Public transport emergency response project to cost S$6.3m

SINGAPORE — A two-year public transport emergency response programme, which aims to enhance the capabilities of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and public transport operators in responding to public transport incidents and emergencies, will cost S$6.3 million.

This information was revealed by Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew in Parliament on Tuesday (July 8) in a written reply to Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Gerald Giam, who had asked details of the project’s implementation as well as how much it would cost.

The project, called the Fusion AnalyticS for public Transport Emergency Response (FASTER) project, uses data from various sources including telecommunications, farecard and video data to determine commuting patterns. It can also analyse the impact of public transport incidents.

Mr Lui said that out of the total cost, the LTA will fund about S$2.7 million while IBM will bear the remaining cost of S$3.6 million. He added that research partners involved in the project will benefit in developing new capabilities, services and products.

The minister also said measures are in place to ensure strict confidentiality of data used. For instance, telecommunications data will be anonymised and cannot be used to identify individuals. He added that strict non-disclosure agreements have also been signed by the partner organisations involved. CHANNEL NEWSASIA