Over the years, TTS Group has solidified its reputation as an innovator in traffic management and consultancy. Key media engagements, starting with a pivotal 2012 interview in The Straits Times, have highlighted our strategic approach to urban traffic dilemmas. This coverage has not only focused on the transformation of Orchard Road's traffic system but also underscored our adaptive strategies during the global pandemic as well as our swift resolution of the Yishun Integrated Transport Hub's initial congestion. This introduction sets the stage to explore these significant milestones, demonstrating our commitment to addressing urban traffic challenges through groundbreaking solutions.
Orchard Road's Traffic Challenges
Nestled within Singapore's vibrant cityscape, Orchard Road stands as a testament to the country's bustling retail allure. Yet, beneath the glittering façade of this shopping haven lies a constant urban challenge: traffic congestion. The interview with Kelvin Foo in The Straits Times in 2012 shed light on this intricate issue, which was not just about the flow of cars but also the flow of life within the city's arteries.
Orchard Road's traffic problem was multifaceted. The area, being a major attraction for both locals and tourists, saw a constant influx of vehicles throughout the day. This included not only personal vehicles of shoppers and visitors but also delivery and service vehicles essential for the businesses operating there. The high volume of traffic led to frequent bottlenecks, especially during peak hours, weekends, and holiday seasons, exacerbating the congestion.
Interview of TTS Group team on Myanmar Press Media.
Addressing Urban Traffic Challenges with Innovative Solutions
One of the critical issues highlighted by Kelvin Foo was the impact of this heavy vehicle traffic on pedestrian space and the overall urban experience. The conventional traffic management approach at the time focused primarily on accommodating the growing number of vehicles. This often led to the expansion of road spaces for vehicles, encroaching into areas that could have been used for pedestrian walkways or public spaces. As a result, pedestrians found it increasingly challenging to navigate the area, and the overall quality of the urban environment was compromised.
Kelvin Foo proposed a paradigm shift in traffic management, emphasizing the reduction of car usage in congested areas rather than the typical road expansion strategies. His suggestions included increasing parking prices and reducing the availability of parking spaces, with the rationale that limited parking would discourage people from driving to these congested areas. Such measures, while stringent, have proven effective in cities like London, where parking on shopping streets like Oxford Street is both scarce and expensive.
Furthermore, Kelvin Foo highlighted the potential role of shopping malls in promoting the use of public transportation. He suggested that malls could offer discounts or rebates to shoppers who could prove they had used public transport to reach the city. This innovative idea, involving the use of Ez-link cards to validate public transport usage, would not only ease traffic congestion but also promote a more sustainable approach to urban transportation.
TTS Group Vietnam interviewed by VTC10.
Embracing Innovation During the Pandemic
The onslaught of the global pandemic introduced an era of unpredictability and transformation within urban transportation, challenging the norms of commuting and the utilization of public spaces. As cities grappled with these changes, TTS Group, under the astute leadership of Kelvin Foo, remained proactive. In a 2021 feature by The Straits Times, Foo articulated the profound shifts observed in the Central Business District's (CBD) traffic patterns, marked notably by a downturn in nocturnal activity. This period saw the CBD's bustling streets, once teeming with life well into the night, become unusually quiet as the pandemic altered the rhythm of urban life.
Kelvin Foo's insights during this time were not merely observational but strategic. He recognized the need for a flexible response to the fluctuating demand for public transport services. With night traffic dwindling, the spotlight turned to the daytime commuter flow and how it could be managed more efficiently to adapt to the 'new normal.' TTS Group swiftly took to the task, analysing traffic data, engaging with transport operators, and liaising with government bodies to maintain the continuity and reliability of public transport services.
Kelvin Foo & You Jin Tan interviewed by Vietnam Radio Station, FM 91.00.
TTS Group is featured on a premium article entitled "The rights and wrongs of discretionary right turns", on Singapore's national newspaper, The Straits Times.
Charting a Course for Adaptive Traffic Management: The Yishun Integrated Transport Hub Success
In 2019, the Yishun Integrated Transport Hub became a critical case study for TTS Group's commitment to dynamic and responsive traffic management systems. Amidst the flurry of activity accompanying the hub's opening, unexpected traffic congestion posed an immediate challenge. It was here that Kelvin Foo's expertise as TTS Group's Managing Director came to the forefront, providing a timely and analytical response to the unfolding situation.
Kelvin Foo's approach went beyond conventional methodologies. He championed the use of real-time data analytics to grasp the root causes of the congestion, understanding that effective traffic management is not a static process but one that requires continuous observation and adjustment. By dissecting the traffic patterns that emerged during the hub's initial days, Foo identified key stress points and temporal bottlenecks that contributed to the congestions.
The Group's recommendations also included infrastructure adjustments, such as redesigning bus lanes and entry/exit points to streamline the movement of buses within the hub. This foresight was crucial in preventing bottlenecks that had previously impeded the flow of buses, particularly during rush hours. The marshals, equipped with the latest traffic management training, played a pivotal role in guiding buses through these redesigned routes, ensuring that they could adhere to their schedules without causing or facing delays.
TTS Group was featured in The Straits Times this morning on sharing our view on the travel shift caused by Covid-19.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
The interaction with The Straits Times was more than a feature—it underscored TTS Group's long-standing vision and expertise in the sector. Kelvin Foo's forward-looking perspectives, especially his innovative approaches to Orchard Road's congestion, have become increasingly relevant as cities worldwide grapple with traffic and sustainability.
Our ongoing commitment to enhancing urban transport reflects in our strategic thinking and solutions that prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and the user experience. Through collaboration and engagement with stakeholders, we continue to drive forward-thinking traffic management strategies that align with community needs and environmental consciousness.
As we reflect on these significant media engagements over the past decade, we are inspired to continue our pursuit of excellence. The strategies and solutions discussed in the interview have influenced our approach to contemporary traffic challenges, reinforcing our leadership in the industry and our commitment to innovation.
TTS Group stands as a testament to the power of visionary thinking and the relentless pursuit of sustainable urban traffic solutions. Our journey showcases our adaptability and our dedication to shaping the future of urban transportation for cities around the globe.