Private bus operations and ridership in 2018 and 2019 and their contribution to total carbon emissions and measures to achieve goals of Land Transport Masterplan 2040
Parliamentary Question, 6 April 2020
Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the total number of private bus operators, private buses, private bus trips and passengers, including tourists, NS men, workers, students in 2018 and 2019; (b) what is the total carbon emission contribution from these private bus trips per year; and © how and when will the Ministry begin supporting private buses and coaches to become cleaner to complement the goal of 100% clean energy public bus fleets as part of Land Transport Masterplan 2040 and Singapore’s overall commitment to climate change.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: There are around 5,000 private bus operators with a combined fleet of 13,500 private buses. As we do not track the number of private bus trips and passengers, we do not have data on their carbon emissions.
The Government announced its vision for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040 and is committed to supporting efforts by private bus operators to adopt cleaner vehicle models for their fleets. From 1 April 2021, they will be able to benefit from the Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme (CVES) and an enhanced Early Turnover Scheme (ETS). Under the CVES, private bus operators who choose lower emissions alternatives for their private buses with maximum laden weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes can enjoy an incentive of up to $30,000. The enhanced ETS will further encourage turnover of older diesel commercial vehicles, including buses, to newer and cleaner models.
Separately, the Government will also work with the private sector to increase charging infrastructure provisions at public and private carparks island-wide. This will support greater adoption of electric buses.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anthea Ong is a Nominated Member of Parliament. (A Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) is a Member of the Parliament of Singapore who is appointed by the President. They are not affiliated to any political party and do not represent any constituency. There are currently nine NMPs in Parliament.)
The multi-sector perspective that comes from her ground immersion of 12 years in different capacities helps her translate single-sector issues and ideas across boundaries without alienating any particular community/group. As an entrepreneur and with many years in business leadership, it is innate in her to discuss social issues with the intent of finding solutions, or at least of exploring possibilities. She champions mental health, diversity and inclusion — and climate change in Parliament.
She is also an impact entrepreneur/investor and a passionate mental health advocate, especially in workplace wellbeing. She started WorkWell Leaders Workgroup in May 2018 to bring together top leaders (CXOs, Heads of HR/CSR/D&I) of top employers in Singapore (both public and private) to share, discuss and co-create inclusive practices to promote workplace wellbeing. Anthea is also the founder of Hush TeaBar, Singapore’s 1st silent teabar and a social movement that aims to bring silence, self care and social inclusion into every workplace, every community — with a cup of tea. The Hush Experience is completely led by lovingly-trained Deaf facilitators, supported by a team of Persons with Mental Health Issues (PMHIs).
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