LTA allowed to build commuter facilities on State land adjoining railway area

Under the new laws passed yesterday, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) can build commuter facilities such as bicycle racks on all State land adjoining the railway area, and rail operators are required to maintain these installations as part of the MRT stations’ premises.

Previously, there was no legislation to enable the LTA to fit stations with commuter facilities, except when the facilities fall on State land within or adjoining road reserves.

Under amendments to the Rail Transit Systems Act, the definition of “railway commuter facilities” was also widened to include bicycle tracks, lifts, escalators, staircases and ramps as amenities the LTA can build to enhance connectivity to MRT stations.

Welcoming the move, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Member of Parliament Liang Eng Hwa noted that the Act was drawn up at a time when commuting facilities were more basic.

“Today ... commuters have diverse needs for their daily commute,” he said, citing the elderly and people who are less mobile. XUE JIANYUE