Forum: Managing public transport load requires coordinated planning across ministries
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I refer to recent articles on managing public transport disruptions and coping with increasing commuter capacity, “ LTA forms new task force with rail operators to tackle MRT, LRT disruptions Budget for future MRT lines may cover longer stations to boost train capacity: Jeffrey Siow
These discussions about disruptions and congestion in our public transport system, alongside others before them, have often placed the spotlight on the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and its agencies. While MOT plays the leading role in developing and regulating transport infrastructure, the challenge of managing public transport load extends far beyond its purview.
It is, in essence, an inter-ministerial effort that must involve coordinated planning across several domains of government.
Commuting patterns are ultimately shaped by how and where Singaporeans live, study or work. These, in turn, are influenced by policies under the purview of other ministries.
For instance, the Ministry of National Development’s land-use planning decisions determine the density of housing estates, the location of commercial hubs, and the provision of amenities that either concentrate or disperse travel demand.
A well-distributed network of jobs and services across the island can significantly ease peak-hour crowding on trains and buses.
Similarly, the Ministry of Manpower’s stance on flexible work arrangements directly affects peak-hour travel load. The pandemic period demonstrated that remote and staggered work arrangements can flatten the traditional morning and evening peaks. Sustaining such practices can help achieve a more balanced transport demand.
Education scheduling is another lever. If schools adopt more flexible start times, the heavy morning surge could be moderated. In short, demand management is as critical as supply expansion, and these levers sit across these multiple ministries.
The MOT and the Land Transport Authority have done commendable work in expanding the rail network and improving service reliability. But infrastructure alone cannot keep pace with rising travel demand indefinitely.
Coordinated planning in the form of aligning urban design, workplace policies and educational scheduling offers a more sustainable, whole-of-government solution.
Managing public transport load is therefore not merely a transport issue. It requires the collective alignment of multiple ministries and agencies, all working together.
Andrew Ee Changshun
