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First published online January 1, 2011

Sustainable Urban Transport: Smart Technology Initiatives in Singapore

Abstract

Achieving sustainability is a major goal of many urban transport systems. To attain an efficient, safe, and sustainable transport system, many innovative policies have been attempted in the past. Those policies often require smart technologies to assist in the implementation process and to enhance effectiveness. This paper discusses how sustainability can be promoted by embedding smart technologies in a modern transport system. In particular, this paper studies the transport system of Singapore to see how it is addressing sustainability through the use of smart technologies. Various technological initiatives in managing traffic flow, monitoring and enforcement, sharing real-time information, and managing revenues are discussed in light of their potential to address sustainability issues. The Singapore experience provides a useful reference for cities that intend to develop and promote a sustainable transport system.

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Article first published online: January 1, 2011
Issue published: January 2011

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© 2011 National Academy of Sciences.
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Authors

Affiliations

Ashim Kumar Debnath
Department of Civil Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576.
M. Mazharul Haque
Department of Civil Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576.
Hoong Chor Chin
Department of Civil Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576.
Belinda Yuen
Department of Real Estate, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077.

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