RELEVANCE OF MRT TO URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

In the light of the recent decision by the Government to construct MRT, a study on the relevance of MRT to our urban development appears to be timely. With the existing transport network and urban structure, the implementation of a new transport tool will certainly affect the development growth of the society. Therefore, a review of urban growth in Singapore is necessary. This discussion is also centred on the success and achievement of and problems associated with the urban growth. This is followed by a discussion on the problem of urban transportation. As urban transportation is one of the urban development programme, it will be worthwhile to study its importance, the problems faced and the efforts made by the Government to implement the programme. The conclusion of the above discussions indicates that there is an urgent need to build MRT. The reasons being:- * to achieve the development goals (comprehensive island-wide development as well as retaining the attractiveness of CA) * to solve urban transport problems Thus the rationale behind the decision is examined and a brief illustration of the proposed system is also included. Owing to time constraints and lack of reliable information, a case study on the Hong Kong's MTR is attempted to project the impact, of MRT on Singapore using the experience from Hong Kong. To make the study r.ore realistic, a survey analysis is carried out to find out the probable impact of KRT on Real Estate. Other impacts of I-1RT on the economic, environmental and social factors are also forecasted. It is hoped that the study on the probable impact of MRT can help to give a clear indication to future urban development in Singapore.