SEAMLESS TRAVEL ALONG ORCHARD ROAD - A STUDY ON THE PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLINESS OF ORCHARD ROAD

Abstract

The detrimental impact of heavy reliance on automobile on the environment has raised the need to minimise usage of it in the quest for sustainable development. Aside from integrating transport and land uses to encourage use of public transport, integrating pedestrian facilities like pedestrian street and underground pedestrian linkages into the urban system to encourage use of environmental friendly form of transport has also been adopted. However, not many studies have been carried out to examine the pedestrian perception and experience of the pedestrian using these facilities. This study seeks to trace the development of pedestrian schemes implemented in Singapore, Particularly in Orchard Road. In addition, it attempts to investigate the pedestrian perception of the pedestrian friendliness of Orchard road, the attributes that are deemed important for a desirable underground linkage and their perceived improvement with the implementation of more underground linkages. The study shows that the attributes relating to the pedestrian friendliness are generally rated low relative to the rating scale. However it is felt that with the implementation of more underground linkages, smoother travel and eventually attaining a seamless travel network in Orchard road is achievable. However to make these underground linkages a desirable travel route, planners and designers should examine in detail the physical design and location of the link as the study shows that practicality remains the fundamental attribute for a desirable underground linkage.