SINGAPORE URBAN LAND TRANSPORT: PREMIER BUS SERVICE

Abstract

The urban transportation system is of great importance to a city's productivity and liveability. As the city grows in complexity and density, more and more of the transport needs have to be satisfied by public transportation. In addition, new features and measures are necessary to maintain the effectiveness and efficiency of the transport system. Singapore has always been eager to venture into new ideas that might help improve her traffic condition as well as to fulfil her ambition to become a city with a world-class transport system. For instance, the idea of Premier Bus service came about after the government identified the need from a particular group of commuters. This dissertation examines the nature of this service as well as the profile and the travel behaviour of its users. It is found that the users are mostly executives in profession and 60% have at least one tertiary-level degree. About half (49%) earn a monthly personal income of S$5000 and above, of which ¼ earns $7,500 and above. This group of commuters have the means to afford a more luxurious public transport mode at a higher premium but they are not able to own a private vehicle. This service thus caters well to their needs. However, as the structure and demand of the transport users keeps changing, there is a need to always revise and improve on the existing service. Suggestions for improvement on the service as well as non-users' opinion on the service will also be discussed in this dissertation.