, National Archives of Library 12 NOV1996

Release No.: 21/SEP 03A-l/96/09/20 96- mbt-28

SPEECH BY MR MAH BOW TAN, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, AT THE FIRST ANNUAL LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY (LTA) DINNER AND DANCE AT RAFFLES BALLROOM, WESTIN STAMFORD AND WESTIN PLAZA ON FRIDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 1996 AT 7.30 PM

One year ago, we formed the Land Transport Authority (LTA), bringing four separate organisations together under one roof. One of my concerns was how the staff would cope with the changes. On this first anniversary of LTA, I am happy to see that you have successfully overcome the initial transition period of working together with a new team of colleagues. And as your Chairman has said, you have not only adapted well to the changes but also made remarkable progress in your work.

A year ago, when we launched the LTA, I issued a challenge to you to build a world class land transport system for Singapore, one that would stand with pride alongside our world-class seaport and airport. The first achievement of the LTA was a White Paper on Land Transport which fleshed out the policies necessary to realise the vision and mapped out a series of initiatives that LTA would undertake in the short and medium term to improve our transport system and enhance the mobility of Singaporeans. 2

In January this year, Parliament endorsed the White Paper. LTA has implemented some of the initiatives promised in the White Paper. Other measures are in the pipeline or are being actively studied and explored.

We are seeing a closer working relationship between LTA transport planners and the town and urban planners in the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to integrate transport systems with surrounding buildings and developments. The benefits of this co-operation can be seen in the plans for the New Downtown in Marina South, which will integrate all forms of transport and walkways. We are also looking at, possibly, a light rail network and an extension of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system to serve the new downtown area. There are more exciting plans ahead. Some of these will be shown in the Punggol 21 New Town plan when it is unveiled next month.

In the area of road development, LTA has also made significant headway. The completion of Expressway (TPE) is a major milestone. This expressway links up areas like Woodlands, Yishun, Hougang, Tampines and Pasir Ris into the expressway network, providing better connectivity to the residents and travellers to the north, east and north-east regions of Singapore. Over the next five years, LTA will be building more roads and expressways to ensure that our roads remain free-flowing even as the vehicle population increases.

Perhaps the most visible progress made throughout the year has been in the area of public transport system. This has been an exciting year for rail development. In February, the Prime Minister opened the Woodlands MRT 3

Line. The MRT is now within easy reach of many residents staying in Woodlands, Marsiling, Sembawang and other northern parts of Singapore.

The green light for two important rail projects was given this year - the first Light Railway Transit (LRT) system in Bukit Panjang and the North East MRT line. They are expected to be completed by 1999 and year 2002 respectively. When completed, the additional rail network will expand the public transport network even further and provide reliable, fast, convenient and comfortable service to many more Singaporeans.

Improvements have also been made to provide better pedestrian linkages between MRT stations, bus stops, taxi stands and nearby buildings. This will go a long way to make transfers between different public transport modes more comfortable and convenient. I recently read a Straits Times article about a couple who were extremely pleased with their new flat in Clementi which was linked by a covered walkway to the nearby MRT station and other amenities, Their housing agent had used the covered walkway as one of the selling points of the flat. The couple obviously agreed, since they bought the flat even though they had to pay a little more than another one they were interested in.

As shown by the debate in Parliament and from public feedback, the White Paper has been well received. The plans revealed and the promises made to realise our vision of a world-class transport system have captured the imagination of Singaporeans. But it has also raised expectations. This is quite natural. However, we must not let this excitement degenerate into cynicism. We need to manage this high expectation by producing results and showing progressive achievements. 4

From time to time, I receive letters from members of the public who encounter poor service by our transport providers. They write in frustration, asking “Where is the world class transport system?“, “How can our transport system be world class?” In our replies, apart from investigation and action on the incident in question, we take the opportunity to explain the steps taken to further improve our transport system. We also seek their patience and co-operation- This is part and parcel of managing expectations. On your part, I urge you to accept such feedback as challenges that will make you even more determined to achieve the goals that you have set out in the White Paper.

There are some who are even more cynical. They think the ambitious objectives and targets spelled out in the White Paper are an election gimmick. The truth of the matter is that we have little choice but to strive for a world class transport system. How else can we continue to enjoy a standard of living better than in many developed countries today?

We are barely three million people living on an island one and a half times the size of Batam. We have to be world-class in everything we do to overcome our physical limitations and remain competitive in this modem world. Why should ships call at Singapore if better service at cheaper rates is available at other ports like Klang or Colombo? Why should airlines call at if our airport does not provide world-class services.? Would investors choose to locate their manufacturing plants or regional headquarters (HQs) base their operations here if their expensive goods or their senior executives are stuck in traffic jams, or if our telecommunications services are not the best? If they are prepared to tolerate conditions which are less than the best, then they might as well relocate to other countries asking for lower than Singapore wages and rentals. Whether it is the port or airport, telecommunications or transport, either we aim to compete with the best or we become also-rans. If we are prepared to settle for the consolation prizes, then we should also start lowering our expectations about country clubs or credit cards or cars or any of the other C’s.

Much progress has been made in land transport this year. But a lot more remains to be done. There is room to further upgrade bus service levels to improve their reliability. The MRT is reliable and efficient but at times very crowded. Taxis are still hard to get during peak periods. Transfers between different transport modes sometimes require long walks and climbs up and down pedestrian bridges. Start-stop traffic is still experienced at localised congestion spots during the peak periods.

Rome was not built in one day. Because of the magnitude of the task, we cannot expect to achieve a world class transport system overnight. To make our transport system world class will take time, at least 10 to 15 years. With each step we take, we move closer to our goal. But the process is never ending. Our target should not be a static one. There will always be new ideas and room for improvement. We must actively look for these new ideas and be prepared to take up new challenges.

LTA must continue to provide good facilities and infrastructure to meet the needs of all transport users. It must keep the service providers on their toes, to maintain a high level of service. It must also constantly seek feedback on its work to make sure it is on the right track. Where there are new and novel ways that may solve our transport problems, LTA must not be apprehensive to try them out; nor be discouraged if they do not work out well. I 6 I

The task of delivering the world class transport cannot be LTA’s alone. Full support from everybody is necessary in order to achieve our goal. Transport operators and workers must provide the best possible services, Government agencies like LTA must make the best possible use of limited resources and at the same time, recognise the aspirations of the people and the needs of the economy for a smooth efficient transport system. Above ah, we need the patience, understanding and the support of the public.

It has been a hectic but I hope exciting first year for LTA. The years ahead will be demanding but just as exciting. There is much to be done. But l tonight, give yourself a break, relax and enjoy your first Dinner and Dance.

COM(4)Msep2OD. ‘96/PGS. 1-6