Netizens express scepticism over LTA’s nationwide public consultation exercise

SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has launched a nationwide public consultation exercise to refresh its Land Transport Master Plan (LTMP), allowing commuters to share ideas on improving transport and mobility in Singapore.

Announced by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow at the launch of Caring Commuter Week 2025 at Our Tampines Hub on 15 November, the engagement effort will run for 12 months.

Describing it as LTA’s largest outreach exercise to date, Siow expressed hope that more Singaporeans would feel a sense of ownership and work alongside LTA to shape the transport system of the future.

The refreshed LTMP — scheduled for release in 2027 — will build on the goals of LTMP 2040 while responding to shifts such as an ageing population and evolving travel patterns.

An LTA spokeswoman stressed that the update is not a deviation from LTMP 2040, but a necessary review to ensure the long-term vision “remains future ready, people-centred and sustainable”.

Reviewing Priorities and New Mobility Needs

LTA said engagement sessions will focus on reassessing priorities based on emerging needs, including new developments located farther from current transport nodes.

The authority will also seek views on how new technologies — such as artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles — may shape mobility in the coming decades.

Another key focus will be improving the safety and inclusivity of walking, cycling and public transport, as LTA aims to cater to the diverse mobility needs of all commuters.

Building Empathy and Finding Common Ground

Siow emphasised that public transport is not only about infrastructure but also about people and community, adding that empathy is essential in fostering a caring commuting culture.

However, he noted that some passengers may overlook others’ perspectives. Referring to feedback on a new bus route in Choa Chu Kang, he shared that while some commuters requested shorter journey times, the same group objected when informed that this might require removing bus stops near their homes.

He also cited e-mails from mothers travelling with young children, who struggle when bus captains ask them to fold strollers on crowded buses — often because a wheelchair user is already on board and needs the available space.

Ideally, he said, public transport should accommodate both strollers and wheelchairs safely. But when this is not possible, commuters should show understanding when adjustments are necessary.

“That is why conversations are so important. When people share their experiences and perspectives, and listen to one another... that is where we can find common ground,” he said.

Islandwide Consultations and Community Engagement

LTA will conduct face-to-face and online discussions to gather input from public transport users. A refreshed LTMP webpage has been launched, and sign-ups for in-person dialogues are now open.

The authority will also involve schools, community groups, industry partners and other stakeholders through talks, competitions and related activities.

The last LTMP consultation in 2018 involved more than 7,400 Singaporeans, and LTA hopes to reach even more this round.

Inputs from the previous exercise shaped LTMP 2040’s inclusive, “car-lite” vision, in which most peak-hour journeys could be completed within 45 minutes by public transport, cycling or walking.

Ongoing Master Plan Measures and Youth Initiatives

Current LTMP measures being rolled out include expanding the rail network, building more cycling paths, upgrading transport infrastructure and moving towards cleaner-energy vehicles.

At the same event, Siow launched the inaugural Young ChangeMakers – Caring SG Commuters Grant, a joint initiative by the Public Transport Council and the National Youth Council.

The programme will fund youth-led projects that promote a more gracious and caring commuting culture, with seed grants of up to S$7,000.

Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng was also present and joined Siow in presenting awards to 16 individuals and three organisations for their contributions to building a caring commuting culture.

Calling on Singaporeans to build a shared vision of transport, Siow said: “Ultimately, transport is not just about moving faster or more efficiently. It is whether we are moving together as one people.”

Netizens Express Scepticism Over Public Consultation

On platforms such as Reddit, Mothership and The Straits Times’ Facebook page, many netizens questioned whether meaningful public engagement had taken place previously.

“So means past few months and years never engage with the public regarding the reliability?” one user asked.

Some users described the latest exercise as a superficial effort.

“For show only. Do many thoughts have been given before on all matters but what happened then? Are we projecting that we are giving a listening ear now when matters are fading to be in favour,” one user commented.

Another user argued that the consultation exercise was simply a waste of time, claiming it merely created the appearance of engagement while feedback was ignored and the exercise was carried out only to meet KPI requirements.

Another user pointed out that the feedback form itself was restrictive, noting that it is limited to 100 characters. “Can really tell how interested they are in receiving feedback,” the user added.

One commenter expressed scepticism based on past experience: “As someone who has emailed the SMRT helpdesk email to suggest changes to my nearest station to little success, I'm skeptical how effective this exercise will be.”

Many also called on Ministers and transport leaders to take public transport themselves, arguing that experiencing daily conditions first-hand would reveal what improvements were genuinely needed.

“Ask the Ministers and those top management from all firms to take at least 1 month of public transport and sure you'll know what enhancement to implement," one user said.

Calls for Transparency

One netizen urged LTA to disclose the outcomes of past engagement sessions. The user asked for more transparency on when the last public engagement was conducted, what suggestions had been implemented, and which proposals had been considered but not carried out.

The commenter added that such information would help the public understand what is feasible and what may be taken into consideration.