My Team's Technical Report (Final) - 3D Holographic Display

1. Background

1.1 Problems faced by Commuters on Public Trains and Buses

A survey was conducted on commuters’ experience on-board train and bus during peak hours and the gathered responses are shown as below in Figure 1.3.

Figure 1.1 Feedback on commuters’ experience when taking train/bus during peak hour

Some of the problems that were identified are ungracious behavior of commuters such as not moving into empty spaces to allow more passengers to board, and commuters who do not give way to alighting passengers.  This is further supported by the public feedbacks to SBS - “they don’t move to the rear, preferring instead to cram themselves at the front of the bus.” (SBS Transit, n.d.). Additionally, spaces in the bus is not directed by any staff or displays, hence commuters tend to obstruct around the exit of the bus. It is also taxing for the bus driver to monitor the crowd situation in the bus on top of their usual job scope.

Furthermore, question on the reason commuters missed a bus stop were asked to find out more about the problems they face.

Figure 1.2 Feedback on commuters’ missing a train/bus stop

The responses, shown in Figure 1.2 above, shows that commuters have difficulty identifying their stops. Additionally, there were instances where commuters are unfamiliar with their place of interest, which adds up to the issue of uncertainty and unfamiliarity when alighting.

3 main problems: uncertainty, unfamiliarity and ungraciousness of commuters are identified which are narrowed down to the problems of commuters having difficulty in boarding and alighting.

1.2 Growing reliance on public transport

According to the statistic provided by Land Transport Authority (LTA) shown below (Figure 1.3), the average daily public transport ridership in 2016 of the 3 main public transport in Singapore adds up to 7.2 million trips per day, a 4.3 percent growth from the previous year.

Figure 1.3 - Increase of public transport ridership from 2015 to 2016

(Source: Land Transport Authority)

These figures are expected to rise every year due to the population growth in Singapore. With LTA’s vision of creating a people-centered transport system, there is a need to resolve the problem of difficulty in boarding and alighting to ensure that our public transport stays reliable and caters to the growing needs of Singaporeans.

1.3 Reason for targeting bus

With bus service clocking up the highest number of trips with 3.939 million trips per day, it is evident that bus is the most important mode of public transport in Singapore. Therefore, we have chosen to work on improving the bus service for Singaporeans.