In the article from Urban Solutions “Tapping Tech for Smooth Traffic”, Tay (2018) mentioned that although there are existing improvements of technological advancements, Singapore requires more advanced traffic management measures to counter with the increasing number of vehicles on the road and a more complicated road system in the 21st century. Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) introduced the Area Licensing Scheme (ALS) to ease traffic congestion. However, Tay state that with the current implementation it is still inadequate to solve with the rising of vehicle population and road system. Hence, LTA introduced the Intelligent Transport System (ITS). An example of ITS is the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system which replaced ALS. It reduces traffic volume and travel time for road users. Tay concludes that with the implementation of ITS, Singapore has improved in both traffic safety and efficiency and Singapore will continue to push boundaries to improve urban mobility.
While the article focuses on the implementation of private transport that improves traffic safety and efficiency, it fails to discuss in-depth on other modes of transport for other users.
Based on LTA’s website, LTA is implementing Cross Island Line (CRL) in the near future to provide commuters with more choices of travel routes to their destinations which will encourage them to switch from private transport to public transport. CRL is the longest line fully underground across Singapore. After completion of CRL, it will serve as the current and future development in different parts of Singapore linking to the major hubs. With CRL, it will be more convenient for commuters to travel around and be less reliant on private transport. Commuters are able to go to the same destination with the same mode of transport instead of taking the different mode of transport to the same destination which will reduce traffic congestion.
In the article “LTA tests smart control system in bid for better traffic flow,'' Ng (2018) state that LTA is implementing a new smart traffic control system which can help traffic flow to be more efficient. The new system utilizes real-time datasets to create intelligent traffic light algorithms. The datasets are compiled with the use of new technologies. It aims to reduce the waiting time for traffic lights and pedestrian crossing by detecting the presence of vehicles and pedestrians. With more sensors, it can integrate more data to attain traffic efficiency for the group of road users.
According to the Ministry of Transport (MOT) website, LTA introduced dedicated bus lanes specially for buses to improve bus travel speeds which enhances the reliability of bus services and commuters will spend lesser time to reach the destination. On a single trip full capacity, a single-deck bus can carry up to 90 commuters while a car can only carry up to 5 passengers, it helps to reduce the traffic congestion.
In conclusion, the use of technology in different aspects have greatly helped to improve traffic efficiency and ease traffic congestion. LTA is committed to improve public transport services and promote it as Singaporeans’ choice for traveling. With the implementation of CRL, it will encourage commuters to take public transport instead of private transport to help to ease the traffic congestion. Having a smarter traffic control system will reduce the waiting time for both motorists and pedestrians for green light which helps to improve traffic efficiency. With the dedicated bus lane, the commuters will spend less time in traffic where they can shorten the traveling time to the destination.
Tay, Q W. (2018,July). Tapping Tech for Smooth Traffic. Retrieved from https://www.clc.gov.sg/docs/default-source/urban-solutions/urb-sol-iss-13-pdfs/11_case_study-singapore-intelligent-transport-systems.pdf
Land Transport Authority. (2019). Cross Island Line. Retrieved October 1,2019, from https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/public-transport/projects/cross-island-line.html
Ng, G (2018,Sep 13). LTA tests smart control system in bid for better traffic flow. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/lta-tests-smart-control-system-in-bid-for-better-traffic-flow
Ministry of Transport.(2019).Enhancing Public Transport. Retrieved October 1,2019, from https://www.mot.gov.sg/About-MOT/Land-Transport/Sustainable-Transport/Enhancing-Public-Transport/
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