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. He
mentioned that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has introduced the Intelligent
Transport System (ITS), which has a large network of systems spanning over
164km of expressways and roads that uses technology to collect real-time
traffic information. That will aid road users in planning for their journey.
Based on statistics, Tay claimed that these implementations were able to reduce
motorist's traveling time which translates into a reduction of cost. Tay
concluded that Singapore would be tapping on technology to improve its
transport system.
Technology is and will continue to be a vital component of
Singapore's transport system. But government policies, LTA's transmission of
information and the use of digital technology must be taken into consideration
to build a holistic transport system.
Firstly, having robust government policies would be able to
build a holistic transport system in Singapore. In the article
"Singapore's Transport Policy: Understanding the Rationale", Ministry
of Transport (2014) stated that they were working toward a "High Quality
and Sustainable Land Transport System". Rail network would be expanding to
360km by 2030, making train stations easily accessible. MOT introduced the Bus
Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) which provides a larger fleet of buses to
improve crowding and relieve waiting time. 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 paths and bicycle racks were
being built to promote cycling as another mode of transport. These government
policies were being introduced to relieve road congestion.
Secondly, the transmission of information is necessary and
vital. With technology, real-time information can be collected and transmitted
instantaneously. In the article by Land Transport Authority (LTA), (2014),
"Smart Mobility 2030" stressed that information is crucial in
making smart travel decisions. Having location-aware mobile devices,
application of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), 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 a 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 place in these aspects. With technology,
real-time monitoring of the bus fleet can provide better service and
management. Technology has allowed the motorist to receive warning alerts to
ease road conditions and prevent accidents. Therefore, technology is crucial in
processing and transmitting information.
Lastly, the use of digital technology is crucial in the
transport system. In the article "Smart Cities-What's in it for
Citizens" by Juniper Research (2017), Singapore was commended to be a
world-leading city that was able to address its urban transportation challenges
with technology. Singapore uses smart traffic solutions and strong government
policies to reduce the number of cars on the road. It was also mentioned that Singapore
encourages its citizens to work towards digital innovation and allows the
citizens to have access to digital services and information obtained by the
government. ITS (Intelligent Traffic Systems) technology is being used to
change the phasing of traffic lights to reduce red-light delay and improve
overall traffic flow. The author mentioned that Singapore had resolved its
challenges and can transmit information with the help of technology. The use of
digital technology has become the foundation of Singapore's transport system in
terms of obtaining real-time information for the end-users.
In conclusion, good government policies and a well-developed
system must be established to have a robust transport system. Also, the use of
digital technology is vital to obtain and transmit real-time information to
end-users. Having access to real-time information obtained by the government
will allow the motorist to plan for their journey thus improving the overall
road condition.
References
Tay, Q. (2018). Tapping Tech for Smoother Traffic. Urban
Solutions, (13).
Land Transport Authority (2014). Smart Mobility 2030.
Singapore: Land Transport Authority and Intelligent Transport Society
Singapore.
Ministry of Transport (2014). Singapore's Transport Policy:
Understanding the Rationale. Singapore: Ministry of Transport.
Juniper Research (2017). Smart
Cities-What's in it for Citizens. Retrieved from:
https://newsroom.intel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/03/smart-cities-whats-in-it-for-citizens.pdf
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