SINGAPORE - A Proactive Response to Recent Public Bus Accidents

In a proactive response to recent public bus accidents, a dedicated task force has been established to enhance the safety of Singapore's public transport system. Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai announced in Parliament on November 13 that the task force will collaborate with international experts, regulators, and operators over the next several months to discover and implement best practices tailored for Singapore's unique context.

Task Force Objectives and Timeline

The task force, initiated on July 1 in light of multiple incidents involving public buses, aims to conclude its comprehensive review by mid-2025. The initiative signals the government’s commitment to ensuring safe public transportation for all citizens.

Engagement and Feedback Collection

Mr. Murali updated Parliament on the task force's progress, following inquiries from Mr. Saktiandi Supaat, Chair of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport. Since July, extensive engagement has been conducted, including feedback collection from passengers, road users, and bus captains.

Public Survey Results

A significant aspect of this engagement was a month-long public survey, which garnered responses from over 2,300 community members and more than 3,400 bus captains. Additionally, the task force held focus-group discussions involving around 160 passengers to better understand their concerns and expectations regarding bus safety.

Visits to Bus Operators

The task force has also taken an active role in visiting each of the four main bus operators—SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Go-Ahead Singapore, and Tower Transit Singapore—to scrutinize their safety measures. Together, these operators manage approximately 5,800 public buses across the city.

Initial Feedback on Safety Standards

Interestingly, initial feedback indicates that passengers generally perceive bus safety standards positively. However, Mr. Murali emphasized the continuous pursuit of improvements, stating, "There are always areas that we can look at to enhance these standards."

Concerns for Elderly Passengers

During the discussions, Dr. Tan Wu Meng raised a key concern regarding the safety of elderly passengers. He inquired whether the task force would consider consulting healthcare professionals—specifically geriatricians, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists—who could provide insights into the specific challenges faced by older adults while using public transport.

Focus on Senior Citizens' Safety

Mr. Murali acknowledged that the task force has interacted with elderly passengers and bus captains concerning their experiences, particularly in regard to rapid stops that could pose risks to seniors. He highlighted this as a crucial area of focus.

Accessibility Issues for Seniors

Another pressing issue identified is the reluctance of seniors with mobility challenges to access the upper deck of double-deck buses. This calls for educational initiatives aimed at ensuring their safety, as Mr. Murali noted, "we want to dissuade them from taking any chances while climbing up."

Task Force Composition

The diverse task force comprises representatives from various government agencies, the National Transport Workers’ Union, the four public bus operators, and the Singapore Road Safety Council, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to public safety.

Accident Statistics

Noteworthy is the fact that in June, right before the task force was formed, there were at least five bus-related accidents. Despite this, the government revealed that serious accidents involving public buses have been stable over the last few years. Moreover, there were 75 serious accidents reported in the first five months of 2024—a significant drop from the 207 incidents each recorded in the entirety of 2023 and 2022.

Commitment to Commuter Safety

With an impressive average of 3.75 million daily bus rides in 2023, the undertaking of this task force underlines the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all commuters. Singapore’s public transport network is poised for a safer future as the task force works diligently towards its objectives. Stay tuned for updates on the implementation of these critical safety measures!