The Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, peace, and justice. Sustainable development has been integral to the Singapore Story. The country has made progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Despite scarce land and limited natural resources, Singapore strives to achieve economic growth through sustained and progressive growth.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has made continuous investments in public transport infrastructure over time while making the best use of the resources. The country’s long-term goal is to make public transport the choice mode of transport through improved connectivity and better services. Let’s check out how LTA and transport operators are helping the nation build a sustainable transport network.

1. The Sustainability Bond Framework by SMRT Capital Pte Ltd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SMRT Corporation Ltd (“SMRT”) aims to issue bonds to fund new and existing projects and businesses with environmental and social benefits. SMRT will consider projects and businesses that contribute to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”).
2. LTA is expanding the country’s public transportation network. 75% of the morning and evening peak journeys will be made using public transport by 2030, and at least 85% by 2050.
3. LTA and transport operators are working together to make changes to stations and interchanges to guarantee the accessibility of public transport to all, including the elderly, disabled, visually handicapped, and families with young children.
4. Aside from promoting public transport and encouraging active mobility, LTA is also encouraging a shift to cleaner vehicles.
5. As part of the Sustainability agenda, SMRT has targeted halving the 2010 Greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and in the longer term and electrifying all its vehicle fleets to achieve Net Zero by 2050. Commenting on the sustainability goals, SMRT Chairman, Seah Moon Ming, said: “As a Public Transport Operator (PTO), we are responsible stewards of key public transport infrastructure.” SMRT Chairman further added: “By integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria into our businesses, operations, and services, we can create greater value for stakeholders, commuters, and communities. In essence, SMRT has committed to “Do Right, Do Good, and Do Well”.
6. Renewable energy and upcycling are two tenets of SMRT’s environmental sustainability efforts. SMRT will continue to increase the usage of renewable energy, especially solar energy. SMRT CEO mentioned: “Recognising that sustainability can also become a source of lasting competitive advantage and value creation, we reimagined the business of electric Mobility as a Service (eMaaS) by establishing the eMaaS end-to-end solution and Ecosystem.”
7. Singapore introduced a Walking and Cycling Plan (WCP) for developments with high pedestrian and cyclist traffic.50 “Silver Zones” will be implemented by 2023 in areas with high senior resident populations, amenities that seniors frequent, or higher accident rates involving senior pedestrians.

Apart from developing sustainable transportation, LTA and the government are also working on sustainable goals like eliminating poverty, affordable clean energy, innovation, sustainable cities, clean water, quality education, climate action, and responsible consumption.

Conclusion

Sustainable development will have a positive impact on the communities. LTA, transport operators, and the government are committed to developing the country in an economically, socially, and environmentally-friendly manner that balances the interests of citizens and stakeholders.