GOING CAR-LITE IN SINGAPORE: AWARENESS, PERCEPTIONS AND THE WILLINGNESS TO PAY

Abstract

Going car-lite is a new phenomenon which is the key to overcoming the growing population density, limited land area and a rising car usage. However, this recent introduction of going car-lite in Singapore may be met with uncertainty as end-users may not fully appreciate its benefits nor understand what it constitutes. Thus, this dissertation surveyed the public on their awareness and perceptions on going car-lite in Singapore as well as their willingness to pay to live in a neighbourhood with a car-free town centre. Empirical results show that 53% are willing to pay a premium to live in such car-lite districts, where the premium is quantifiable between 1 and 5% of respondents’ existing home prices. The results also revealed a general lack of awareness of the term car-lite which was expected given the newness of the car-lite agenda. This finding is noteworthy because a lack of knowledge or appreciation of the benefits of going car-lite will result in end-users’ inability to assign neither a premium nor a reliable value for car-lite features. Results of this study also found that overall, there seems to be healthy interest in going car-lite if public transportation is enhanced sufficiently to provide connectivity and convenience which negate the use of cars. 72% of respondents would forgo their cars if they lived near an MRT station. The study concludes that even though alternative transportation (public transport, cycling, walking) are the government’s main car-lite drivers, it is the convenience of commuting which will determine the success of going car-lite.