Requirement for Town Councils to Bear Costs of Sheltered Linkways and Footpaths for LTA Projects on HDB Land

102 Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) why are Town Councils required to bear the costs of connecting sheltered linkways and footpaths for projects implemented by LTA on HDB land, such as the construction of elevators at pedestrian overhead bridges; and (b) whether the Ministry will review this cost allocation to ensure Town Councils are not unduly burdened financially.

Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) works with the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to build covered linkways that connect transport infrastructure, like bus stops, bus interchanges and mass rapid transit (MRT) stations, to nearby HDB developments, and sheltered pedestrian overhead bridges (POBs). LTA also builds the lifts for these overhead bridges. All these are fully funded by the Government, to encourage the use of public transport.

However, in cases where residents request additional covered linkways to provide alternative routes when there are already existing covered linkways connecting the same transport infrastructure, POBs and HDB developments, LTA will provide the linkway if the Town Council agrees to co-fund the construction. This strikes a balance between providing convenience to residents and commuters and the need to maintain fiscal prudence.