Chapter 2: (3) Traffic flow in Singapore

Introduction
Singapore has a small land area. As Singapore's population continues to grow, there will be an increase in demand for land to build roads. At the same time, more land is also needed for other uses. Therefore, Singapore needs to manage the use of land carefully.

4 measures to control traffic flow

1. Area Licensing Scheme (ALS)
2. Electronic Road Pricing (ERP)
3. Park-and-ride Scheme
4. Vehicle Quota System (VQS)

Measure #1: ALS

In the 1970s, Singapore was experiencing rapid growth. As a result, traffic volume in the city centre was high, especially during the peak hours.

Before the problem became too serious, the government made plans to manage the traffic flow in the Central Business District (CBD).

Under the ALS, motorists had to pay for the use of certain roads in Singapore. Gantries were set up at the boundaries of city areas to monitor motorists.


But, it was labour-intensive! Imagine having to employ people to sit in the gantries.

And it was inconvenient! Imagine having to sit in a gantry the whole day staring at people's windscreens for the ALS label.

So, this led to the ERP system...

Measure #2: ERP

As technology improved, more efficient ways of monitoring and regulating traffic flow became possible.

The ERP system replaced the ALS scheme in 1998.



Measure #3: Park-and-ride scheme

This scheme was introduced at the same time as the ALS to control the traffic flow in the CBD.

Under this scheme, motorists could park their vehicles at specific car parks which were outside the city area. From these carparks, they could use public transport to enter the city area.

This meant that fewer vehicles would enter the CBD.

BUT! This scheme was unsuccessful.
Do you know what went wrong?


Measure #4: VQS
Under the VQS, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) determined the nunber of new motor vehicles allowed for registration. This was through the implementation of the COE system (do you know what COE stands for?)

Read the text/ ask your parents to find out more about how the COE system works!


Conclusion
You have learnt the 4 measures that the Singapore government used in managing traffic flow. Can you identify the different principles of governance at play?