2. Cause of traffic congestion
Why does traffic congestion occur?
Causes of traffic congestion in Singapore and other cities
Separation of work and residential areas
• Work and residential areas are often apart, hence the need to commute (travel)
• Commuting can be done via private or public transport
• Car ownership is high in many cities because of the convenience of private transport
• Example: Car ownership in the United Kingdom
Inadequate transport infrastructure and poor provision of transport services
• Transport services refer to services provided to move people and goods from one location to another.
• Inadequate transport infrastructure: A city may not have the transportation facilities to handle traffic
– Not enough lanes on roads
– Network not well-connected
– Lack of alternative routes
• Poor provision of transport services: A city may not have enough public buses and rail to carry commuters
– Overcrowded trains and buses
– Buses do not arrive frequently and on time
– Leads to more vehicles on roads