Singapore to spend extra S$1 billion on safer streets and improving first- and last-mile connectivity

SINGAPORE: Additional funding of around S$1 billion (US$744.6 million) will go towards making walking and cycling commutes safer within more Singapore neighbourhoods over the next decade, announced Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor on Tuesday (Mar 5). 

This will see the Land Transport Authority expand the Friendly Streets initiative from its five pilot locations to all HDB towns by 2030. It will also extend the initiative to private estates with high-activity areas and key amenities nearby. 

The S$1 billion will also be used to improve commuter infrastructure for first- and last-mile connectivity over the next decade, added Dr Khor in parliament as she outlined her ministry’s budget plans.

On top of that, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will fund two new road repurposing projects to prioritise road space for cyclists and pedestrians.

SAFER STREETS, BETTER CONNECTIVITY

Areas designated as Friendly Streets have high pedestrian flow and are close to key amenities. They will have widened footpaths; new barrier-free crossings with priority given to pedestrians; and “calmer vehicular traffic” achieved through road treatments and markings, LTA said in 2023 when it introduced the initiative. 

Of the five pilot locations with these features, LTA has started works in Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Batok West and Tampines; with Toa Payoh and West Coast following suit in coming months.

After that, 10 more towns are expected to be transformed. These are Bedok, Buangkok, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Holland/Buona Vista, Jurong East, Pek Kio, Punggol, Sembawang and Tiong Bahru/Havelock. 

LTA will work closely with communities in these towns to implement features that meet residents’ needs, said Dr Khor.  

To improve commuter infrastructure, authorities will also implement and upgrade senior-friendly features at more bus stops – such as additional seats with arm and back rests – and ensure wheelchair accessibility.

There will also be more covered linkways to connect MRT stations to more areas with Friendly Streets and nearby key amenities largely within an 800m radius. 

More pedestrian overhead bridges, particularly those near public transport nodes and healthcare institutions, will be retrofitted with lifts to provide barrier-free access. There are currently 87 such pedestrian overhead bridges.

ROAD REPURPOSING PROJECTS

Zion Road and Sims Place will see two new road repurposing projects beginning later this year. These are expected to be completed in 2026.

Along Zion Road, LTA will repurpose up to two out of five to six road lanes. This is around 700m between River Valley Road and Ganges Avenue. 

The repurposed space will have a widened footpath and a new cycling path to connect Zion Road to the Alexandra Park Connector. It will also allow LTA to expand the existing bus shelter opposite Great World City, and provide sheltered connectivity to Zion Riverside Food Centre.

At Sims Place, LTA plans to repurpose a 300m road stretch fronting Sims Vista Market and Food Centre, from four to two lanes. This will improve safety and convenience for those crossing Sims Place between Block 53 and Sims Vista Market and Food Centre. 

There will also be space for a widened footpath and new cycling path, and sheltered connectivity across Sims Place.

NEW PMA REGULATIONS

The government has also accepted recommendations by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel on regulations for personal mobility aids (PMAs). 

Once these recommendations kick in around 2025, only users certified with "relevant medical or physical needs", such as walking difficulties, can use mobility scooters, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng on Tuesday. 

This requirement will not apply to users of manual and motorised wheelchairs, as public feedback has largely revolved around able-bodied users misusing mobility scooters, said the Transport Ministry. 

Another change is the reduction of the speed limit of motorised PMAs – mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs alike - from 10 kmh to 6 kmh. 

Finally, the same size restrictions will apply to all PMAs used on public transport as well as on public footpaths and cycling paths. 

PMAs are currently restricted to 70cm width, 120cm length, 150cm height and 300kg laden weight when used on public transport. Those used on public paths must follow suit. 

Users can be exempted if they have proof of medical need to use PMAs that exceed these dimension restrictions.