Reader Response Draft 2

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According to Tay's "Tapping Tech for Smoother Traffic” (2018) the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) has greatly improved traffic in Singapore. The ITS was launched by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to improve traffic efficiency and safety. The ITS introduced various systems such as the Green Link Determining (GLIDE) system to improve traffic flow by adjusting the green time at traffic signals according to real-time vehicle and pedestrian volume. Other ITS such as the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) contribute to safety. The EMAS features cameras along expressways to detect obstructions and monitor speed. When operators detect an accident or breakdown, they activate a recovery crew and alert motorists of the situation via electronic signboards along expressways. As a result, road accidents in Singapore have reduced significantly. Smoother traffic allowed for reduction in time travel for motorists and public bus users alike. Singapore also topped the 2017 Global Smart City Performance Index by Juniper Research (Tay, 2018). The article states the benefits of the ITS, which supports the claim that the ITS has improved traffic in Singapore. 

Aside from the EMAS, ITS has improved traffic safety by installing roadside sensors and cameras on roads. According to the article “On the road with IOT” (2017), these sensors and cameras are used to collect data about traffic, weather, and other environmental conditions. The data is then fed into a network of communication pipes that run parallel to the roads, allowing them to respond appropriately. Instructions can be relayed to digital signage, which may contain alerts for passengers about upcoming conditions. In addition, the posted speed limit can be adjusted to warn cars to slow down during wet weather (GovTech, 2017). The number of road accidents have reduced considerably as a result of these sensors and cameras. In 2015, The number of speeding-related accidents dropped to 1197, from 1363 the year before. Also, a total of 152 people died from road-related accidents, down from 155 the year before (Cheong, 2016).

Singapore has also become one of the least congested major cities thanks to ITS. In the article “Singapore: Intelligent Transport System” (2013), Singapore has an average car speed  on main roads of 27 km/h, compared to an average speed of 16 km/h in London, 11 km/h in Tokyo, and 5 km/h in Jakarta. This is an impressive feat considering that the Singapore population has more than doubled since 1990 (C40 Cities, 2013).

While it is true that the ITS has boosted transport in Singapore, it has not come without its challenges. The growing population and lack of available physical space have made traffic management increasingly problematic. In 2020, travel demand rose from 8.9 million journeys per day in 2017 to about 14.3 million. Singapore faces major constraints in space, with 12% of land already occupied by its 3,300 km-road network and another 15% devoted to housing. (Geography UK, 2017). Expanding the road network cannot be seen as a sustainable option for the ITS in the long run. 

In response to the limitations in space, the ITS has implemented the “Ring Concept”. This concept  utilises policy and technology to manage transport demand and supply, maximizing the current sustainable systems while minimising more environmentally impactful modes of transit and space used. Singapore also has a fully integrated public transport network comprising over ground and underground trains and a bus network. The public transport network also reduces the number of private cars owned which helps to increase space on main roads (Geography UK, 2017).

In conclusion, I support the claim that the ITS has significantly improved traffic in Singapore. Moreover, the ITS is still upgrading transportation technology in Singapore to improve equity and efficiency. This progressive approach, along with a citizen focus, allows the country to continue pushing the limits of urban mobility. 

 References

C40 Cities (2013). Singapore: Intelligent Transport System  https://www.c40.org/profiles/2013-singapore

Cheong, D. (2016, February 16). New traffic cameras to curb speeding in problem spots even as roads become safer https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/new-traffic-cameras-to-curb-speeding-in-problem-spots-even-as-roads-become-safer

Geography UK (2017). Is Singapore's transport system fit for purpose?https://www.geography.org.uk/teaching-resources/singapore-malaysia/Is-Singapores-transport-system-fit-for-purpose

GovTech Singapore (2017, 21 September). On the Road with IOT https://www.tech.gov.sg/media/technews/on-the-road-with-iot

Tay, Q. W. (2018, 13 July). Tapping Tech for Smoother Traffic https://www.clc.gov.sg/docs/default-source/urban-solutions/urb-sol-iss-13-pdfs/11_case_study-singapore-intelligent-transport-systems.pdf

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