There is a letter published in the Straits Times. The writer argued that we should improve the public transport now, rather than later.
I agree. I suggest the following approach:
* get more trains to run on the MRT lines
* provide feeder services to bring people to the MRT stations and bus terminus
* run express bus services (with few stops) between the major towns
* build a second level to the Central Expressway and the Pan Island Expressway
* allow more operators to run the feeder services, using light buses (like Hong Kong)
My basic approach is:
* do the easy things (like what has been suggested)
* do it now
The government decided to improve the road network by building the Kallang Paya Lebar Expressway. But it is taking too long, more than 10 years. It is still not ready.
I guess that it will take 3 to 5 years to build a second level to an existing expressway.
Hong Kong’s public transport network seems more well-connected and three-dimensional, consisting of railway, MTR, tram cars, bus, minibuses, taxi, ferries, etc; all these are viewed as convenient transportation means for residents. Hong Kong and Beijing' MRT interval seems to be 2 or 3 minutes only. Actually buses carry largest volume of passages in many large cities. "Public transit first" and public bus ways is also common in Hong Kong, Paris and Beijing, etc.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting thing is, Hong Kong people seems more to enjoy the walking, I often see lots of people walking along lanes or walking-skyway in HK island, while Singaporeans seem less willing to walk, with walking-way system everywhere.
Simple reason....the hot weather in S'pore makes walking outdoor very uncomfortable!!
ReplyDeleteMr Tan,
ReplyDeleteAny idea what is stopping LTA from implementing those simple ideas you have mentioned. These proven ideas had been urged and discussed by the public 15 years ago, - the efficient light feeder buses in Hk s one of them, the faster MTR in HK is another efficient service. But it seems our LTA always seems ignore pulbic advise. They turn left when you tell them to to right. They went their own way, and now 15 years later, the transport is not economical anymore, and even worse, not efficient at all.
Like everyone said,- they should Listen to your customers first. They dont have to think so hard as customers feedbacks are enough of solutions to solving the transport woes.
They should not waste anymore time wasting taxpayers money that goes against the feedback of customers.
They should overhaul their internal problems. They should be overhuale to listen and be more responsive to the needs of customers, the commuters.
It is not worth employing high-paying expert who does not live in Singapore nor take a bus at all.
Is it true that Singaporeans walk lesser than those in HK? Not sure though, I have to walk quite a lot everyday.
ReplyDeleteFrom home to bus-stop. From Interchange to MRT station. From MRT Station to office. From office to hawker centre, etc. Seems to be walking the whole day long.
I had the opportunity to meet up with our present Transport Minister Mr. Raymond Lim during a dialogue session. That was about 2 mths ago...
ReplyDeleteSomeone asked if the 'gov't' will open up routes that are less profitable to private bus companies. If memory serves me correct, they are keeping options open. If anyone wants to start a mini bus transport service, all they have to do is apply.
However, getting that license to operate a public transport service requires 'you' to adhere to safety requirements. A whole list,... it can be obtained at LTA (I think).
Besides the weather, It may also due to the much higher fare of bus, MRT and taxi in HK, I guess twice the fare in Singapore, so you can see many people walk between Sheung Wan, Central and Admiralty MTR stations, and walk from Ladies' Street to Men's Market (Temple Street), people can see bi-language road sign everywhere, walking also help to lessen the traffic jam in these areas.
ReplyDelete