Weather, crowds among factors in way of car-lite drive

I refer to the reports “Bike-sharing pilot to start next year in Jurong East” and “Frustrating motorists not the way to achieve car-lite society: Khaw” (both July 21).

A “car-lite” outcome is an ideal that everyone would like to see, but there is a confluence of factors that do not encourage or facilitate the success of the concept.

First, the hot, humid and sometimes rainy weather makes cycling or walking to work impractical. Second, our roads are too narrow, with too much traffic, for cyclists and drivers to share them safely and effectively.

Third, the high population density discourages one from cycling or walking long distances. Fourth, since car owners have paid a high acquisition cost, they are motivated to maximise usage.

Fifth, the public transport system, though extensive, cannot substitute for private car ownership as far as convenience is concerned.

In other countries, the daily commute is of a greater distance relative to what most people would experience here, so taking a train is probably more convenient and faster than driving into the city for work.

In Singapore, driving outweighs using public transport in terms of convenience, and it probably takes less time to reach one’s destination.

Owing to the high density of our city traffic, bus rides take too long, with too many stops, to be an efficient mode of transport.

Finally, stressful lifestyles make time a precious commodity for many Singaporeans, who would then employ any possible means to save time. A car makes a difference in this aspect.

There is less pressure in other countries, which affords people a more leisurely commute, and public transport becomes more attractive too.

Policymakers must start thinking outside the box to find ways to encourage less usage of private cars. Increasing the cost of car ownership, however, would not help to achieve the car-lite dream. Or perhaps it is just that, a dream.