Is Singapore doing enough to draw commuters to public transport? What issues need to be addressed?
A transport survey in Singapore has shown that the public transport share has shrunk.
The survey of some 10,500 households revealed that despite efforts by the authorities to get more people on buses and trains, challenges still remain.
Singapore aims to boost the usage of public transport among its population to 70 per cent by 2020. But the Household Interview Travel Survey showed that the target is now harder to achieve.
The survey found that 59 per cent of respondents used public transport last year, down from 63 per cent in 2004.
Source: CNA
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Public transport are not user friendly to children and toddlers especially. Mothers find it a handful to handle children on trains and buses. Most of the time , there are barely enough seats for mothers with children.
I am perplexed too! Why are taxis not considered part of public transport? The public uses them too. Anyway, I find that taxi drivers drive recklessly and the taxis’ interior are uncomfortable. Why uncomfortable? Coz they air con is barely functioning and the seats have lost their ’spring’. As the result of their recklessness, I often experience car sickness. Moreover, they tend not to consult the route that you like and take a roundabout way. I avoid taxis unless absolutely and definitely necessary. Why pay more when you cannot get the level of service required?
Taxi companies should be more innovative in providing services and setting their fares. It’s always ‘follow the leader’ situation. The government should have a more hands off approach.
On the other hand, since taxi companies are considered private by government definition, they should be free to set the fares that they find suitable as long as they are clear and listed in every taxis. There should be less or no need to apply for approval for revisions. Why apply since they are not considered part of public transport that affect the ‘public’? The current fare structure can be confusing at times. To notify the public of changes in fare, taxi companies should exercise social responsibility to broadcast to the various media of their changes.
The only simple thing that people desire about public buses is the time and reliability. Not much has changed over the years.
To encourage a clean and green environment and curb obesity, Singaporeans should be encouraged to cycle. Singapore is not a big country where traveling is very long and far. There should be dedicated bicycle tracks with shelter if possible. Take a cue from the 1st world European countries like Finland or Sweden, where everyone is encouraged to cycle. The air and quality of life improved.
Singapore ugly commuter in SMRT
