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HOW TO START

1. Start your post with your name and class

2. Insert a synopsis of your reading

3. Insert a link to the site of the research where it is found

FURTHER ACTION
You may also wish to insert

1. Quote

2. Vocabulary

3. Wise sayings related to the theme

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1) Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and bus systems have an extensive network of routes that will help you zip around the city.

2)https://www.visitsingapore.com/travel-guide-tips/getting-around/

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https://www.sg101.gov.sg/infrastructure/case-studies/publictptnetwork

1) With a robust public transport system, residential areas could be moved farther away from the city centre, freeing up space in the central business district

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1) The Mass Rapid transit is affordable and can travel you around the country in a blink of an eye. The trains are easily accessible that arrives about every 5 minutes, as well as it is hygienic and safely secured. Thus, it is such a convenience and comfortable transportation option, such that you won’t even need to rent a car for transport.

Source: https://sg.hotels.com/go/singapore/getting-around-singapore

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Public transportation in Singapore is efficient and clean, which makes getting around the city-state a breeze. Singapore's transportation network offers access to every corner of the island, either by bus, MRT underground or taxi.

A useful tip for travellers is to avoid rush hour traffic between 8-9am and 5-7pm. Any time outside these hours still remains a pleasure to roam about in Singapore. Transitlink Guides are available at MRT stations, bus interchanges, and major bookstores. These handy guides outline every MRT and bus route in detail, so you won't get lost with one of these in hand at only SG$ 1.40.

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Getting Around Singapore - Singapore Transport - Go Guides

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Public transportation in Singapore is efficient and clean, which makes getting around the city-state a breeze. Singapore's transportation network offers access to every corner of the island, either by bus, MRT underground or taxi. A useful tip for travellers is to avoid rush hour traffic between 8-9am and 5-7pm.

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https://www.sg101.gov.sg/infrastructure/case-studies/publictptnetwork#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20MRT%20system%20is,residential%20towns%20and%20MRT%20stations.

The MRT(Mass Rapid Transport) is a transportation method that is very commonly used in Singapore and it can bring you to anywhere you want in singapore as the train is all connected. You can alight at the stop you want to alight at and change lines to get to your designated place. It is a very fabulous and stupendous transportation in singapore.

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Germany allow residents and tourists to travel on local and regional public transport networks across the country for €49 ($53.50) a month.
The €49 "Deutschland Ticket" is being introduced to help ease the cost of living while making public transport simpler, more affordable and thus more attractive for commuters in the so-called "car nation." Which means to encourage more people to take public transport instead of car

https://www.dw.com/en/germany-launches-49-monthly-public-transport-ticket/a-65225055

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1. India has a horrible transportation environment as the cars are crowded. Compared to other countries such as Japan, Singapore. the quality of India’s road infrastructure is very poor: only 3% of these roads are national highways, and 75% of highways are only two-lane. India’s inadequate road investment, including lack of funds and poor project management.

2.https://theconversation.com/indias-terrible-roads-how-to-build-a-world-class-network-and-still-reach-net-zero-171076

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1. Japan is home to the busiest station in the world and also a highly dense population in Tokyo.  So while the Tokyo Subway might seem extremely busy from time to time, it’s nothing out of the ordinary for the number of people that live and work in the capital.
2.https://adayofzen.com/why-is-the-tokyo-subway-so-crowded#:~:text=Delayed%20rush%20hour,-As%20stated%20above&text=One%20reason%20Tokyo%20trains%20and,5%2D7%20in%20the%20evening.

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If you've ever seen a documentary about Japan, chances are that somewhere along the line you saw a video (or 10) of people squished into train carriages like sardines. But can't one of the most advanced and populated countries in the world fix this problem?
It turns out that whilst the Tokyo Metro does get extremely busy, it's often only at rush hour. Japan is also home to the busiest station in the world and also a highly dense population in Tokyo. So while the Tokyo Subway might seem extremely busy from time to time, it's nothing out of the ordinary for the number of people that live and work in the capital. Quick Japanese vocabulary lesson: Japanese Train Station Vocabulary
Subway train: Chikatetsu 地下鉄

Train: Densha 電車

Getting around Tokyo: Forms of transport

To get a better idea of why the Tokyo subway always seems (or is) busy, we should first understand the options of transport available in Japan's capital.

Trains and Subway

Trains are by far the best and most popular way to get from points A-B in Tokyo.

They're cheap, quick, and relatively easy to navigate for a first-timer in the city.

Be warned though, some train stations are huge and you'll absolutely be walking around them for a long time if you don't know where you're going.

Taxis

If you've got the money, traveling by taxi in Tokyo is a great way to see the city.

They're comfortable, incredibly clean, and air-conditioned.

Prices normally start at around 400-700 yen before you've even started moving. Think of it as a callout charge of sorts.

Each cab has a meter that will continue running even when the cab is stationary. You can see how in the busiest city in the world this might begin to add up...

That said, I very much doubt that the average office worker travels around in taxis all that often. At all, in fact! Unless you have a specific reason to do so in the more remote areas, I'd give them a miss, especially in the bigger cities.

Buses

Much cheaper than taxis, but probably not as pleasant to ride in. They're also great for longer journeys as you'll regularly see overnight or 'long haul' coach rides. Though, I must admit my bus trip from Tokyo to Osaka didn't have me raving about them...

If you want to stay in Japan on a budget, those long-haul coach rides will save you time and money. But if you're looking for a quick and hassle-free way of getting around Tokyo, buses aren't your best bet. Apart from the Ike Bus in Ikebukuro, that thing is awesome!

I can imagine commuters using buses if they live in a remote district or prefecture and need to get to the local train station, but other than that I'm almost certain a train would be their first choice.

Now we know the ways people can get around Tokyo, let's find out why this makes trains so busy.

Punctuality

Why would you take any other form of transport in Tokyo when the cheapest way of getting around is also the most reliable and punctual?

This is so evidently true that in 2017 the management of the Tsukuba Express line between Tokyo and the city of Tsukuba issued a written apology for leaving the station 20 seconds early.

In the issued statement they said they 'sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused'.

I doubt you'd get that over in the U.S and I'm certain it wouldn't happen in the U.K

The busiest and most highly populated city in the world

With approximately 9.5 Million inhabitants (just in its metropolitan area), Tokyo tops the charts as the busiest city in the world.

That not only means more trains, but also a system run well enough to accommodate such an amount of people.

With roughly 3.5 million people passing through its doors every day, Shinjuku is the busiest train station in not only Japan but also the world.

When we are talking about such a high number of passengers, it's clear to see that some of those trains are bound to be busy. I don't think Tokyo or anywhere else for that matter has the resources needed to transport 3.5 million people without a single busy train, Especially during rush hour.

Passenger pushers

What are train pushers?

Passenger pushers or oshiya (押し屋), are staff (Usually students employed on summer break) whose main job is to ensure each and every one of the passengers on the platform gets on the train.

Take a look at the video below to see the 'oshiya' in action. It's quite something!

It's not the greatest quality video in the world, but it shows a great example of Japanese passenger pushers in action.

Train pushing is something you're only likely to see if you're coming into Tokyo at rush hour, but it does still happen at other busy times.

By pushing as many commuters onto the trains as possible, you start to understand why Tokyo trains might seem busy 24/7 to the outside world. It's likely because these kinds of videos or photos make for the best story, but it's not the case every hour of every day.

At the end of the day, yes the trains definitely can be busy and cramped but that's what makes the Japanese train service the most efficient and punctual in the entire world.

The platforms are left empty

One quick way to understand the efficiency and speed of the staff at any given Japanese train station is to look at the platforms once the train has left.

Put simply, if you wanted to get on the train that just turned up but it looked too busy, you'll be on the train.

Yes it probably will be uncomfortable and unpleasant, but you can be sure you'll end up at your destination on time.

It's these small sacrifices at peak travel times that ensure the productivity and work ethic stays at the top for the entire country and it's economy.

Delayed rush hour

As stated above, the Tokyo subway system is by far the quickest and most efficient way of getting around the capital.

Not only do they connect to every major district in Tokyo, but they also get there bang on time, every time.

One reason Tokyo trains and subway may seem extremely busy is because of the somewhat extended rush hour time frames.

For most countries (I can only speak about London from experience) the normal rush hour may be anywhere from 7-9 in the morning and 5-7 in the evening.

In Tokyo, the morning rush hour is usually 8-9 and from 5 PM onwards in the evening. Morning rush hour tends to be a little heavier and more extreme because of similar starting hours but clocking out time in Japan is a little different.

According to Japanese Labor Law, employees are only allowed to work for 8 hours a day and up to 40 hours a week without getting special permission. From what I've seen, this is a treaty that is often broken.

With social and work pressures as well as cultural discipline ingrained into a lot of Japanese people from a young age, it's extremely easy to see why so many people break these laws and work for hours over their contract.

The Japanese practice of Inemuri (居眠りis the 'art' of sleeping while on duty. It means if you're caught napping on the job, in meetings, or in public, you are considered to be dedicated to your Job.

Without getting too much into the practice here, sleeping on the job and often working longer than your contracted hours will mean you clock out later than your finishing time.

This leads to an elongated evening rush hour which in turn leads to busier trains.

Can't they just run more trains? or just run 24/7?

Unlike in certain places in the world, Japan doesn't run trains throughout the night.

And why is that?

This might lead you to think that the subway in Tokyo closes too early, but the truth of the matter is, there simply isn't enough demand. The city would end up having completely empty trains working throughout the night which is a waste of resources and manpower.

As of 2020, Japans unemployment rate was 2.34%. It means there simply wouldn't be enough people to operate the stations overnight and the ROI would not be high enough to keep people on.

Reason 1: Maintenance

We've already talked about how clean Japan can be, and Tokyo subways are absolutely no different.

By shutting the subways and train stations down at 12, they can be cleaned and maintained to the high-level Japan is so famously known for.

Reason 2: Politics and History

Historically, Ginza nightclubs would close at around 11 in the evening and the people who frequented these places were the only ones who had any power to change subway times. But with the last trains home at 12-1, why would they need to?

Taxis ranks are also a hugely powerful and large organization within Japanese society.

By extending the hours of the Tokyo metro you'll likely be destroying another integral part of Japanese society and financially running them into the ground.

Conclusion

So whilst the Tokyo train system is a busy one no doubt, it's relative to the amount of people and the work culture Japan is so famous for.

Yes, Tokyo has the busiest subway stations in the world but I would argue that they are the best country to handle so many people. With an astonishing (yet probably unhealthy) work ethic as well as a vast cultural understanding of 'The greater good', Tokyo ensures each and every one of its passengers get to their destination exactly when they planned to.

Good luck with that!

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Why is the Tokyo subway so crowded? - A Day Of Zen

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If you've ever seen a documentary about Japan, chances are that somewhere along the line you saw a video (or 10) of people squished into train carriages like sardines. But can't one of the most advanced and populated countries in the world fix this problem?

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1. Many of our Singapore Trains and Buses came from different countries from different world. Some of our trains like, Kawasaki C151 former R151 Trains in the South-West of Japan. Our Buses also came from Helsinki, ( Finland ) Germany and our monorail, which is our LRT Network Transit, from Russia.

In the 90s, the LTA created the urban development concept where they wanted to build tracks and trains for our convenience and time management without the traffic. This also helps to reduce carbon footprint by 90%, to reduce the sustainability of the transport and the world in the future.

Source: https://landtransportguru.net/train-c151/

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Japan is famous for its reliable and fast train network around the country. The country boasts a great, efficient transportation system to take you almost everywhere around the country comfortably and easily. You can use trains, buses and taxis to move between the tourist areas and for a long-distance trip, you can use shinkansen and planes. Understanding the different means of transportation and how to use them best prior to your visit, will help you get around the country more easily with confidence and save you time and money! Planning your way of getting around will help you enjoy Japan even more! Here is a useful list of the different types of public transportation in Japan and their advantages.

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my name is jolene and i’m from class 3N2

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Hong Kong has many comfortable and well air conditioned busses. Double decked busses are especially popular as you are able to relish the amazing views of the city that surrounds you.
You can ride Hong Kong busses like you're in a room with no lights or windows, you are able to "light up your way" by exploring the city by riding Hong Kongs comfortable busses.

Source : https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/plan/traveller-info/getting-around.html

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Travel around Hong Kong: a guide to public transport and travel mobile app | Hong Kong Tourism Board

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Travel directions in Hong Kong: plan your travel route with ‘HKeMobility’, an all-in-one travel service mobile app to provide public transport routes and real-time traffic information.

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1.Some are lucky to get a seat, others have to settle for the floor as the smell of urine lingers from one of the train's open toilets or even stand on top or side of the train.It’s because it

used by around 23 million people each day and covering almost every nook and cranny of India, the state-controlled railways is considered the "lifeline of the nation".

2.https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-28156439.amp

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Alongside buses and trams, the vast majority of German cities also have U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (suburban railways) as their main public transport.

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1. Japan has an efficient public transportation network, especially within metropolitan areas and between the large cities. Japanese public transportation is characterized by its punctuality, its superb service, and the large crowds of people using it.

2. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e627.html

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Japan is known for embracing the latest technology, and its railway system is no exception. Keeping pace with other leading cities, Japan's stations and trains offer free WiFi, and commuters can download useful apps that make the complex network of trains, stations and different operators far easier to understand.

https://ddswireless.com/blog/what-makes-tokyos-railways-so-great/

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The average Jakartan spends 10 years of their life in traffic, wrote novelist Seno Gumira Ajidarma, and you don’t have to spend long in the Indonesian capital to believe it.
Three and a half million people a day commute into this hot and humid city from the wider metropolitan area of Greater Jakarta and many come by car, attracted by the status and the air-conditioning. Their cars, though, are motionless in macet (gridlock) during most of the 5am to 8am and 5pm to 8pm rush hours, and for much of the day. Jakarta was named the world city with the worst traffic in one index last year based on satellite navigation data, which found the average driver starting and stopping more than 33,000 times in a year. An estimated 70% of the city’s air pollution comes from vehicles.

It typically takes two hours to drive 25 miles to the centre from Bogor, the largest of the satellite cities, where many office workers live. A bad journey can take three hours. As cars idle in endless queues, scooters slalom past, missing by inches. It seems there are often more passengers on the bikes than in the cars.

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When you are travelling by bus, it is always difficult to decide whether you should sit in a seat by the window, a seat on the aisle, or a seat in the middle. If you take an aisle seat, you have the advantage of being able to stretch your legs whenever you like, but you have the disadvantage of people walking by you and they can accidentally step on your toes or spill something on your clothing.

If you take a window seat, you have the advantage of getting a clear view of the scenery, but you have the disadvantage of watching insects die as they hit the glass. If you take a middle seat, you have neither of these advantages, and you have the added disadvantage of people leaning all over you when they fall asleep. You can see at once why you should always arrange to hire a limousine or rent a mule rather than take the bus to your destination.”

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https://www.sg101.gov.sg/infrastructure/case-studies/publictptnetwork#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20MRT%20system%20is,residential%20towns%20and%20MRT%20stations.

The MRT system is the backbone of Singapore's public transport system. Singapore has six MRT lines consisting more of than 130 stations, with about 200km of rail spanning the island.Not only is there MRT there is also something called LRT which stands for light-rail transit. its is only available at certain places like Ponggol. The LRT is smaller and slower than the MRT. Thus, MRT is more well liked by the public.

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Public Transport Network

As the most space-efficient way that allows large numbers of people to travel, Singapore's public transport network has been crucial in helping us manage our limited land space.

Image: Ministry of Transport

Beginning from the 1950s, buses were the primary mode of public transport. However, in 1967, the State and City Planning Project, which had been initiated that same year, proposed building a rail system to develop Singapore's public transport system. This rail proposal was later incorporated into the 1971 Concept Plan to serve a rapidly growing population and ease traffic congestion problems.

Great Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Debate of the project.

Expected to cost S$5 billion, it was to be the most expensive public project undertaken by Singapore at that time. The 'Great MRT Debate' ensued, with founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and then-Finance Minister Goh Keng Swee on opposing sides. While the PM Lee supported the MRT plan as it would bolster economic and social growth, Dr Goh was unsure if the high costs would make it a worthy investment.

Instead, Dr Goh advocated for a cheaper all-bus system. However, the 1982 Comprehensive Traffic Study later deemed that Singapore's limited land could not cater for the amount of road space that an all-bus system required.

Eventually, after nine studies that spanned a decade, Singapore decided to build the MRT, which first opened in 1987.

Image: One of the first trains delivered to Singapore / MITA from NAS

The new public transport system enabled the government to decentralise urban centres. With a robust public transport system, residential areas could be moved farther away from the city centre, freeing up space in the central business district (CBD). a process of 'decentralisation' - of moving freeing up space in the central business district (CBD) - as residential areas could be built around the stations. Businesses and industries could also be moved outside of the CBD to create pockets of residential and commercial activity in the heartlands.

This was the case in Toa Payoh. When the town was being constructed in the early 1970s, a plot of land was set aside for the future construction of the MRT. Light industries set up shop alongside residential estates, which created jobs in the heartlands and prevented the transport system from being overloaded.

Image: LTA

Today, the MRT system is the backbone of Singapore's public transport system. Singapore has six MRT lines consisting more of than 130 stations, with about 200km of rail spanning the island. It is complemented by the bus system, which provides connections between residential towns and MRT stations. The MRT and bus systems are brought together by the Integrated Transport Hubs (ITHs) - bus interchanges linked to MRT stations and commercial developments such as shopping malls. There are currently nine ITHs in Singapore.

The Government has also committed to building more MRT lines to alleviate the load on existing lines. The Land Transport Authority's (LTA) Land Transport Master Plan (LTMP) 2013 included plans to further improve Singapore's rail connectivity to reach more housing and industrial areas, with an eventual aim to have eight in 10 households live near an MRT station by 2030.

However, expanding the MRT network no doubt involves trade-offs. For instance, there were environmental concerns over constructing the future Cross Island Line, as it would cut through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, as seen below, and cause environmental harm.

Image: Cross Island Line / LTA

In response, LTA spent six years engaging in discussions with various interest groups. It spoke to residents in the affected Thomson area worried about losing their homes, and had discussions with nature groups.

Eventually, after all the feedback, LTA adapted the plan. It decided not to cut through the Thomson residential area, opting instead to build the new line directly underneath the nature reserve. Moreover, to minimise environmental damage, LTA said that it would tunnel 70m below the surface (instead of the usual 20m to 30m for other MRT tunnels), even though this would cost at least S$20 million more. It also reduced the number of boreholes drilled in the reserve from 72 to 16 to mitigate the environmental impact of the required soil tests.

Another impetus to building our public transport infrastructure is to reduce our reliance on cars. It will allow us to remain connected, while lowering the impact that our mobility has on limited land space and resources.

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Public Transport Network As the most space-efficient way that allows large numbers of people to travel, Singapore's public transport network has been crucial in helping us manage our limited land space. Image: Ministry of Transport Beginning from the 1950s, buses were the primary mode of public transport.

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German Autobahnen have no federally mandated general speed limit for some classes of vehicles.[1] However, limits are posted and enforced in areas that are urbanised, substandard, accident-prone, or under construction. On speed-unrestricted stretches, an advisory speed limit (Richtgeschwindigkeit) of 130 kilometres per hour (81 mph) applies.[2] While driving faster is not illegal in the absence of a speed limit, it can cause an increased liability in the case of a collision (which mandatory auto insurance has to cover); courts have ruled that an "ideal driver" who is exempt from absolute liability for "inevitable" tort under the law would not exceed Richtgeschwindigkeit.

A 2017 report by the Federal Road Research Institute reported that in 2015, 70.4% of the Autobahn network had only the advisory speed limit, 6.2% had temporary speed limits due to weather or traffic conditions, and 23.4% had permanent speed limits.[3] Measurements from the German state of Brandenburg in 2006 showed average speeds of 142 km/h (88 mph) on a 6-lane section of Autobahn in free-flowing conditions.[4]

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Singapore’s train system is known to be one of the most efficient and reliable in the world, providing an essential service to the country’s residents, commuters, and visitors. The train system plays an integral role in Singapore’s transportation infrastructure, connecting people to different parts of the city and making traveling around easier and more convenient.