Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Transport in view of our ageing population, how can the Government ensure that wheelchair-accessible vehicular services are affordable, including reducing COE costs of vehicles for services operated by non-profit organisations.
Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:
1. Our transport system serves all Singaporeans. So indeed, it is the Ministry’s priority that our transport system is inclusive, including for seniors and persons with disabilities (PwDs).
2. First, we have made public transport more inclusive and accessible. Today, all public buses and trains are wheelchair-accessible. All MRT and LRT stations and bus interchanges have at least one barrier-free access route. There are also point-to-point transport services which provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles. All taxis can fit foldable wheelchairs in their boots. Taxi and private hire car operators also have vehicles that can accommodate motorised wheelchairs, which cannot be folded. We will continue to look at ways to improve the public transport system to make it more seamless for those who are wheelchair users.
3. Second, there is also financial support provided by various government agencies. For public transport, seniors and PwDs enjoy concessionary fares of up to 55% off adult fares per journey and can purchase a monthly concession pass at half the price of an adult monthly travel pass. For other private transport services supporting PwDs, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has the Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) to subsidise taxis and private hire vehicle trips for eligible PwDs, and the Enabling Transport Subsidy (ETS) Scheme to subsidise dedicated transport, including private buses and vans, to Special Education Schools and community-based programmes. Eligible PwDs who require assistance in travelling to medical appointments may also tap on the subsidised Medical Escort and Transport service under the Ministry of Health.
4. Lastly, for seniors and PwDs who are unable to use the various forms of public transport unassisted, MSF also administers the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) Grant Scheme. Eligible non-profit organisations can apply for this, to subsidise the cost of COE and Additional Registration Fee for commercial vehicles used to transport elderly or PwD clients who are unable to use public transport unassisted.
