THE ROLE OF TRANSPORT HUBS IN ENCOURAGING THE GREATER USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The rise in automobiles has led to worsening problems in cities. As transport indicators worldwide are moving in an unsustainable direction, it is critical to reduce the need for private transport and encourage a shift to public transport towards urban sustainability. In recent years, the concept of transit oriented developments has increasingly been supported in integrating transport and land use. In the local context, bus interchanges are being redeveloped into integrated transport hubs to enhance connectivity. This research aims to examine user perceptions towards transport hubs in encouraging the use of public transport. This is done by investigating whether the redevelopment of bus interchanges into transport hubs would help encourage the use of public transport as a choice mode and increase ridership. A cross-sectional study in the form of a survey questionnaire was conducted on 250 respondents to obtain their views and perceptions towards transport hubs. Data analysis were done using descriptive statistics, frequency tables, means score rating and cross tabulations. Results showed that potential car owners are more willing to switch to using public transport as a choice mode with the transport hub than existing car owners. It has been identified that increased convenience, increased accessibility, added comfort, providing shelter and added connectivity were ranked as the top five benefits of AMK transport hub. In conclusion, transport hubs were viewed positively as an initiative towards increasing public transport usage. As such, the public transport system should continue to be improved to encourage a shift in the mindsets of the population. In the aspect of transport planning, urban planners should not only focus on the pull measures but also maintain their push towards public transport by continuing car ownership restraint measures.