[#Draft2] Summary - Summary_ReaderResponse: "Tapping Tech for Smoother Traffic"


In the article “Tapping Tech for Smoother Traffic”, Tay (2018) emphasized on the use of advanced range of smart technology to improve traffic system in Singapore over the years. Since Singapore’s independence, its main challenge was to accommodate the transportation system to the increasing population with limited space available. According to the article, the 1975 Area Licensing Scheme (ALS) was implemented to tackle the congested traffic. Tay claimed that even with progression made in road traffic, ALS is highly incapable to meet the demands of complicated road systems by 21st century. The author also mentioned that Land Transport Authority (LTA) has approached the issue by introducing an automated system, Intelligent Transport System (ITS) with Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) as one of the main developments. This helped in controlling the traffic system and maximize road networks to ease users’ road journey. Tay concluded that Singapore is striving to develop better urban mobility to meet the diverse needs of commuters.

While the article by Tay fairly elaborated on the initiatives incorporated by LTA to ease traffic congestion in Singapore, it fails to further explore the problem areas of the significance, impact, and benefit of technology on transportation system.

To begin with, the government has highlighted the importance of digital technologies in achieving the idea of being a ‘smart nation’. Tay mentioned that Singapore is progressing towards becoming a smart nation by maximizing the use of technology. In the article, “Enabling smart transportation in today’s interconnected world”, Eric (2018) mentioned that “the nation strives to rev up its Smart City ambitions – and smart transport is one of the crucial elements to achieve that”. Technology creates opportunities for the improvement of existing road systems that allows commuters to travel conveniently and safely. Safety of the commuters is the main priority in traffic. Hence, technology plays a key role in transforming and improving the transportation system in Singapore.

With technology being implemented in transportation system, it allows to tackle Singapore’s main issue which is land scarcity. As mentioned in Tay’s article, Singapore is facing an ever-lasting challenge of balancing density with livability. Autonomous vehicles are one of the technologies implemented to overcome the issue of limited land. Adopting technology as a solution has allowed individuals to commute in smoother traffic. Her article is supported by an article, Civil Service College (2019) stated that “AVs are particularly appealing to Singapore because of our severe land and manpower constraints”. Adding on, one of the article in The Straits Times, Valerie (2018) mentioned “AVs can help to improve first- and last-mile connectivity between commuters“. As Singapore remains to face insufficient land for the building of infrastructure, opting for technology will have a positive impact on the quality of life especially in road traffic.

Lastly, technology has definitely benefitted the transportation system in Singapore. ITS being one of the advanced technology promotes mobility in urban areas. According to an article by Janice King (2014), she stated that “ITS creates a transportation network that works like an Internet, where everything is connected” and “reduce costs and creates value for everyone involved in managing traffic”. The ultimate benefits of a transformed system – one that is fully connected is able to address the safety and mobility of road traffic. The application of technological advancements allows the development of transportation system. Thus, technology enhances productivity through the integration of advanced technologies into transportation.

In conclusion, addressing the demands of transportation is crucial to ensure Singapore is keeping up with the burgeoning population. Continuing to expand the road networks has not seemed to be a sustainable option. Therefore, smart transportation is the key to resolve the ever-growing needs. Overall, Singapore is hoping to offer a more sophisticated transport system so as to achieve its purpose of providing an integrated and sustainable road journey for its citizens.

(632 words)

Resources:
1)      Hui, E. (2018, August 13). Enabling smart transportation in today's interconnected world. Retrieved from https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/enabling-smart-transportation-in-todays-interconnected-world.

2)      King, J. (2014, November 4). How Transportation Technologies Will Change Everything. Retrieved from https://www.govtech.com/transportation/How-Transportation-Technologies-Will-Change-Everything-.html.

3)      Kor, V. (2018, June 4). Redefining the transport of tomorrow with smart technologies. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/redefining-the-transport-of-tomorrow-with-smart-technologies.

4)      Public Transport Planning and the Technological Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.csc.gov.sg/articles/public-transport-planning-and-the-technological-revolution.


5)      Tay, Q, W (2019, September 30). Tapping Tech for Smooth Traffic. Retrieved from https://www.clc.gov.sg/docs/default-source/urban-solutions/urb-sol-iss-13 pdfs/11_case_study-singapore-intelligent-transport-systems.pdf

-edited on 11/10/2019


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