Land Transport Review
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Hey, i've read in The Straits Times that the land transport review is due to be out this month. Kind of exciting, isn't it? Before it comes out, we can discuss what might change here first...
1) For some reason, there is an expectation that SBS and SMRT will merge (said so in ST).
2) Re-structuring of everything. A lot is expected to change...fares, routes, etc.
3) Disencouraging use of private vehicles by implementation of more payments for road usage.
What are your thoughts about it?
For me, I think that the whole structure of the land transport (public transport) should be changed. Though very unlike, the government is the one that should manage the whole operation. It is PUBLIC transport afterall. Look at Dubai, recently the RTA there consolidate their resources and buses + trains became a government subsidary and things are turning out better for them... -
Wonder if SBST takes over SMRT Buses?
No teasing intended here to all loyal SMRT Bus Fans -
which paper? page what? must hav evidence worOriginally posted by simnatic:Hey, i've read in The Straits Times that the land transport review is due to be out this month. Kind of exciting, isn't it? Before it comes out, we can discuss what might change here first...
1) For some reason, there is an expectation that SBS and SMRT will merge (said so in ST).
2) Re-structuring of everything. A lot is expected to change...fares, routes, etc.
3) Disencouraging use of private vehicles by implementation of more payments for road usage.
What are your thoughts about it?
For me, I think that the whole structure of the land transport (public transport) should be changed. Though very unlike, the government is the one that should manage the whole operation. It is PUBLIC transport afterall. Look at Dubai, recently the RTA there consolidate their resources and buses + trains became a government subsidary and things are turning out better for them... -
I had somehow knew about this before it was said there, but I will not give any details as for when or what will happen, neither would I disclose who told this to meOriginally posted by simnatic:1) For some reason, there is an expectation that SBS and SMRT will merge (said so in ST).
2) Re-structuring of everything. A lot is expected to change...fares, routes, etc. -
its on today's paper...i think main page or home section...they were talking about big things coming up in 2008Originally posted by chocolates-xed:which paper? page what? must hav evidence wor -
wait...can i ask what did you know about before? is it the part about the review coming out in Jan 2008, or SMRT and SBST merging or ...?Originally posted by TIB1049L:I had somehow knew about this before it was said there, but I will not give any details as for when or what will happen, neither would I disclose who told this to me -
There's quite a few versions..
1) Merger of SBST and SMRT.
2) Separation of ops: SBST + SMRTB vs SMRT Trains + NEL..
So.. all we can do is wait.. -
Very interesting. If you had meant to keep this a secret, why leave a teaser here?Originally posted by TIB1049L:I had somehow knew about this before it was said there, but I will not give any details as for when or what will happen, neither would I disclose who told this to me -
They should review the private transport vs the public transport sector.Originally posted by simnatic:Hey, i've read in The Straits Times that the land transport review is due to be out this month. Kind of exciting, isn't it? Before it comes out, we can discuss what might change here first...
1) For some reason, there is an expectation that SBS and SMRT will merge (said so in ST).
2) Re-structuring of everything. A lot is expected to change...fares, routes, etc.
3) Disencouraging use of private vehicles by implementation of more payments for road usage.
What are your thoughts about it?
For me, I think that the whole structure of the land transport (public transport) should be changed. Though very unlike, the government is the one that should manage the whole operation. It is PUBLIC transport afterall. Look at Dubai, recently the RTA there consolidate their resources and buses + trains became a government subsidary and things are turning out better for them...
Especially the ERP, should increase to double digit for those going to city, it hurts the drivers, but will encourage people to take public transport. There should also be more Premium services or trunk services running on expressways following that change in ERP rates.
The government need not handle the whole transport, London, Hong Kong survived this and have in fact brought benefits to passengers as bus vs rail and bus vs bus competition have brought discounts and better services. This will also ensure that there can be potential new entrants to the industry. Thus, I would prefer separate private companies in the transport sector than a government monopoly (or any monopoly in this case). -
this one on page 38 ah?
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Engaging the public
Public consultation was the cornerstone of the Land Transport Review, with six focus group discussions organised. There were tours to the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway tunnel as well. And since April, there's been an e-game on the LTA website that lets you play at being Transport Minister.
Straits Times, The (Singapore)
Insight
December 15, 2007
Author: Goh Chin Lian
Many avenues to have your say
EVERY other week, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) would gather about 50 people for a two-hour powwow. Their goal: to help find ways to improve Singapore's transport system.
In all, six such focus group discussions were held over three months to let a cross-section of the travelling public have their say.
It was one of two modes of communication LTA transport planners chose to get the pulse of the ground for the Land Transport Review.
The other was the Internet. A website portal was set up for four months to let commuters give their ideas and wish list via e-mail.
By end-June, the LTA received 225 e-mail messages.
Most centred on public transport. Ideas ranged from letting even individuals run feeder services to introducing a taxi service using electric cars on rails. Others included ways to curb the car population, like giving a tax rebate to those who switch from cars to buses and trains.
These views were in addition to those from 300 people who took part in the focus groups that dwelt on three topics: making public transport the preferred choice of people, managing road use and meeting people's diverse needs.
Holding forth at these sessions were commuters, motorists, people with disabilities, interest groups representing cyclists and the elderly as well as representatives of public transport operators and cabby associations.
They suggested, among others, cutting back on parking lots in the city and offering cheaper parking at MRT stations so people can park and ride.
Such efforts to engage people are pivotal in Singapore's approach towards handling its transport issues and policies, says Transport Minister Raymond Lim in an interview.
'You need to get them involved because transport impacts on their lives every day.
'By engaging them, you give the public a better understanding of the wider issues involved, which go beyond their personal interest.
'At the same time, it allows the policymakers to have a better understanding of their concerns. So you create a two-way process.'
Besides lending them an ear, the LTA also believes in giving people a first-hand experience. For instance, residents were invited to visit nearby worksites of infrastructure projects like the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE).
Also, its engineers went door to door to get feedback on, say, dust and noise levels.
Beyond these targeted measures, the LTA also has two ongoing efforts.
One is an online role-playing game, and the other a programme that deploys LTA officers to work with MPs and grassroots leaders on problems raised by residents.
In April, the online game was launched to let a person play the role of the Transport Minister, so that person could get a grasp of the trade-offs involved in each policy decision.
More than 3,000 people have taken on the role, and most said they went away with a better understanding of the complex nature of Singapore's land transport policies.
As for the LTA's liaison officers, MPs such as Mr Michael Palmer find them a big help.
The MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC recalls a resident complaining that a side road was too narrow for school buses to make a U-turn safely.
The LTA officer took over the case and dealt directly with the resident. The authorities later expanded the turning radius for the buses.
Mr Palmer believes these officers make a difference.
'Singaporeans know you can't solve every problem.
'Still, they raise it and appreciate it when the ministries have someone who will listen and give an explanation.
'It's better than sending an e-mail and not getting a reply, or to receive a reply saying, 'Thank you very much for your feedback' and that's it.'
[email protected]
Copyright, 2007, Singapore Press Holdings Limited -
Merging. But the review would definately be after the merge acc. to common senseOriginally posted by simnatic:wait...can i ask what did you know about before? is it the part about the review coming out in Jan 2008, or SMRT and SBST merging or ...?
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Bus take over bus. Taxi take over taxi. Train take over train. So many versions.
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At least it's better than bus take over taxi, taxi take over train, train take over bus right?Originally posted by Manager433:Bus take over bus. Taxi take over taxi. Train take over train. So many versions. -
I can start to visualize Merz Hispano O405s with SBS Transit livery liao...
Anyway, it would be better to let SBS Transit have the monopoly over bus operations in Singapore as I do believe, with SeasonPass, it would also benefit the commuters living in Bt Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Bt Batok, Woodlands and Yishun area, especially with the rising of fare hike each year. -
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Really hope SBS merge with SMRT bus.
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The review is likely to be revealed after Parliament sits on Monday 21st January.
Going by my calculations.. if they have other agenda they will settle first.. so the prediction of the news of the Review will be on Thursday 25th. Unless they announce on the first day and leave the rest of the days for debate. -
Well, this issue is stated as one of the top three issues by the Prime Minister himself, so let's hope it will be the first to be discussed.Originally posted by service_238:The review is likely to be revealed after Parliament sits on Monday 21st January.
Going by my calculations.. if they have other agenda they will settle first.. so the prediction of the news of the Review will be on Thursday 25th. Unless they announce on the first day and leave the rest of the days for debate.
For the first time in my recent life, I'm looking forward to parliament! lol... -
If it is ONE of the TOP THREE, what makes you think the other two won't be discussed first?Originally posted by simnatic:Well, this issue is stated as one of the top three issues by the Prime Minister himself, so let's hope it will be the first to be discussed. -
when we suggest suggest suggest....
they will ask us to pay pay pay....
it solves the problem but creates another.
like what one person said...
bus over bus, taxi over taxi, train over train...
and the vicious cycle of us paying and paying but nothing gets improved eventually...
what goes around, comes around... -
I said let's HOPE.Originally posted by sv966:If it is ONE of the TOP THREE, what makes you think the other two won't be discussed first? 
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The other two probably are the rising costs and probably education....since there is talk of a 4th publicly funded university.Originally posted by simnatic:Well, this issue is stated as one of the top three issues by the Prime Minister himself, so let's hope it will be the first to be discussed.
For the first time in my recent life, I'm looking forward to parliament! lol... -
I don't think it would be a good idea if the merger would bring about new executives which like somehow, now, somewhere, not have an intelligence of using consolidated and combined resources.
I like the yellow livery of the past. If its brought back life would have been much better.
I say this as a person who saw a bus service go back and forth, SBS, TIBS then SMRT. I would say life in TIBS was good, SBS was nice and SMRT pukes. Not until the whole town makes noise do they listen, not until 105% loads happen would they put a bendy. And talk about reluctance to introduce new services.
I would, if given a wish, to have the yellow livery back on the streets. -
Originally posted by TIB1224Y:
Agree.. TIBS is the way to go!!
I [b]don't think it would be a good idea if the merger would bring about new executives which like somehow, now, somewhere, not have an intelligence of using consolidated and combined resources.
I like the yellow livery of the past. If its brought back life would have been much better.
I say this as a person who saw a bus service go back and forth, SBS, TIBS then SMRT. I would say life in TIBS was good, SBS was nice and SMRT pukes. Not until the whole town makes noise do they listen, not until 105% loads happen would they put a bendy. And talk about reluctance to introduce new services.
I would, if given a wish, to have the yellow livery back on the streets.[/b]