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| Joint Press Release By The Land Transport Authority And The International Association Of Public Transport (UITP) |
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LTA SIGNS PLEDGE CHARTER ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore signed the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) Pledge Charter on Sustainable Development today (22 October 2004). UITP Charter on Sustainable Development The UITP Charter on Sustainable Development was launched in Madrid in 2003. It sets out the commitment by the UITP and its members to ensure that the three principles of sustainable development - social, economic and environmental - are embedded into their activities, and the development of the public transport sector remains sustainable in terms of its social, economic and environmental impact. Sustainable transportation allows the basic access needs of individuals and societies to goods, jobs, education, leisure and information to be met safely and in a manner consistent with human health. Such transportation is affordable, operates efficiently, offers choice of transport mode for seamless intermodality and supports a vibrant economy. There are 19 Full Charter Signatories, including Transport for London (UK), MTA New York City Transit (USA) and MTR Corporation (Hong Kong). There are also 18 Pledge Charter Signatories, including the Metro of Bilbao (Spain) and Transbus International (UK). Signatories to the Pledge Charter agree to achieve, and be able to report on the following actions by May 2005 when they can become Charter Members: The social, environmental and economic principles of sustainability are recognised as a strategic objective in their organisation as set out in the UITP Charter Guidelines; and A system is in place for regular reporting, internal and/or external, on the implementation of sustainable development principles within the organisation and its activities. LTA Committed To Promoting Sustainable Development UITP invited LTA to sign this pledge as it is committed to promote the three principles of sustainable development in our activities and help to ensure that the public transport sector remains sustainable in terms of social, environmental and economic impact. Sustainable development is a strategic objective of LTA. Our vision is to have a transport system that meets the needs and demands of a dynamic growing city with a population that will increasingly expect higher standards in service and infrastructure. Mr Ho Meng Kit, LTA's Chief Executive said, "LTA is proud to be invited to sign the Charter. We view this as recognition of our role in providing safe, efficient and affordable transport in Singapore, qualities that are essential for sustainable development." "For example, the cornerstone of our land transport strategy is to provide an attractive public transport system. Today, about 63 per cent of the 7 million daily motorised trips are made by public transport. LTA aims to increase the number of trips made on public transport and will develop the Rapid Transit Systems network further over the next 10 to 15 years, making the rail network the backbone of our public transport system. Most of this will be underground to minimise impact on the environment." Professor Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Meyer, President of UITP said, "UITP highly appreciates the strong commitment of LTA for sustainable mobility, which is the most important basis for sustainable development in general, and for preserving the city liveable also for future generations." About LTA The Land Transport Authority (LTA) was inaugurated in September 1995 as a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport. LTA spearheads all land transport developments in Singapore, including the building of the road network and the development of the rail infrastructure. It is committed to furnishing Singapore with a quality and efficient land transport system. LTA is a member of UITP. About UITP UITP is the worldwide association of urban and regional passenger transport operators, authorities and suppliers. With over 2,500 members from nearly 80 countries, UITP promotes a better understanding of public transport and acts as the international network for all transport professionals. It is a point of reference for the industry and studies all aspects of mobility to encourage the development of more efficient and attractive collective passenger transport, and informs its members of best practises world-wide. It provides research and analysis on all aspects of urban and regional passenger transport including infrastructure, rolling stock, organisation and management. |