If you are looking for one of the world’s best transportation system, Singapore is waving back.
The country of the Merlion takes its land transportation seriously since this issue is close to many of the locals’ hearts. In 2018, commuter satisfaction levels with their public transportation system increased, according to a survey from the Public Transport Council (PTC) — it was a magnificent score rise to 7.9 out of 10 in 2018, which was the highest score since its dip in 2017.
Since the beginning of the new decade, Singapore has been continually making significant developments, which could inspire other countries to do the same.
From the SMRT to the expressway, the country has been improving its transportation system in ways other countries would want to follow suit.
A glance at the last 10 years can show how land transport has improved in SG.
SG’s Transportation at a Glance
The last decade can be characterised by simplified access to accurate travel information for public and private transport.
As a result, the locals are making better travelling decisions, which saves them time and money, and spares them from commute-related frustrations.
Singapore’s changes include the following:
- Access to travel information through websites or mobile phone apps.
- Ability to hail a ride with ride-share platforms, such as Grab, and Gojek. Cars can pick you up at your doorstep.
- Easy travel through an undersea expressway.
- Apps that help you know where the available parking lots are.
Currently, artificial intelligence and robotics are expected to play more significant roles in transportation. Singapore is currently holding trials for driverless vehicles via the world’s first driverless taxi system.
Better Train Transportation
The MRT, run by two public transport operators SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit, despite being an efficient system, was plagued at different times with frequent breakdowns and passenger-carrying capacity problems. Fortunately, both problems have already been addressed by the government.
First, lengthening the mean kilometres between failure, which serves as an indicator for rail reliability, of each MRT line lengthened the maintenance hours.
Enhanced maintenance of trains and tracks encouraged late opening and early closures of train lines, which reduced breakdowns.
Second, the roll-out of government-owned buses under the Bus Service Enhancement Programme mitigated Singapore’s capacity problem.
The government took over all public transport assets and improved the trains’ signalling system, so they will run at closer intervals. In addition, the government also opened the extension of the East-West line to Tuas and the Downtown Line (DTL).
Better Congestion Management with ERP
In terms of out-of-pocket travel expenses, the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges for public transport fares and motorists have been set to manage traffic congestion.
Within the city area, the charges have remained constant, but changes to ERP were installed outside the city, which led to increasing in charges — a way to effectively manage congestion.
Singapore’s land transport continues to show a promising future for the locals. Despite the advanced innovations in trains, taxis and more, financial assistance and fare concessions ensure that no one will be denied the use of public transportation — a concept other countries can also adapt in the future.
