Committee of Supply 2024 debate, Day 5: Saktiandi Supaat on public transport and public transport affordability

In Parliament on Tuesday (Mar 5), Deputy Speaker Jessica Tan dealt with the expenditure estimates for the Ministry of Transport (MOT). MP Saktiandi Supaat then highlighted that Singapore’s efficient and affordable public transport system plays a pivotal role for the mobility of Singaporeans and the economy. Mr Saktiandi asked MOT if it could provide an update on its target of bringing eight in 10 households to within a 10-minute walk from a train station by 2030. He also asked if the 2030 target envisages the removal or subtraction of train stations and asked the ministry to share current and future enhancements to last-mile transport connectivity to homes. He also wanted to know what commitments will be made to the 20 per cent of households who may not be near MRT stations. Turning to the issue of public transport affordability, Mr Saktiandi asked the ministry to share an update on efforts to ensure that the public transport system will remain affordable for Singaporeans over the next decade, and more. He also wanted to know what other transport welfare schemes will be rolled out to help vulnerable Singaporeans and if it will consider transport vouchers akin to the Community Development Council vouchers to mitigate the impact of rising costs.