Letter from Chen Junyi, Straits Times Forum 5 May 08;
MANY of the points raised by Mr Ivan Kwan ('Commute by sea? It's a ferry tale', ST Online Forum, April 30) make sense.
However, I believe water transport in Singapore deserves further consideration. There are several major canals which have the potential to be developed for commuting purposes.
One is the canal between Bukit Timah and Rochor. Heavy traffic can be seen every morning along Dunearn and Bukit Timah roads.
Another is the canal between northern Singapore and downtown, running through Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Braddell and Toa Payoh, into the Kallang River.
And a third would an extension of Singapore River traffic upstream to River Valley or Ganges roads.
Although much work will be required before these canals can be navigated by shallow-draft boats, one should note that their routes traverse areas with high-density population and link them to downtown and southern parts where most offices are located, and where most ERP gantries have been installed to regulate motor traffic flow.
I understand these canals were built primarily as drainage to prevent flooding, but the only obstacle to deepening them for dual purpose is cost.
Also, waterborne transportat would be an added tourist attraction.
I also notice some of these canals have narrow or no paths. Proper paths beside these canals would offer attractive and safe cycling routes.
I hope the Land Transport Authority will consider these alternatives.
One of the online comments to this letter
it is too complicated for our planners to implement. then who will want to pass thru the ERP? - revenues will drop. canals too small. drought or low tide - no water, boat cannot move. if you don't even see traffic police on our roads what happens when speeding or hogging boats collide and cause waterway jams? then what? canal ERP? the favorite poser - who will pay for the construction of quays? then someone will want to collect canal tax like seaport tax. like Spore flyer - they shoot themselves in the foot by asking such a high price for the bicycle wheel ride. $10 per ride on the canal taxi? see orchard road - normal buses so long waiting time. they improve it? NO start $3.60 premium buses in reponse to poor normal service. SO it remains a fairy tale.
Posted by: limboonhee at Mon May 05 07:35:38 SGT 2008
