[#Draft3] 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 the 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 congested traffic. Tay claimed that even with progression made in road traffic, ALS was unable to meet the demands of complicated road systems of the 21st century. The author also mentioned that Land Transport Authority (LTA) approached the issue by introducing an automated system, Intelligent Transport System (ITS) with Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) as one of the main developments. The article stated that ITS helped in controlling the traffic system and would maximize road networks to ease users’ road journey. With this, Tay concluded that Singapore planned to strive for 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 significance, impact, and benefits of technology on the transportation system.

To begin with, other writers highlighted the importance of digital technologies in achieving the idea of being a ‘smart nation’. Tay mentioned that Singapore would progress towards becoming a smart nation by maximizing the use of technology. In an article, Hui (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”. Besides that, the definition of smart cities in the future are the ones that “embrace and integrate intelligent transport system” (King, 2014). 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.

Moving forward, technology has made a great impact on the transportation system in terms of tackling land issues. As mentioned in Tay’s article, Singapore would face an ever-lasting challenge of balancing density with livability. Autonomous vehicles is 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. Tay's article is supported by an article, Lee (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, Kor (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. Land Transport Authority (2018) stated that “ITS solution make roads safer and keep traffic flowing smoothly”. The ultimate benefits of a transformed system – one that is fully connected enabled to address the safety and mobility of road traffic. The application of technological advancements allowed the development of transportation system. Emerging transport technology had considerable potentials to reduce the number and severity of accidents through warnings to drivers, or by reducing the need for human decision-making. Thus, technologies enhanced 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 would be the key to resolve the ever-growing needs. Overall, Singapore hoped to offer a more sophisticated transport system so as to achieve its purpose of providing an integrated and sustainable road journey for its citizens.

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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.

Intelligent Transport Systems. (2018, May 10). Retrieved from https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/roads-and-motoring/managing-traffic-and-congestion/intelligent-transport-systems.html.

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.

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.

Lee, C, T. (2018, 6 July). Public Transport Planning and the Technological Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.csc.gov.sg/articles/public-transport-planning-and-the-technological-revolution.

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