The Evolution of Public Transport Policies in Singapore

Abstract

This case explores the evolution of Singapore’s policies on public transport, starting from the landmark 1996 Land Transport White Paper and how it has shaped Singapore’s transport landscape from the 1990s to early 2000s. It then examines the challenges, such as the December 2011 train breakdowns, and corresponding policy shifts that occurred between the early 2000s and the present, which culminated in the revised Land Transport Master Plan and fare reviews released in 2013. From there, the case explores the rationale behind the shifts and the reactions to them, and highlights key considerations and tradeoffs that transport policy makers face when deciding on further policy adjustments.