Top 6 leading innovative technologies in the transportation arena.
The urbanization of Asia in the last 40 years led to problems in its urban centers. The development of high-rise buildings paved the way for an influx of people from rural parts of the country to as far back as Eastern Europe whose residents decided it’s best for them to stay in well-developed Asian countries. No one can fault anyone for trying to provide a better life for their families by moving to urban cities in search of better jobs. However, this led to road congestion, inadequate public transportation, and lack of planning and management.
But in the past decade, many Asian nations have rapidly consumed technology. Many of these Asian nations now have the best public transportation systems in the world. Based on various research, Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong topped the list of the world’s best transport systems. They used a combination of innovation and resourcefulness to get their transport systems in order. The discipline they demand from their citizens also helped in ensuring the efficiency of these systems.
Singapore:
For Singapore, it’s a brand-new relationship with SMRT, the multi-modal public transport operator that manages the country’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). Since the coming of the new management, the company made it a point to hear the grievances of its passengers. SMRT CEO Neo Kian Hong even gave up his private car to ride with the masses. You will rarely see such dedication to one’s commitment to providing a better passenger experience. This is the reason why companies like SMRT are leading the way in customer satisfaction related to public transportation in Asia.
Japan:
The Japan Railways Group, or most commonly known as JR Group, is composed of seven for-profit companies that took over the assets and management of Japan’s public transportation system in 1987. The privatization of the railways allowed these companies to operate a nationwide network of urban, regional, and interregional train lines. It also operates the shinkansen or bullet trains that became so ubiquitous in Japanese transport. The ease of public transport in Japan, with connections to every part of the country, led to the public’s high confidence in its transportation system.
Korea:
Several organizations list Korea as its top go-to place for an efficient public transportation system. It is safe to assume that as home to Hyundai, Samsung, and LG Electronics, this gem of a country will have an impressive system of transportation. The South Korean government made it a point to invest in high-speed trains that can take you from Busan to Seoul in just under three hours. Buses and train routes also run in every town in South Korea regardless of size. This network of buses, trains, and taxis enable Koreans to pretty much reach every part of the country via public transportation.
Malaysia:
Often overlooked, Malaysia boasts one of the most efficient and inexpensive public transport systems in the world. The Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad remains government-owned as a whole. It operates a network of buses, trains, and minivans to allow Malaysians to get around the country. In some cases, you can go for a long-distance taxi ride often for a less expensive rate than other Southeast Asian nations. The fleet of motorcycles and various budget flights also make public transport in Malaysia a reliable and inexpensive way of getting around.
Taiwan:
This small country can compete with the best public transportation systems in the world. It uses technology to satisfy its citizens’ demand for safe and efficient trains and buses. More than 35% of its locals use the interconnected network of buses, MRT system, intercity buses, and intercity railway. You can even get a free 30-minute bike ride if you use the smart cards.
Hong Kong:
For tourists, there are a few countries that can compare to the ease of Hong Kong’s public transportation. You can choose from tramways, MTR, taxis, buses, and even ferries to go around the three main islands—Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and New Territories. Travelers can get the Octopus Card to pay for these services. They can use the same card to pay for purchases in convenience stores, boutiques, and tourist sites. The government-owned MTR Corporation Limited ensures the convenience and efficiency of public transport in Hong Kong; so much so that tourists and locals rarely need a private car to get around the island.
Asia is at the center of the global economy. From trades to tourism, its countries and people are witnesses to how the continent became the most important region in the world. This is why governments must continue investing in technology that will help their cities keep up with rapid urbanization and massive demands from their citizens.