private sector mini-bus services or autonomous vehicle trials. Minister for Transport Mr S Iswaran explained that while inclusivity is a key goal of the Land Transport Masterplan 2040, infrastructure enhancements must be balanced with financial sustainability. He noted that the Land Transport Authority remains open to collaborating with private bus operators to provide smaller, more navigable buses on fixed or on-demand routes in these areas. Residents currently have access to public buses along main roads and benefit from accessibility features like lifts at pedestrian overhead bridges. Regarding autonomous vehicles, the Minister stated that the technology is in early stages and must be proven safe before deployment.
Transcript
125 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.
Mr S Iswaran: 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.
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.