Over 400 Participants in the Second Phase of Engagement Highlighted the Importance of
an Efficient Transport System That Is Inclusive and People-Centred
As part of the ongoing refresh of the Land Transport Master Plan (LTMP), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has engaged over 7,000 members of the public since November 2025 through online responses, focus group discussions (FGDs), youth engagements and community outreach events. Following the first phase of FGDs[1], over 400 participants participated in deeper discussions in the second phase of thematic FGDs and shadowing studies across our themes of Connectivity, Comfort and Community. In this second phase, we gained a deeper understanding of specific transport needs, including on topics such as access to cars, shared use of transport spaces, improving connections through micromobility and making public transport more inclusive.
Exploring Connectivity, Comfort and Community
2. Participants of the thematic FGDs discussed a range of issues that contribute to the LTMP refresh’s aspirations of strengthening Connectivity, Comfort and Community. They highlighted the importance of a transport system that not only enables people to travel efficiently, but also supports a more inclusive and people-centred commuting experience. Discussions included improving first- and last-mile connections, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity across the transport network, fostering safer and more gracious spaces, and ensuring that transport policies continue to meet the evolving needs of different groups of users.
Access to Cars and Alternatives to Car Ownership
3. At the FGD on access to cars, Deputy GPC Chair Edward Chia shared his proposal to replace Categories A and B Certificate of Entitlement (COE) with a single COE pool, with discounts for lower-Open Market Value (OMV) vehicles and surcharges for higher-OMV vehicles. Participants from the public, motor industry and urban mobility academia discussed how the COE system can continue to meet its objectives amid changes in the automotive landscape. Many raised that engine capacity and engine power rating criteria have become less effective in differentiating mass market and higher-end cars. Mr Chia and Member of Parliament Mr Ang Wei Neng observed that in recent years, manufacturers have been adjusting specifications of cars to qualify for Category A COEs, contributing to a narrowing of the price premium gap between Category A and Category B COEs. Mr Chia further noted that Category A COE premium had exceeded those for Category B COE on two occasions[2] – the first during the second COE bidding exercise in February (20 Feb) and the second during the second COE bidding exercise in Apr (22 Apr).
4. Participants explored a range of ideas on how COEs could be categorised. Suggestions included merging Categories A and B COE, and introducing a rebate and surcharge scheme based on vehicle value rather than engine capacity and power, so that owners of higher-value cars would pay more than those purchasing mass-market cars. Other ideas raised included using vehicle size as a differentiating criterion, allocating COEs based on needs, particularly for large families with young children, creating a separate category for car leasing companies, imposing surcharges for multiple-car ownership, removing Category E, and providing individuals with greater flexibility in the COE bidding process.
5. Participants also discussed how to improve alternatives to car ownership. This included improving first- and last-mile connectivity through having more cycling infrastructure and sheltered walkways. Participants supported prioritising pedestrians and public transport over cars in road and traffic design, and called for more accessible and family-friendly car-sharing services.
6. Building on these views, LTA will issue a consultation paper later this year to seek detailed public feedback on the proposed policy options. This review is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Reimagining Shared Spaces for Move Lite
7. Community was a recurring theme as participants explored how roads and paths can better accommodate the diverse mobility needs of pedestrians, cyclists and riders. To improve road safety, many called for greater pedestrian priority in high activity areas (such as town centres as well as mature housing estates and schools with more elderly and young children), speed calming measures and speed limit reductions, while recognising the need to maintain efficient bus operations.
8. Participants also discussed the importance of gracious behaviour to reduce conflicts between different road users in shared spaces. Suggestions included establishing clearer norms for safe path-sharing and overtaking, as well as encouraging riders to be more considerate towards vulnerable users such as children and the elderly.
Improving Future Connectivity through Micromobility
9. Participants saw micromobility[3] as an important complement to public transport, which they were open to using more regularly for commuting and daily trips. However, they felt that greater adoption would depend on improvements to safety, comfort and infrastructure, as well as more responsible user behaviour. Participants also emphasised that micromobility should be accessible to a wide range of users, including seniors and those with diverse mobility needs.
10. Participants expressed support for a more connected and dedicated micromobility network, including wider and segregated paths, improved path maintenance, more sheltered routes, enhanced parking, charging stations, end-of-trip facilities, and stronger integration with public transport. They also discussed how technology, education and enforcement could support safer and more responsible use of micromobility devices. Participants saw potential benefits in shared motorised micromobility services, although many emphasised the importance of first strengthening infrastructure and safety measures.
Making Public Transport More Inclusive
11. Inclusivity was another recurring theme, with participants calling for improved public transport accessibility for families with young children, people living with dementia, and persons with disabilities. To better understand the challenges faced by these groups, LTA staff shadowed commuters across 21 commuter profiles on their trips to observe their experience firsthand.
12. The studies provided valuable insights into the diverse and practical challenges faced by different groups. For example, by observing of a visually-impaired white cane user, we identified the difficulties encountered by visually-impaired commuters in identifying the direction of fare gates and escalators, and their reliance on memorising routes to navigate the public transport network. The studies also revealed that some parents with young children, especially newer parents, were unaware of the family-friendly features already available at public transport nodes, such as nursing rooms at some MRT stations.
Continuing the Conversation
13. As part of the LTMP refresh, LTA has also been engaging youths through initiatives such as the Youth Panel for Transport and the Transport Future Game Design Competition[4]. Recognising that the future of transport will be built for and by the next generation, these initiatives provide meaningful platforms for them to share their perspectives, explore policy trade-offs, and co-create ideas for a more inclusive, innovative and future-ready land transport system.
14. LTA will continue engaging all segments of society including schools, industry partners, communities and stakeholders through talks, competitions, dialogues and other outreach activities. The insights gathered will shape LTA's plans as we develop the LTMP refresh, ahead of its release in 2027. Members of the public may also find out more about the LTMP refresh at https://go.gov.sg/ltmp-refresh.
