Singapore's public transport system has lots to learn from other cities

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http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC121024-0000036/Lessons-to-learn-from-HKs-public-transport-system

From Paul Chan Poh Hoi

Between the public transport systems in Hong Kong and Singapore, I would say the former is better, based on convenience, commuter friendliness, operational efficiency and productivity.

Rail system - Hong Kong vs Singapore

Hong Kong:
- Population of 7.1 million and 42 million tourists last year
- 175km of rail, 84 stations
- 4.1 million trips daily

Singapore:
- Population 5.3 million, 13 million tourists last year
- 150km of rail, 90 over stations
- 2.3 million trips daily last year

The former's strategic network of 1000 exits and 12-carriage train stations are factors contributing to a ridership twice that of Singapore's.

Bus system - Hong Kong vs Singapore

Hong Kong:
- 5.7 million passenger trips a day
- Five main bus operators

Singapore:
- 3.4 million passenger trips a day
- Two main bus operators

In Hong Kong, its bus system is commuter-centric. There is competition along conceivably duplicated routes and operators scoop up commuters promptly. This is neither wasteful nor destructive but necessary for commuter convenience.

Taxi system - Hong Kong vs Singapore

Hong Kong:
- 18,138 taxis last year, 90 per cent individually owned
- About one million passenger trips daily

Singapore:
- 27,000 taxis, mostly owned by seven corporations
- Only made 933,000 passenger trips

In terms of taxi ratio per 1,000 residents, Singapore's is 5.2, twice that of Hong Kong. In other words, our taxi productivity and efficiency is lower. Hong Kong needs one taxi to serve 385 residents, while we need two, a waste of resources and manpower.

Both cities have a S$3.20 flag-down fare but Hong Kong's single meter tariff beats having all our surcharges. Passengers here wait for taxis, while taxis wait for passengers in Hong Kong.

Our authorities should keep a tight rein on the taxi industry, while taking a leaf from the New York Corporate Medallions system, in which every licensed cabbie must clock at least 210 nine-hour shifts a year and every cab must be driven for two shifts every day. Failure to comply could result in a cancellation of a driver licence and the revocation of vehicle licence. These strict measures ensure professionalism in the trade and efficient use of productive resources.

If we learn from Hong Kong and New York, we could match Hong Kong's performance, though we may not necessarily be as freewheeling.