Public Transport Can Make Cities More Sustainable and Liveable

Do you know that by 2050, two out of every three people are likely to be living in cities??It is becoming increasingly important to make cities more sustainable and resilient in step with a growing populace.

On this World Cities Day, which is observed annually on 31 October, we share how an efficient public transit network can improve the liveability of metropolises while reducing ecological impact.?

Public transport keeps cities moving and lowers the greenhouse effect. A fully loaded double-decker bus can take 75 cars off the road, and a train can replace even more. ?

Many cities including Singapore have an affordable fare system with fare caps and discounted travel to encourage people to take public transit more. In Singapore, the fare is capped at S$2.21 for a ride on a bus or MRT and S$2.81 for express bus services using cashless payment. Singapore also offers free travel for children under seven years old and up to 0.9m in height along with discounted fares for students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and Workfare Income Supplement recipients. Such initiatives can stimulate public commute. With more people turning to public transport, there will be fewer vehicles on the road, which not only eases traffic congestion but also lessens emissions.

Cities are working towards a greener commute as cleaner mobility can help cut emissions. Singapore for example is looking into autonomous vehicles and has committed to having a 100% cleaner energy bus fleet by 2040. It has been modernising its fleet with electric and hybrid buses. Currently, 60 electric buses are deployed for passenger service, which is estimated to save 7,840 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Go-Ahead Singapore is piloting the use of solar panels on two single-deck buses and this initiative is expected to drive down 3.7 tonnes of carbon emissions per bus per year, which is equivalent to the emissions from 1,700 cars.

In short, efficient, affordable, and convenient public transport will help cities decarbonise while adapting to rising populations.