Green transport a top priority in concept plan reports

(SINGAPORE) Switching to environmentally-friendly transport won’t mean more pain and discomfort, if the suggestions in reports by two government-appointed focus groups are anything to go by.

In fact, frequent public transport commuters will be cheered to see suggestions that include longer operating hours for buses and trains, shorter commute times with dedicated bus lanes for express buses and reduced fares.

While some of the suggestions are not new, the final reports put forth a ‘more integrated, holistic approach’ so more people will choose public transport to make Singapore ‘greener’.

The two reports were compiled to address issues of ageing, sustainability, quality of life and identity in Singapore, and will be taken into consideration for Concept Plan 2011, a blueprint for Singapore’s land use and transportation plans over the next 40 to 50 years.

However, it’s not all carrots with no sticks. One such ‘stick’ might draw groans from motorists. One focus group raised the issue of reviewing car parking policies, which might include raising parking fees in the city and town centres, reducing the number of parking lots.

The reports also addressed the issue that alternative modes of transport such as walking and cycling could become more commonplace if Singapore found a way to address the hot and humid climate and improve safety.

For this, dedicated cycling lane networks, increasing parking facilities for bicycles and more foliage-covered walkways to MRT stations, bus stops and taxi stands were some suggestions.

Some recommendations addressed bigger social and national identity issues as well. For instance, having pedestrian thoroughfares in heritage areas such as Kampong Glam, Haji Lane and Little India would not only allow pedestrians to soak in Singapore’s heritage, art and culture but also ‘green’ their transportation habits.

Besides transportation, improving waste management and raising demand for green products were addressed. To promote both recycling and use of transport, recycling facilities could be placed at MRT stations and public transport rebates could be given to those who recycle.

Also making the list were ideas like community-wide composting, pegging waste disposal fees to the amount thrown away, and setting up a green accreditation body to set environmental standards for products and services.

Executive director of Singapore Environment Council, Howard Shaw welcomes the progress of the reports that were presented to the Ministry of National Development and Urban Redevelopment Authority yesterday.

‘It’s good to have a holistic approach,’ he said.

‘People’s lifestyles have changed tremendously and looking into how to change Singapore’s infrastructure to fit that, will raise awareness and acceptability of how to live more sustainably.’

Source: Business Times, 20 Aug 2010