Despite being famous for limiting car ownership and use, visitors to Singapore are often surprised by the amount of traffic and parking. Cars remain a visible part of the landscape. However, since about 2014, Singapore has made a stronger push to become more car-lite, improving livability and reducing car dominance.
How did Singapore move away from treating cars as a luxury?
Singapore had this long-standing system of treating cars as a luxury, meaning they are primarily for the rich. While this system ensures that those who own cars pay high taxes, it also creates an elitist divide. One solution to that was to let everyone have cars, but in a very dense, compact island like Singapore, that wasn’t feasible.
Instead, the government took another approach: if cars are for the elite, then everything else should also be first-class. As a result, this has led to improvements in walkability, bicycle infrastructure, public transport, and alternative transport options such as taxis, ride-hailing, and car-sharing.
The term car-lite has been used regularly since 2014 to describe this shift, but it doesn’t mean Singapore is becoming car-free. While some car-free spaces exist, the reality is that Singapore is still compact and full of vehicles.
How is cycling becoming a key part of Singapore’s transport planning?
One major area of improvement has been cycling infrastructure. In the past, bicycles were largely ignored in transport planning, but that has changed. Newer bicycle paths next to footpaths have been developed, with some now painted red in a Dutch-style approach. While they are not yet at Dutch standards, Singapore is working towards a more extensive and high-quality bicycle network. In recent announcements, more areas of the city will receive bicycle facilities. The bicycle share system still exists, although it is not as popular as it once was. However, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has a dedicated team focused on cycling infrastructure, ensuring that bicycles remain a key part of Singapore’s transport future.
What steps is Singapore taking to build a world-class public transport system?
Beyond cycling, Singapore has been making major investments in public transport. The government is not just focused on adding more buses and trains but aims to build a world-class public transport system. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network continues to expand, with more lines being developed into the 2030s. Likewise, the bus system, which was somewhat neglected in the 1990s and 2000s, is now receiving renewed attention. These efforts have led to reduced waiting times and better overall service. Pedestrian-friendly environments have also been prioritised, with park connector paths and jogging, walking, and cycling trails being added along rivers and drains.
Singapore has experimented with car-free events, such as Sunday morning closures in the city centre and entertainment hotspots. These have been well-received, making it likely that more pedestrian-friendly initiatives will follow. The government has also introduced Silver Zones, which are 40 km/h zones in neighbourhoods with high numbers of elderly residents. These redesigned streets slow down traffic and make crossing safer and easier, creating a more comfortable environment for pedestrians. These changes have made it easier than ever for locals to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without owning a car.
Will Singapore’s future ever be car-lite?
Despite these efforts, traffic still remains a challenge. Singapore’s land area isn’t expanding, and the number of vehicles has stayed relatively steady. While major roads are still being built, a shift in road planning is evident. For example, the North-South Corridor, originally planned in the 2000s during a period of expanding car ownership, was redesigned as the North-South Corridor to include bus priority lanes and bicycle facilities—a sign of the government’s evolving priorities.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether a visitor to Singapore in 2040 will experience a truly car-lite city or whether cars will still dominate public spaces. Restricting cars will never be popular, but as alternatives continue to improve, it’s possible that traffic reduction policies will become even more ambitious. The key will be convincing the public that car-free or car-lite living is not a downgrade but a viable, first-class lifestyle choice.
With steady progress in public transport, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly spaces, Singapore’s journey towards a car-lite future is well underway.
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