It
is important not to limit shared mobility to solely on-demand car-sharing
companies. Other examples of shared mobility can include bicycle sharing,
scooter sharing as well as shuttle bus and feeder services.
With the introduction of Uber and Grab, there is a steeper competition between such on-demand car-sharing companies and the traditional taxi companies. The higher competition implies that there needs to be constant diversification and improvement to remain on top. These newly introduced companies have an upperhand in terms of competition because their success mainly stems from their technological aspect - these companies are able to make hailing of vehicles almost instantaneous with a touch of a button on our mobile phones. The integrated credit payment and tracking functions also saves the time spent getting a cab. As we tend to appreciate inventions that allow us to be lazy (where we can hail for cabs in the comfort of our homes instead of walking out to flag for a cab), we are usually more drawn to these on-demand car-sharing companies.
Thus, this would imply a preferential shift from traditional taxi companies to Uber and Grab. As such, these drivers face a lower demand in consumers. To overcome the fall in demand, they would have to work longer hours to fill their quota such that they are able to make a reasonable amount of earnings for the day. Furthermore, since these taxi drivers in Singapore tend to be older. The longer working hours thus can result to a decline in health of these workers.
Employees under Uber tend to be tech savvy, millennials are looking to earn extra pocket money in addition to their current full time jobs. Due to its flexibility in working hours, people are naturally drawn to the quick and easy money. By doing so, these employers are essentially depriving traditional taxi drivers of their business since it is their livelihood. Hence, governments tend to shun away from the introduction of Uber, Lyft and Grab into their economy as it would highly disrupt the current economy and welfare of employers in the industry.
Apart from car-sharing, there is also an issue on bicycle sharing. In countries cities like Paris, the
Vélib' system is a sustainable way to reduce GHG
emissions as well as to encourage exercise within society. Launched in July 2007, the system encompasses around
14,500 bicycles and 1,230 bicycle stations throughout Paris, with some stations
in surrounding municipalities. To rent the bicycle, a credit card is
required. The credit/debit card is charged a €150 deposit, to protect
against bikes not being returned.
The first hour of renting the bicycle is free, whereas every hour after there would be an increment of €3. A rate of €150 would be charged to the credit card if the bicycle is not returned at any parking stations within 20 hours to prevent the bicycle from theft. Such bicycle systems are successful in cities like Paris because their road systems are narrow and are suited for bicycles. In addition, the favourable weather in Paris encourages people to ride bicycles.
The first hour of renting the bicycle is free, whereas every hour after there would be an increment of €3. A rate of €150 would be charged to the credit card if the bicycle is not returned at any parking stations within 20 hours to prevent the bicycle from theft. Such bicycle systems are successful in cities like Paris because their road systems are narrow and are suited for bicycles. In addition, the favourable weather in Paris encourages people to ride bicycles.
Compared to a country in
Singapore where roads are built for cars and not bicycles or human beings,
people might feel intimidated to ride their bicycles on the roads. Furthermore,
to get from one place to another, one would likely have to encounter
expressways. Bicycles are prohibited on expressways, thus it is difficult for
Singaporeans to pick up the habit of riding bicycles when there are many
restrictions in doing so in Singapore. However, the most deterring factor
that discourages us Singaporeans from riding bicycles is the hot and humid
weather.
Despite this, the government is encouraging Singaporeans to cycle by increasing the cycling network. By 2015, 100 km of intra-town cycling paths will have been developed in several cycling towns. The aim is to provide all 26 HDB towns across Singapore with comprehensive intra-town cycling networks for residents to cycle to and from MRT stations and neighbourhood centres.
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