LAND TRANSPORT POLICY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Land transport policy in Singapore is directed towards efficient functioning of the economy. The government has invested heavily in transport infrastructure to maintain the smooth mobility of people and goods. Its efforts are aimed at minimising road congestion so that traffic pile-ups are avoided. The policy is carried out through improvements in the public transport system and through control over private car ownership. These and other measures to relieve congestion have been very effective in keeping traffic jams in abeyance. However, despite an overall integrated approach to land transport management, the various components of transport strategy are not always consistent. For example, one policy objective is to curb car ownership in Singapore but by embarking on ambitious road development programmes, we are actually encouraging a greater use of cars. A consequence of conflicting objectives is under-utilisation of roads and other transport facilities. To ensure consistency of policy and to achieve optimum use of resources, a better approach is to control car usage through the correct pricing of all transport facilities.