Local transport - urgent step for an integrated transport system

I have written to the Minister for Transport, Lui Tuck Yew, to consider developing local transport (to bring people from their home to MRT stations, bus interchanges and town centers) in an efficient and inexpensive manner. Details are set out in this paper.

These measures will encourage more car owners to use public transport and reduce the congestion on the roads. It will also provide employment opportunities for Singaporeans to operate local taxis and mini-buses.

The paper is reproduced below:

TKL Website, 15 May 2011

Local Transport
Local transport is an important component of an efficient transport system. It provides transport for short distances within a town and brings the residents from their homes to the town center, train station or bus interchange and back.

It should be inexpensive and convenient, with short waiting and travelling time. It will encourage car owners to opt for public transport, rather than use a car to commute to work.

Modes of transport
Local transport should use small vehicles, such as small buses or cars and should travel short distances of up to 3 km.

There can be many routes local bus services travelling to different parts of the town on fixed schedules. Most of the travels are likely to be to the town center for shopping or for transfers to long distance travel using buses or trains or back to the homes.

Local taxis can operate on flexible routes according to the needs of the commuters. They can be operated as a shared taxi to reduce the cost.

Regulatory requirements
The cost of local transport can be reduced through regulatory measures. The vehicle taxes can be reduced or
removed. Licenses can be issued liberally, so that market competition can reduce the cost and improve the quality of service provided of local transport. Insurance can be provided through central purchasing arranged by the local transport regulator. The regulator can also provide the central service of coordinating the services provided by the individual operators, matching supply and demand and communicating these services to the commuters.

The requirements to obtain a license as a local transport operator can be simplified compared to providing the
service over a entire city. The local operator needs only to know the road conditions and landmarks within the town.

Employment opportunities
Local transport can provide employment opportunities for older people who lose their jobs due to global competition. They can find alternative occupation and earn an income by providing service as a local transport operator.

Experience of other countries
Many large countries with towns in remote locations have developed practical systems of local transport. They provide a low cost service that meets the needs of the residents of the town.

Experience of Singapore
Singapore started as one town for the whole island. The concept of smaller towns in each part of Singapore was developed only during the past 20 years. To serve the expanding population, the strategy was to have a network of buses and trains that can bring people from any part of Singapore to another part. This strategy did not seem to work well, as many commuters find the transport system to be quite complicated. It is time to review the strategy and to develop the concept of local transport to serve each town and to have fast transport between the different towns.


Conclusion
An efficient feeder service to provide efficient and inexpensive transport within a town is an important
component of an efficient transport system that can serve all the towns in Singapore.
Tan Kin Lian