Experimental economics can help tackle challenges in land transport

Transport technology is evolving; new tools are needed to evaluate their applications

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Land transport planning is a complex affair. By factoring in economic, social and environmental considerations, policymakers aim to maximise good outcomes like productivity and liveability, while minimising bad outcomes like congestion and pollution.

Commuter values, preferences and behaviour are also important. For the recently concluded public engagement on the Land Transport Master Plan (LTMP), Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Transport and chairman of the LTMP advisory committee, highlighted that respondents did not mind longer travelling time in exchange for convenience and comfort. Most respondents supported the idea that behavioural change can play an important role in improving Singapore's transport system.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 30, 2019, with the headline Experimental economics can help tackle challenges in land transport. Subscribe