Connectivity at home
By 2040, we target to have a transport network that is convenient, well-connected, and fast – to realise the goal of 20-minute towns within a 45-minute city. This means that the public can walk, cycle, or ride to the nearest neighbourhood centre within 20 minutes, as well as complete most peak-period journeys between their home and workplace within 45 minutes.
Commuter satisfaction with Singapore’s land transport services, including public transport, taxi, and private hire car (PHC) services, has continued to be high over the years:
- Travel by rail is more reliable, with fewer train faults and disruptions to journeys. In July 2019, the reliability of the MRT network achieved a key milestone, with the network’s Mean Kilometres Between Failure exceeding our aspirational target of one million train-kilometres. This was achieved one year ahead of schedule and is a standard that few metros in the world have attained.
- Commuters are enjoying shorter waiting times for taxi and PHC bookings, from around 8.5 minutes in 2016 to 5.9 minutes in 2019, as the convenience and popularity of ride-hail applications have helped to better match demand and supply for taxis and PHCs.
There is better connectivity as our transport network continues to expand:
- Today, seven in 10 households are within a 10-minute walk from a train station. By 2030, eight in 10 households will enjoy this level of connectivity. With the addition of the latest Yishun Integrated Transport Hub (ITH) in 2019, there are now 10 ITHs islandwide. Commuters can connect more seamlessly between bus and train services at these ITHs as well as conveniently access amenities in the malls integrated with the ITHs, making for a more pleasant journey.
- Singaporeans can travel more easily within their town or across towns via the cycling path network which has grown from 240 kilometres (km) in 2015 to 460 km today. Under the Islandwide Cycling Network Programme, the cycling path network will be expanded to over 1,300 km by 2030. These cycling path networks enhance convenience and connectivity for active mobility device users and improve safety for all path users.
Read more: Housing and Amenities
Transport for all
Singaporeans with mobility needs are also finding it easier to travel via public transport, with 100% of our major public transport nodes and bus services wheelchair-accessible.
Commuters are becoming more caring and gracious as the Caring SG Commuters Movement gains momentum. Around seven in 10 commuters agreed that their public transport experiences were more pleasant because of the gracious behaviour of other commuters. Heart Zones, which are community spaces that provide opportunities for commuters to assist others who need help on their public transport journey, have also been expanded to four MRT stations and a bus interchange.
Under the “Excuse me, may I have a seat please?” sticker initiative, commuters with invisible conditions or disabilities can alert other commuters that they need a seat on public transport. About three in four people who were aware of this initiative were more likely to look out for vulnerable commuters.
Read more: Social Safety Nets | Singapore Together
Healthy lives and safer journeys
Singaporeans can complete their journeys more safely while on the road. In 2018, it was announced that Red-Amber-Green (RAG) arrows would be introduced at all traffic junctions, where feasible. Since then, RAG arrows have been implemented at more than 300 traffic junctions, replacing discretionary right turns. With RAG arrows, vehicles can only turn on the green arrow, making turnings safer and more controlled, reducing the risk of accidents, and improving safety for both motorists and pedestrians. The target is to have RAG arrows at 1,200 traffic junctions by 2023.
Singaporeans are enjoying greener transport. Currently, over 30% of our taxis and PHCs are electric or hybrid, and 50 diesel hybrid buses have been deployed on the roads. As we strive to achieve 100% cleaner taxis, PHCs, and public buses by 2040, commuters can look forward to environmentally friendly, quieter, and more pleasant rides.
More drivers are also doing their part by buying cleaner car models, benefitting from rebates under the Vehicular Emissions Scheme. As at December 2019, one in four vehicles registered under the Vehicular Emissions Scheme qualified for rebates.
Read more: Environment and Sustainability | Health and Wellness
Connecting Singaporeans to the world
We are connected to the world by our extensive air and sea links:
- Our maritime connectivity facilitates tourism and business travel in the region. In 2019, more than seven million passengers travelled between Singapore and 12 destinations in Indonesia and Malaysia via our ferry and boat links, while 1.8 million passengers travelled to and from Singapore via cruises.
- Our strong air connectivity allows Singaporeans to travel easily and conveniently for work and leisure. In 2019, Changi Airport was served by more than 100 airlines flying to some 380 cities in about 100 countries and territories worldwide. New milestones were reached in 2019, with the completion of upgrading works at Terminal 1 and the opening of Jewel Changi Airport. In particular, Jewel Changi Airport transformed the Changi Airport experience for Singaporeans and visitors alike, with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall set in a lush indoor garden and various lifestyle amenities.
Read more: Infrastructure and Logistics
In 2020, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted air travel. The Government will work closely with the airport community to preserve important capabilities and connectivity. Post-COVID-19, Changi Airport will continue to serve Singapore and the region as one of Asia’s best-connected air hubs.