In the article “Tapping Tech for smoother traffic”, Tay
(2018) reported that Singapore is progressing towards its vision of a smart and
car lite nation by tapping on technology over the decades. Tay stated that,
Singapore faced many issues in its transport system being a land scare country.
Having the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and the Area Licensing Scheme (ALS), was
not enough to cope with its transport demands. Tay mentioned that, The Land
Transport Authority (LTA) has introduced the Intelligent Transport System
(ITS), which has a large network of systems that uses technology to collect
real-time traffic information. That will aid road users in planning for their
journey. Tay claimed that, based on statistics these implementations were able
to reduce motorist’s travelling time which translates into reduction of cost.
Tay concluded that Singapore will be looking to tap on technology to improve
its transport system.
Technology is and will continue to be a vital component to
Singapore’s transport system. But other factors and new polices must be taken
into consideration to make Singapore’s transport system a more holistic one.
Technology and good polices would be able to build a robust
transport system in Singapore. In the article “SINGAPORE’S TRANSPORT POLICY:
UNDERSTANDING THE RATIONALE”, Ministry of Transport (2014) stated that policies
were being discussed and Ministry of Transport (MOT) will be adopting to have a
“High Quality and Sustainable Land Transport System” in Singapore. The rail
network will be expanding to 360km by 2030, making train stations easily
accessible, having reliable trains that’s monitored by real time condition
monitoring system as well as tightening the operating performance standards. MOT
introduced the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) which provides a larger
fleet of buses to improve crowding and relive waiting time. Schemes such as Bus
Service Reliability Framework, Bus Priority Scheme was also introduced to encourage
citizens to take public transport. The article stated that, the physical
limitations of both the elderly and disabled were taken into consideration, more
covered walkways and integrated transport hubs will be built. Cycling path and
bicycle racks were being built to promote cycling as another mode of transport.
These schemes and polices were being introduced to relive the traffic condition
in Singapore.
With technology, real time information can be collected and
transmitted instantaneously, it must be user-centric to aid end-users in
travelling. In one of the articles by Land Transport Authority (LTA), (2014),
“Smart Mobility 2030” it stressed that information is crucial in making smart
travel decisions. Having location-aware mobile devices, application of Global
Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), having robust video detection and
surveillance systems as well as other means of sensor data collection will be
able to obtain reliable information for the end-users. The ability to process large
amount of data and analytics is necessary. LTA mentioned that information
delivery and data security are vital in this time and age as confidential
information could be tampered with or leaked. Therefore, measures must be put
in placed in these aspects. LTA mentioned technology allow bus operators to
have real-time monitoring of the bus fleet which translates into better service
and management. Technology has also been incorporated in the traffic light
system to ease the road conditions. Accidents can also be prevented by giving
motorist advanced warning alerts through their in-vehicle on-board devices.
In the article of “ SMART CITIES- WHAT’S IN IT FOR CITIZENS”
by the Juniper Research (2017), Singapore was commended to be world leading
cities that was able to address its urban transportation challenges with
technology and strong policies to reduce the number of cars on the road. The author mentioned that Singapore had
resolved its challenges and transmission of information with the help of
technology.
To conclude, it is evident that good policies and well-developed
system must be established to have a robust transport system. Information
collected will be helpful for the commuters to plan for their journey.
References
Research, J.
(2017). SMART CITIES- WHAT'S IN IT FOR CITIZENS? Juniper Research.
Singapore, L. T.
(2014). Smart Mobility 2030. Singapore: Land Transport Authority.
Tay. (2018, July
13). Tapping Tech for Smoother Traffic. Retrieved from Singapore
Intelligent Systems:
https://www.clc.gov.sg/docs/default-source/urban-solutions/urb-sol-iss-13-pdfs/11_case_study-singapore-intelligent-transport-systems.pdf
Transport, M. o.
(2014, April 10). SINGAPORE'S TRANSPORT POLICY: UNDERSTNDING THE RATIOALE.
Retrieved from Executive Leadership Programme 2014:
https://ntuc.org.sg/wps/wcm/connect/ea316f05-277a-479e-bb8b-c30c6230d209/ELP+-+Singapore+Transport+Policy+-+Understanding+the+Rationale.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ea316f05-277a-479e-bb8b-c30c6230d209
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