Singapore public transit system ranks 4th globally, but commuters question if pricing & breakdowns were considered

Singapore’s public transit system has been ranked fourth globally in an urban mobility readiness index that assessed how cities adapted their mobility ecosystems in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The study, conducted by the Oliver Wyman Forum in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, examined 60 major cities, evaluating factors such as distance to public transit, operating hours, affordability, crowding, and commute speeds. Singapore also ranked sixth in the world for sustainable mobility, recognizing cities making strides towards greener transport options.

Despite this high ranking, the study noted that Singapore had dropped one spot since the previous year’s index, struggling to balance Covid-19 safety measures with transit connectivity. “International flights and connections fell as tight controls were put in place to curb the virus’ spread, and riders reported increased wait times for public transit,” the study highlighted. It also mentioned that the activity of mobility companies in Singapore dipped, reflecting uncertainty from the private sector due to the city’s cautious approach to the pandemic.

However, many Singaporeans expressed scepticism about the ranking. Some questioned if the research considered service breakdowns and fare pricing, with Facebook user Tan Robin remarking, “Ranked fourth in the world for a collection of transportation fares.” Another added, “Fourth in breakdowns, too.” Many users echoed similar sentiments, noting frequent service interruptions and high costs.

Others questioned why cities like Tokyo and Seoul did not rank higher. One netizen commented, “Compared to Japan and Korea, (Singapore) is not even close in terms of timing, efficiency, and pricing.” Another asked, “Why isn’t Japan in the top 3?” In fact, Tokyo ranked seventh, with the study noting that the city plans to improve its network by adding more buses and transport hubs.

Topping the list were Hong Kong, Zurich, and Stockholm. Hong Kong was praised for its affordable and dense transit network with limited delays. However, the report noted that the city could improve in areas like autonomous transit and smartphone apps to navigate its multimodal transport system seamlessly. /TISG