Singapore, an island-state of 710 sqkm, has developed from a fishing village to a first-world global city today. Despite the resident population has grown to more than 5 million and vehicle population to almost 1 million today, Singapore has avoided the negative impacts of rapid urbanization and economic development; and rising social affluence, such as severe traffic congestion and degradation of urban environment.
Over the last 40+ years, Singapore has succeeded in developing an efficient, high quality and, seamlessly integrated urban transport system. Long-term urban/landuse planning is well integrated with transport planning. Public transport is being promoted as a viable alternative to private transport and accorded top priority in policy formulation. Demand management measures are adopted to restraint vehicle growth and usage. Walking, cycling and innovative mobility management measures are also being promoted to encourage green travel.
Today, roads in Singapore are smooth flowing even during peak periods while 60% of the total motorized trips are made on the greener public transport. The Government will, under the Land Transport Master Plan, fund S$60 billion to increase the public transport modal share to 70% by 2020, thereby contributing positively to sustainable development and making Singapore a liveable and globally competitive city.
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