The numerous safety measures in place by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and public transport operators have resulted in a drop of accidents involving public buses, said Senior Minister of State for Transport Chee Hong Tat in Parliament on Monday (26 July).
He said that the number of accidents involving public buses, not just at bus interchanges but across different setting, has been falling steadily over the years.
“There were 148 such accidents between January and May 2021 as compared to 270 in the same period in 2017,” he said.
He added, “The average yearly accident rate for our public buses has been on a downward trend over the last few years, from about 0.15 cases per 100,000 bus-kilometre travelled in 2017 to about 0.1 cases between January and May 2021.”
Mr Chee said this in response to questions raised by MP Tan Wu Meng (PAP-Jurong), MP Saktiandi Supaat (PAP-Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) and MP Melvin Yong (PAP-Tanjong Pagar) who wanted to know the safety measures on public buses following the recent accident at Bukit Batok bus interchange.
Earlier this month, 17 people were injured when two service 945 buses collided at the Bukit Batok bus interchange, causing one of the buses to mount a kerb, smash through railings and fall to its side. Only the buss that fell on its side was ferrying passengers.
The Tower Transit said on 12 July that most of the 15 people who were taken to the hospital have since been discharged.
Police have also apprehended a 65-year-old bus driver for a rash act causing grievous hurt.
In his speech on Monday, Mr Chee noted that safety is they key priority for the Government and public transport operators, adding that bus interchanges are designed to make sure that there’s safe movement for both passengers and bus captains.
Speaking of the measures that are in place, Mr Chee explained that before the commencement of operations, LTA conducts analysis and trials to ensure buses can safely move around the interchange.
In addition, speed limit of 15km/h must also be adhered by buses driving within the interchange. Bus captains must also obey to traffic schemes like stop lines and slow marking, which are prominently painted on the driveways, said Mr Chee.
He also added that bus parking warning systems are also installed to warn bus captains of reversing buses.
“All four bus operators have instituted continual safety training for their bus captains, imposed disciplinary procedures for errant bus captains, as well as provide incentives for safe driving, ” said the Senior Minister of State.
“They have also invested in telematics systems onboard buses, which monitor the driving of bus captains and proactively identify those who require refresher training.”
With these measures, public bus safety records has improved in recent years and there are relatively fewer accidents.
Mr Chee also noted that the 148 accidents that occurred from January and May this year were “different types” that involved pedestrians, cyclists and motorist.
“Accidents that occur are often attributed to human factors, such as failing to keep a proper lookout, or to give way to traffic with right of way,” he continued.
“The public bus operators and LTA have put in place a process to collate and share learning points from accidents and also near-misses to raise awareness among bus captains and reduce the risk of future accidents.”
Safe driving is the most important factor
Raising a supplementary question, MP for Bukit Batok Murali Pillai asked if the LTA will relook the design of Bukit Batok interchange, which he noted was built around 1987.
“The accident has caused serious concern among some of my residents, particularly the aspect where the bus fell 2m,” he said.
As a reply, Mr Chee said he reassures that all bus interchanges have safety measures in place that meet prevailing safety standards.
Despite all these measures, safe driving is the most the important factor that no amount of infrastructure can eliminate accidents caused by human error.
“Notwithstanding presence of these safety features, safe driving is ultimately the most important because no matter how much infrastructure we put in, I think if it is due to human error, the infrastructure can’t completely take that away.
“So safe driving is the most crucial, and this is what I think will reduce the risk of accidents,” he said.
