Eric Chua on support for people with disabilities to travel to work

The household income eligibility criteria for the Disabled Persons Scheme (DPS) was last reviewed and revised in 2017. This scheme exempts eligible Singaporeans with permanent disabilities who cannot take public transport from paying COE premiums and Additional Registration Fees when they buy a vehicle for work. However, as Singapore moves towards being car-lite, the Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) has been enhanced for these individuals. It offers means-tested subsidies to defray the cost of taking taxis and private-hire vehicles to school, work or job-related training. In 2020, the TSS qualifying monthly per capita household income was raised from S$2,600 to S$2,800. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua said this in Parliament on Tuesday (Mar 21). He was responding to an MP’s questions. Mr Chua said there are now more transport options for people with disabilities who cannot take buses or trains. All taxis must be able to fit foldable wheelchairs in their boots. Taxi and private-hire operators have introduced more wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Several private transport operators catering to people with disabilities have also entered the market.