sec 2 geog chap 11

what are 2 ways transport system affects the environment

changing the physical environment and increasing our carbon footprint

examples of changes to the physical environment

- road development can divide the forest into smaller fragments, reducing the size of animal habitats and restricting animal movement

- When animals try to cross the busy road to get to the other side of the forest, they become victims of roadkill after they collide with vehicles

examples of increase carbon footprint

--> when petrol is burnt to provide energy, carbon dioxide and other gases are produced which contribute to carbon footprint.

- excessive concentrations of greenhouse gases as a result of human activities lead to enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.

improved mobility can help

the elderly and people with disabilities move around

benefits of improved mobility

-> ability of people and freight to move from place to place

 --> access basic goods and services

 --> facilitates social interactions that necessary for our emotional well-being

one example on the benefits of having improved mobility

having a barrier-free transport system enable elderly and people with disabilities to move around and access opportunities independently, therefore improving their mobility

definition of silver zones

enchanced and customised road safety features for elderly

key considerations to determine the location of Silver zones

1) high proposion of senior residents

2) high accident rates involving pedestrians 

3) close proximity to amenities frequented by seniors

features in silver zone include..? state 3 features.

1) gateway marked with bright flurescent signs and yellow painted road strips to indicate the start of a silver zone

2) reduced speed limit of 40km/h

3) two stage crossing that allows senior pedestrians to rest in the middle of a crossing

definition of traffic congestion

occurs when road usage approaches or exceeds road capacity

outcome of traffic congestion

affects physical and emotional well being --> tire out drivers and passengers --> become frustrated and display aggressive behavior or lose concentration --> increasing risk of traffic accidents

when do traffic congestion usually occur and so?

-occur --> peak periods --> rushing to school or work in the morning or going home in the evening

high volume, coupled with slow speed, means longer traveling time for all road users

how does traffic congestion affect the enviroment?

when vehicles remain stationary or constantly start and stop due to traffic congestion --> more fuel burnt and wasted  --> higher carbon dioxide emissions -> increase carbon footprint --> worsened air quality

what causes health risk

fuel is burnt --> power transport modes, harmful air pollutants and particulate matter are released into the atmosphere which are produced by vehicles and factories, etc

outcome of air pollution

smog and outdoor air pollution increase health risk --> causing respiratory problems --> breathing difficulties, asthma, eye irritation, lung infection, higher risk of lung cancer

what are some way cities are actively doing to reduce transport-related pollution

encouraging the use of public transport, walking and cycling, and exploring low-emission vehicles.

what are some thing that could happen at overcrowded transportaton?

traffic volume increase --> public transport become less safe as it can be overcrowded (especially during peak hours) 

> large crowds increase --> the risk of crimes --> theft and outrage modesty

transit-oriented development (evaluate question)

In Singapore, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) can be seen in Punggol Town, where housing, shops, schools, and recreation facilities are built around the MRT and LRT stations. This policy aims to encourage public transport use, reduce car dependency, and make efficient use of limited land. It is effective because residents can travel conveniently without relying on cars, which reduces traffic and pollution. However, TOD can lead to congestion around transport hubs during peak hours. Overall, TOD is successful in promoting sustainable transport and convenience, though careful planning is needed to manage crowding.

laws and polices (evaluate question)

“For example, Singapore’s Vehicle Quota System (VQS) and Certificate of Entitlement (COE) policy aims to control car ownership and reduce traffic congestion in a land-scarce city. It is effective because it successfully limits the number of cars on the roads, reduces peak-hour traffic, and encourages greater use of public transport, which also helps lower air pollution. However, a limitation is that COE prices are very high, making car ownership largely unaffordable for middle- and lower-income households and creating social inequality. Despite this drawback, the policy has been overall successful in reducing congestion and promoting sustainable transport, demonstrating a balanced approach to managing limited land and resources in Singapore.”