URBAN CONGESTION (PRIVATE-PUBLIC TRANSPORT DRIFT)

Abstract

"The frustrating and wasteful problem of traffic congestion on our roads which is slowly eroding the economic well-being of Singapore must be checked." -Mr. Yong Nyuk Lin Minister of Communication 17 May 1975 This research paper is the result of the deepening concern over the serious and endlessly growing problems related to traffic congestion which affects many cities in the world. It is impossible to continue building streets and parking lots in our cities to accommodate an unlimited number of motor vehicles. At the same time, accessibility is vital to the survival and continued prosperity of a city. The dilemma facing traffic management, then is, how to deal with these negative external effects of transportation while providing communities with transportation systems and services of an adequate quality and quantity. The obvious approach is to create condition that will significantly alter travel behaviour in favor of high occupancy modes. Hence, the wisest course seems to be in expanding the use and efficiency of public transportation and restricting the use of private vehicles where conditions permit. The purpose of this paper is to study the private-public transport drift issue in easing urban congestion. It also serves to point out the way to control these problems by studying how this issue was dealt with in Singapore. The likely impact of MRT will also be evaluated in the light of the modal-split issue.