LTA - Permanent Folding Bike Scheme

[baru]

Here's the Land Transport Authority's press release, announcing the permanent folding bike scheme.

Land Transport Authority
No. 1 Hampshire Road Singapore 219428
For your feedback, pls call: Tel: 1800-2255 582 Fax: (65) 6396 1595

Date of Issue:    12 February 2009


FOLDABLE BICYCLE SCHEME APPROVED

1   As announced by Mr Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Transport), foldable bicycles will be allowed on the Rapid Transit System (RTS) and public buses during off-peak hours within stated guidelines with effect from 15 March 2009. The scheme will proceed after taking into account stakeholder feedback from an earlier six-month trial.

2   Mr Jeremy Yap, LTA's Group Director for Vehicle and Transit Licensing said, "Implementation of this scheme is possible owing to the social graciousness and mutual accommodation of commuters. As a way forward, we hope that cyclists and other commuters will continue to be considerate to one another so that more people can use our public transport system to meet their diverse travel needs.  We would like to thank everyone for their participation, support and feedback."

Trial Background

3   In May 2008, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), SMRT and SBS Transit launched a six-month trial to allow foldable bicycles on board the Rapid Transit System (RTS) and public buses during off-peak hours. This trial was one of several initiatives announced in the Land Transport Masterplan to meet the transport needs of diverse groups of commuters.

4   During the trial period from 24 May to 24 November 2008, foldable bicycles were allowed on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems every weekday during off-peak hours, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. From 24 May to 24 August 2008, foldable bicycles were also allowed on public buses all day on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. This was subsequently extended till 24 November 2008 to include weekday off-peak hours, in line with the MRT/LRT trains.

Trial observations and survey results

5   During the six-month trial, an average of 70 foldable bicycles were brought on board trains each week, and two foldable bicycles on board public buses. At the same time, LTA conducted on-site surveys of more than 1,000 bus and train commuters. Eight out of 10 train commuters and about seven out of 10 bus commuters supported the initiative to allow foldable bicycles on board trains and buses during off-peak periods.

6   During the trial, LTA also actively engaged various stakeholders including commuters, cyclists, bus captains, service leaders, train operators, and the public transport operators to ensure the safety and comfort of commuters, while catering to the needs of cyclists.

7   As a result of the feedback from stakeholders, the approved scheme will allow one foldable bicycle on board each bus at any time during the permissible hours. There will be a slight revision to the hours during which foldable bicycles are allowed on board trains and buses. (Please refer to the Annex for the fine-tuned guidelines, which will apply from 15 March 2008. Until that date, the existing guidelines remain).

8   Mr Gan Juay Kiat, Chief Operating Officer, SBS Transit said, "We would like to thank our commuters for being understanding and patient when foldable bikes were brought on board our buses and trains during the six-month trial. Moving forward, we would like to encourage and remind cyclists with foldable bikes to be considerate and mindful towards fellow passengers by not placing their bikes on seats or blocking the way of others. In situations when the buses are crowded, we also seek their understanding and cooperation with our Bus Captains who have to turn them away for the safety of other passengers on board. By cooperating with and showing consideration towards each other, this will contribute towards a pleasant and comfortable ride for all."

9   As an environmentally friendly organisation, SMRT welcomes and supports LTA's initiative to meet the diverse needs of commuters, by allowing foldable bikes on public transport. We continue to encourage passengers with foldable bikes to be considerate to fellow passengers so that everyone can enjoy a pleasant travel experience,? said Mr Chia Chun Wah, Deputy Director, Station Operations, SMRT Trains.

10   Mr Tommy Lam, a foldable bicycle owner has this to say, "I am very happy because LTA and the transport operators recognise that there is a niche group of foldable bike cyclists who commute to work or leisure by public transport. I am very lucky that my work starts from noon, so I can use my foldable bike to work. I like best the idea of foldable bikes allowed on all hours on weekends and public holidays! I am thankful for that because those are the days when I will most likely commute with my bike the whole day. During weekends and public holidays, I can travel in the early morning to the East Coast Park for my leisurely rides and be back in the late evening with the easy option of taking the bus or MRT."

11   Lionel Loh, an NTU student, and a public transport commuter, shared his opinion by saying,"This scheme gives flexibility to those who engage in an active lifestyle and at the same time supports cycling as an alternative mode of transport for short-distance travel. The guidelines adequately minimise the inconvenience that foldable bicycles pose to the public, thus I see no problem in allowing foldable bicycles on board our public transport."

12   The LTA and operators will continue to monitor this new scheme and take in feedback from stakeholders, and hope that with commuters exercising personal responsibility and demonstrating greater mutual understanding, the scheme will be a success.

FOLDABLE BICYCLE SCHEME
GENERAL GUIDELINES

a)   Cyclists are responsible for the safe carriage of their foldable bicycles and must stay in the vicinity of their foldable bicycles at all times.

b)   Foldable bicycles should be folded at all times in the MRT/ LRT stations, bus interchanges/ terminals and on trains and buses.

c)   Foldable bicycles should not exceed 114 cm by 64 cm by 36 cm when folded.

d)   The wheels of a foldable bicycle should be wrapped up if they are dirty or wet.

e)   Protruding parts likely to cause injury or dirty / damage property are to be covered up.

f)   Foldable bicycles should not block the aisles and doors or impede commuter movement at any time.

g)   Foldable bicycles should be carried in an upright position.

h)   Only one foldable bicycle is allowed on each bus at any one time.

i)   When travelling by train, cyclists should use the first or last car, which is less crowded.

j)   Cyclists should use the lifts and wide fare gates at MRT/ LRT stations where these are available.

k)   Foldable bicycles are not allowed on the upper deck of a bus or placed on the staircase leading to the upper deck.

l)   Foldable bicycles are allowed during the following operating hours:   
       - Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 4.00pm, 8.00 pm to end of operating hours
   - All day on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
 
SMRT / SBS Transit station staff and bus drivers may disallow foldable bicycles if the actual situation within an MRT/ LRT station, bus interchange/ terminal or on board a train / bus does not permit foldable bicycles to be admitted safely and without inconveniencing other commuters.

Cyclists of foldable bicycles may approach SMRT / SBS Transit staff if they require any assistance.

The public can share their views on this scheme by contacting the LTA via 1800 Call-LTA (2255-582), feedback@lta.gov.sg or SMS 77LTA (77582).

[awcute]

happy birthday!

[BkiniInspector]

Its a good start
Next time foldable motorcycle

[awcute]

Hey! they scrap that only 2 bicycle per train!

[roadster]

Kudos to the govt for taking that bold step. 

It is indeed good news for us cyclists who intend to commute part of our journey via our favourite foldable 2 wheels.

But why 15 March as the effective start date?  If the scheme has been approved, shouldn't it start with immediate effect rather than continuing with the trial period until end Feb?  Or has the trial period officially ended and we have to wait 1 more month before we can start the scheme?

[qwerty]

(Please refer to the Annex for the fine-tuned guidelines, which will apply from 15 March 2008. Until that date, the existing guidelines remain). mean we will still follow the existing guideline till 15th Mar...

Kudos to the govt for taking that bold step. 

It is indeed good news for us cyclists who intend to commute part of our journey via our favourite foldable 2 wheels.

But why 15 March as the effective start date?  If the scheme has been approved, shouldn't it start with immediate effect rather than continuing with the trial period until end Feb?  Or has the trial period officially ended and we have to wait 1 more month before we can start the scheme?

[roadster]

Noted.

So the existing guidelines will apply until 15 March which suggests that the trial period has been extended to 15 March instead of end Feb?

Still feel the press release could be more clear.

Anyway, it's a step in the right direction so am not complaining : )   

(Please refer to the Annex for the fine-tuned guidelines, which will apply from 15 March 2008. Until that date, the existing guidelines remain). mean we will still follow the existing guideline till 15th Mar...

[davidtch]

Noted.

So the existing guidelines will apply until 15 March which suggests that the trial period has been extended to 15 March instead of end Feb?

Still feel the press release could be more clear.

Anyway, it's a step in the right direction so am not complaining : )   

Mayb u could reflect to LTA to be clearer with their press release.  For the benefit of others, i had modified Baru's post with bold & red.

[neoterryjoe]

great, now they reduce the # of bikes to 2 at any one time..and reduced the timings to before 4 and after 8..
..but then again, if the bike is a CM, or any bike which is small enough to be bagged, I think the timings and the # restriction dont make a diff... Peak, off-peak the same..

[neoterryjoe]

sorry, its only 1 bike at any one time..

great, now they reduce the # of bikes to 2 at any one time..and reduced the timings to before 4 and after 8..
..but then again, if the bike is a CM, or any bike which is small enough to be bagged, I think the timings and the # restriction dont make a diff... Peak, off-peak the same..

[BkiniInspector]

great, now they reduce the # of bikes to 2 at any one time..and reduced the timings to before 4 and after 8..
..but then again, if the bike is a CM, or any bike which is small enough to be bagged, I think the timings and the # restriction dont make a diff... Peak, off-peak the same..

If you put the carry me qr Bromptom in to a bag which is smaller than a baby stroller or golf bag, I don't think the station master security guard will notice. Can try your luck.

[awcute]

Why station master? the rule of 1 bicycle is only for bus, so bus captain only lah.

[BkiniInspector]

Why station master? the rule of 1 bicycle is only for bus, so bus captain only lah.

I mean during peak period for mrt la.

[blackberryman]

hi fellow riders,

i wrote to SMRT and LTA for clarifications and below is SMRT reply (LTA have yet to respond)  :


From: The Blackberry Specialist [mailto:blackberry.repairs@yahoo.com.sg]
Sent: 07/05/2010 11:07
To: media@lta.gov.sg
Cc: SMRT Corporate Communications
Subject: Prams versus folding bikes in SMRT trains

 


 

 

Dear Sirs/Madam,

I would like to seek clarifications wrt allowing Baby Prams and luggages during peak hrs while disallowing folding bikes in SMRT trains.

Plse clarify the rationale behind this denial for folding bikes of which many are smaller in physical size compared to prams and luggages.

Thank You,
Best Regards,

Ronald Tay
MBCS, MBA, CISP
Advance Data Technologies
Sales, Service & Original Accessories
The Regional Blackberry Specialist
Tel: (65) 6633 9796
Hp: (65) 9751 7108


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: "SMRT Corporate Communications" <CorpComms@smrt.com.sg>
Date: Thu, 13 May 2010 09:37:05 +0800
To: The Blackberry Specialist<blackberry.repairs@yahoo.com.sg>
Subject: RE: Prams versus folding bikes in SMRT trains

Our ref: MM-EN-1005-0154

 

Dear Mr Tay,

 

We refer to your email dated 7 May 2010 regarding your enquiries on not allowing foldable bicycles during peak hours.

 

We wish to take this opportunity to share that foldable bicycles not exceeding 114cm by 64cm by 36cm are allowed on board our trains only during off-peak hours.  We seek your understanding that such item poses problems of space as well as safety particularly when the train is crowded. In addition, there are other concerns such as the transportation of bicycles from the concourse, through the fare gates and up onto the platform, the soiling of station and train premises due to mud, grime or grease from bicycle wheels, as well as the consideration of other commuters.

 

We seek the co-operation of passengers to be more careful when travelling by train with bicycles and to avoid peak hours as it may cause danger or inconvenience to other passengers. Prams are used by mothers to aid them in carrying their children hence we do not impose any regulations upon them.

 

We also wish to inform you that we do restrict the size of luggage and the maximum dimensions of the luggage that is allowed in our system is 81cm by 58cm by 30cm. Should the luggage exceed the permissible size, the Station Manager can use their discretion to stop any passengers carrying bulky items from boarding the train if they cause discomfort and inconvenience to our passengers.

 

We seek your understanding on this matter and hope the above information is useful. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to clarify your concerns with us.

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

Angelina Chew

Senior Officer, Customer Relations

Corporate Marketing and Communications

SMRT Corporation Ltd

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


 

Thank you for your prompt reply.

May I infer that the main reason for not allowing folded bikes in the train during peak hours is not due to the size (even within the allowable limits) but due to the potential of dirt and mud?

May I then infer that:

1) If its covered up in a bag n not exposing any of the wheels, it will be allowed?

2) If the wheels are cleaned prior to boarding (verified and confirmed by station master, one is allowed during peak hours?

Plse verify.

Thank you
Best Regards

Ronald Tay
MBCS, MBA, CISP
Advance Data Technologies
Sales, Service & Original Accessories
The Regional Blackberry Specialist
Tel: (65) 6633 9796
Hp: (65) 9751 7108

[BkiniInspector]

To get around it, I will put my brompton on the baby pram. Is there a size limit for baby pram?

[awcute]

can claim that you are a baby and the bike is your pram?

[blackberryman]

hahahaha i am toying with the idea of putting a pram over a folded brommie (since the brommie is so small) and then my brompton bag will become the "baby" sitting in the pram.. problem solved..

anyway jokes aside, i have traveled during peak hours without a bike and find one can hardly get any standing room let alone w any bike hence its just an academic exercise to understand the LTA's view on this matter.

[BkiniInspector]

Even if they allow, I will not join the big squeeze with my foldie.

[awcute]

I guess we are all reasonable. I wont join the sardine-can (the big squeeze) too with my foldie. However there are exception.

Peak hour in the afternoon - the squeeze is from city. why cant we travel to city with the foldie?
Peak hour in the morning - the squeeze is to city. why cant we travel out from city with the foldie?

Probably this is to make sure the complicated rule did not cause harm to the security guards? Sometime I do question their intelligence.

[blackberryman]

I guess we are all reasonable. I wont join the sardine-can (the big squeeze) too with my foldie. However there are exception.

Peak hour in the afternoon - the squeeze is from city. why cant we travel to city with the foldie?
Peak hour in the morning - the squeeze is to city. why cant we travel out from city with the foldie?

Probably this is to make sure the complicated rule did not cause harm to the security guards? Sometime I do question their intelligence.

 
Perceived security compared to real security - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security

"Perception of security is sometimes poorly mapped to measureable objective security. The perceived effectiveness of security measures is sometimes different from the actually security provided by those measures. The presence of security protections may even be taken for security itself. For example, two computer security programs could be interfering with each other and even cancelling each other's effect, while the owner believes s/he is getting double the protection."

False sense of security? 

[awcute]

False sense of security? 

That reminds me of an army joke of wearing one con dom, a good amount of tiger balm, and another con dom LOL

[blackberryman]

False sense of security? 

That reminds me of an army joke of wearing one con dom, a good amount of tiger balm, and another con dom LOL

hahaha.. at least when u scream, u knew which one "pochoh"  and vice-versa