Ultra-dense Singapore is planning for a future based on public transportation while simultaneously working to limit the number of private vehicles on the road.
Faced with a rising population and extremely limited land, Singapore recently unveiled a long-term vision for bolstering its public transit system in order to keep people moving efficiently around the city without building more roads. By 2017 the city-state will add 1,000 buses to its fleet, and by 2030, it will double its urban rail network to about 360 km, ensuring that 80% of households are within a 10-minute walk of a train station.
780K tons of CO2 expected to be reduced by 2020 by increasing the public transit mode share
Cities100 – 2015
By incentivizing public transit and actively discouraging car use, the city-state’s Land Transport Master Plan has already achieved impressive results. The share of journeys made by public transport has increased from 59% in 2008 to 66% in 2015, with the goal of reaching 75% by 2030. Additionally, the city is controlling the growth in the number of cars and amount of road infrastructure created. For instance, new roads will be built only to support public transport travel by buses or to serve newly developed areas. Wherever possible, Singapore plans to reclaim road space to increase greenery, pedestrian walkways, and cycling paths.
The challenge
Roads already take up 12% of Singapore’s land; in order to keep a healthy, active, and livable city, it simply cannot afford to allocate much more space to cars. The city’s safe, convenient, and integrated transportation network helps promote sustainable growth for years to come.
Co-benefits
Economic The transport network will include 13 integrated transport hubs by 2025 at which bus and rail connections will intersect residential and commercial developments, promoting economic activity and growth.
Environmental Vehicles are responsible for 57% of Singapore’s PM2.5 emissions. Reducing car usage will help to lower PM emissions and improve public health.
Social Lower-wage workers and persons with disabilities receive at least a 15% and 25% discount on public transit, respectively, ensuring that every citizen has access to quality transportation.
About Singapore
Singapore is a sovereign city-state in Southeast Asia. Singapore is a global commerce, finance and transport hub. Singapore ranks 5th on the UN Human Development Index and the 3rd highest GDP per capita. It is ranked highly in education, healthcare, life expectancy, quality of life, personal safety, and housing. Although income inequality is high, 90% of homes are owner-occupied.
