4. Manage traffic congestion

Watch the video on how the negative impacts of traffic congestion in Singapore and how traffic congestion is managed in Singapore.

Watch the video to find out the various strategies carried out in Beijing, China to manage the traffic congestion.

How do some cities manage traffic congestion?

Strategies to manage traffic congestion

Making public transport a choice mode

• Traffic congestion can be managed by encouraging people to use public transport

• Cities can improve their public transport system in various ways

– Integrated public transport system

– Bus lane schemes

– Expanding train networks

– Increasing the capacity and frequency of buses and trains

Integrated public transport system

• An integrated public transport system refers to a public transport system that is seen as a whole, regardless of the modes of transportation.’

• The first step in encouraging public transport use. Example: Singapore

o Construction of transport hubs

○ Bus interchanges integrated with rail services and retail areas

○ Linking platforms from road to rail

○ Escalators

o Use of EZ-link ticketing system

Increased capacity and frequency of buses and rail

• Upgrading of bus and rail systems to:

– Carry more people

– Arrive more frequently

– Arrive on time

• Example: Singapore

– Waiting times for buses to be reduced through the Bus Service Enhancement Programme

– More trains to be added to existing lines

– Trains to arrive more frequently

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Summary

• Traffic congestion is an issue that needs to be managed

• There are negative impacts to not managing traffic congestion correctly

• Different measures can be used to manage traffic

• Each measure has benefits and challenges, and cities should regularly review their measures based on these