This November, global transport leaders from 44 countries came together to share perspectives and collaborate on the future of urban mobility. Co-hosted by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), the Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition (SITCE) focused on public transport developments in Asia, guided by the event’s Smarter Journeys for Sustainable Cities theme. Below is an exploration of key takeaways from this dynamic event, enriched by insights from our extensive research and analysis of global trends in urban mobility.
Transforming Public Transport in Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is undergoing rapid changes in public transportation, driven by demographic shifts, economic growth, and technology. Notably, 1.4 billion people in the region still lack access to quality public transport, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The pandemic spurred cities to better integrate new on-demand services, like ride-hailing and shared mobility options, with traditional modes of transport. This integration addresses rising demand for flexible, personalised travel options. As cities continue adapting, seamless multimodal integration remains critical to improving urban transit efficiency and user experience.
Expanding Metro and Rail Systems
According to the ADB, urban rail systems in Asia are projected to grow more from 2020 to 2030 than in the previous two decades combined, (ADB, 2024) underscoring the region’s commitment to transformative transit development. Rail networks, especially metro systems, are seeing major investments as cities work to alleviate congestion and enhance urban mobility. UITP data shows that seven of the ten longest metro networks worldwide are now in Asia, with Shanghai leading at 694 kilometres, followed by extensive networks in cities like Beijing and Guangzhou. In Singapore, for example, the MRT consistently exemplifies operational excellence in safety and reliability, setting standards for public transit. Tokyo’s metro system, with an annual ridership of approximately 3.5 billion passengers, further highlights the region’s dedication to scalable, high-capacity urban transport. (UITP, 2022)
High-Speed Rail: Connecting Cities and Economies
Asia’s expansion of high-speed rail (HSR) networks has transformed intercity travel, with China’s HSR system leading the world at 43,700 kilometres as of 2023. The Beijing-Shanghai high-speed line, covering 1,318 kilometres in about four hours, exemplifies how HSR can reduce travel times significantly while boosting regional economic connectivity. China’s ambitious plans aim to expand this network to 45,000 kilometres by 2030, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing regional integration. (Statista, 2023) In Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s high-speed line between Jakarta and Bandung reflects the growing adoption of HSR to meet demand for fast, reliable intercity travel across the region.
Autonomous and Zero-Emission Mobility
Asia has emerged as a key region in advancing both electric and autonomous vehicle (EV) technologies for public transport. Shenzhen, for example, has achieved the world’s first all-electric public transport fleet, with over 16,000 electric buses and 24,000 electric taxis. China leads this area on a national level: its fleet of more than 370,000 electric buses represents half of the world’s total. (Yildizgoz, 2023) This shift to electric mobility is supported by comprehensive EV infrastructure and policy support, placing the region at the forefront of global electric bus adoption.
India is also making strides toward zero-emission transit, targeting 8,000 electric buses in Delhi and aiming to fully electrify Bangalore’s fleet by 2030. Programs like FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) are helping India achieve these goals, while the recent launch of hydrogen-powered buses in Delhi demonstrates the country’s commitment to exploring alternative sustainable technologies. (Yildizgoz, 2023) Autonomous vehicle testing and development are also advancing in Asia, as driverless technology offers solutions to labour shortages and enhances operational safety.
Data-Driven Transport Optimisation
Big data is transforming public transportation management across Asia. Data-driven solutions help cities monitor congestion, optimise routes, and enhance commuter experiences. Singapore’s DataMall, an open data platform, provides transport datasets to the public and researchers, driving innovative applications in urban transit. Singapore’s 20-Minute Towns and 45-Minute City concepts, spearheaded by LTA, use data insights to make essential services accessible within a 20-minute journey and keep peak travel times under 45 minutes. (LTA, 2023) These initiatives demonstrate the value of data in developing efficient, sustainable urban mobility systems.
In a significant upgrade, Singapore is transitioning from its current Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) to the new ERP 2.0 system, which leverages Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technology. ERP 2.0 will be more responsive to traffic conditions, cost-effective to build and maintain, and space-efficient. The system will also improve transport planning through aggregated traffic data and provide motorists with alerts on charging locations, real-time traffic information, and road safety advisories.
Building Resilience in Public Transport
With climate risks increasing globally, resilience in transport systems was a key topic at SITCE. Proactive resilience investments prevent disruptions and are cost-effective in the long run. Significant future savings are projected by emphasising resilience planning for infrastructure development. Leading rail operators in Asia are incorporating resilience measures into their systems, enabling them to withstand extreme weather and natural hazards.
Singapore’s Bus Contracting Model: A Model for Asia and Beyond
Singapore undertook a major reform of its bus system in 2016, transitioning to a Bus Contracting Model (BCM) whereby the government owns bus assets and infrastructure, and the LTA is responsible for planning services. This has resulted in a more reliable, connected, and integrated bus network that aligns with Singapore’s larger land transport strategy. (Mobility Redefined, 2024) Many cities in Asia and beyond are exploring similar models as they seek more sustainable and resilient ways to manage public transportation systems.
Conclusion: Asia’s Mobility Vision
Insights from SITCE 2024 underscore Asia’s role as a key region in public transport innovation, where sustainability, resilience, and technology converge. From electric and autonomous vehicles to extensive metro and high-speed rail networks, Asia is setting new benchmarks in urban mobility. These initiatives reflect a commitment to addressing the challenges of urbanisation with forward-looking, integrated solutions.
As Asian cities continue to pioneer new approaches to redefining mobility, they provide valuable models for cities worldwide aiming to build efficient, sustainable, and resilient transportation systems.
References:
ADB. (2024) Asian Transport Look
LTA. (2023). Land Transport Master Plan
Mobility Redefined. (2024), Podcast with Jeremy Yap on Bus Contracting in Singapore
Statista. (2023). Length of express railways in China 2008-2023.
UITP. (2022). World Metro Figures 2021. Brussels, Belgium.
Yildizgoz, K. (2023). Electric Bus Panorama. APTA Mobility Congress 2023, Orlando, FL, USA.