Why Singapore’s Crosswalk Buttons are REALLY the Best
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- čas přidán 13. 04. 2022
- The world’s best pedestrian crossing button - the PB5 - just got better. This video explores how Singapore is not just redesigning a button, but entire parts of the city - Silver Zones - for an important part of the community.
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Didn't know that button was invented in Australia. Nice. In Japan you typically don't have to press a button, I think that's a good option in terms of accessibility, too.
Watch the original video I made about it - there’s some really surprising features (like a Billie Eilish connection…) But yep - not even needing to press a button is even more accessible (but some sound or guidance on where to cross is useful).
in singapore some actually dont have the buttons
@@soulesspieceofcheese3093 in singapore sometimes the buttons don't do anything and they traffic lights just change when there are few cars on the road
here in australia some of them u just wave ur hand over it
I dont like it, Its another data capture device.
"Singaporeans love pressing this button"
NO BUT LITERALLY
Haha big button go KLACK KLACK KLACK
when it’s taking too long: PRESS PRESS PRESS
Besides the use on the Green Man +, the senior concession card also entitle the cardholders to enjoy concessionary fares on public transport (25% or more off the adult fare), discounted products and services from over 2000 merchants, heavily subsidized health screenings and apply for community clubs recreation courses, activities and facilities at discounted rates.
Singapore Citizens turning 60 years old will receive an Invitation to apply.
Lies again? Zebra Crossing
@@NazriB which part of what Lelio said are lies?
@@NazriB nah I can confirm. When I visit grandpa he always makes me use his card for grocery shopping.
@@sd-fz3wn that’s a big brain move right there
@@NazriB Ratio
I just realised how much I’ve taken this button for granted. I literally see one at the road opposite my school each morning and become so accustomed to it that only with this video I suddenly am so thankful for the system built here. I never really understood why the button would emit a beeping sound even when it wasn’t pressed yet but now it finally makes sense. Often times when I travel, it just always feels so odd not having this in other countries and the sound of the traffic light beeping just feels like some comfort reminding me I’m in my home country.
Glad to see another fellow Singaporean here
Cringe
@@josephineloh5830 How?
hello fellow singaporean child HAHA
Noice same here
Hi Julian 😁 as an Aussie living in Sg I have defs noticed that the city is far more accessible (in terms of ramps, lifts etc) for elderly and/or disabled persons. And can also notice the effects, with more elderly people out in chairs etc than ever saw back home. Thanks for pointing out some more aspects I hadn't noticed! 🙂
Thanks Claudia!
Fun fact if I’m not wrong. There is a yearly event where the ministry (or particular group of people in charge of these accessibility things around SG) where they bring around people with disabilities to understand some of their struggles which is why it’s always being improved
@@kai-dp3cg My local council has had a mate on payroll for the last 30 years whose job is to wheel about the place and look for such things.
So u are comparing Australia and Singapore? If u are then your u are being unfair to your gov!!!
Why did you move to Singapore?
As a Singaporean, I think I can say he's pretty spot on. Singapore is home to quite a lot of elderlies, and he chose an estate where it houses quite a lot of elderlies too. Great vid.
Cos he’s Ang moh?
@@lifearebennetitwant1007 aiya no la its cause he chose bukit merah, there got lot of uncle auntie no mei?
@@mt.sefuri3909 idk man when I go Bukit Merah I only see young kids and about 5 ang mohs
@@voalm wrong side alr sir
@@mt.sefuri3909 idk man 💀
Green Man + is a brilliant idea. We really need this in Australia. I’ve often wondered how the elderly or disabled people cope with crossings that change quickly.
A lot of the traffic signals at pedestrian crossings need to be re timed. Many of them take ages to change in favour of the pedestrians, then stay that way for way little time. And thanks to some of the drivers that think its ok to run a red light, there should be hydraulic bollards that raise from the road to ensure crap drivers learn that red means STOP. (automatically lowered when an emergency vechle is in the block either side).
@@dash8brj I used to dream of countermeasures when I was a kid. My favorite was a popup giant razor blade that would cut the car in two.
Available in many cities.
This would be brilliant in Australia! My mother has nerve issues in her feet & crossing roads really stresses her out as she can't get over in time. Muchly needed here!
Most times cars are stopped and they usually won't proceed until the last person has crossed. It's courtesy and the driver knows he can't go until that person is out of the way.
My home is exactly in Bukit Merah View, I am both a driver and a pedestrian. I can totally agree with the usefulness of these features. The intentional mildly windy lanes definitely made me slow my car down. Several sheltered walkways across the roads were added last year to not only provide shade, but reduce the need to dash across the roads when it rains. Thank you for your analysis and hope you can produce more videos as interesting as this!
A little rain shelter is an excellent idea, even if it doesn't extend across the road (I imagine that gets expensive). Rain really cuts down pedestrian visibility and attentiveness.
As a Singaporean I’m very glad that our traffic system is getting recognised. Thanks for the vid!
Singapore also uses SCATS, which is Australian :)
Some of these features of the silver zones would be great anywhere as just pedestrian positive design!
Yes. Yes. And yes.
Yes! Universal accessibility is so underrated!
They are standard practice here in the Netherlands :)
@@Stormy38044 and so expensive
@@Talonidas7403 Err... What? Universal accessibility isn't expensive at all. If implemented properly it's a way WAY cheaper than car centric design- especially for a country like Australia.
In Vic some crossings have a Puffin system installed. It's a motion sensor. While it detects pedestrians still on the crossing it stays green untill they have crossed.
Pranksters could leave a cardboard cutout on the crossing?
@@ohasis8331 People in cars could get out and move it? Sort of a strange non problem to bring up.
@@ohasis8331 if the PUFFIN detector gets stuck on, it stops extending the pedestrian times.
Great vid. I really miss Singapore!
In parts of Japan I've seen road crossing buttons that have a second, lower button for the elderly that keeps the green light on for longer so they can get across safely. So good!
Can’t do that in Sg, young people will misuse and press the elderly button for fun.
That fantastic that our Aussie invention is being used overseas. The green man button thing is an awesome idea however I personally would find it a pain in the ass having to get out a card to tap each time I want to use it. I get why no general button as they don't want misuse but a getting out a card can get very inconvenient
The “concession card” or the purple card, is a type of public transport fare card/personal Id/contactless payment. Hence most citizens will have such a card on them somewhere accessible. Since taking the bus, the metro, the light rail, promotions, even shopping may use that card. It’s thus quite ingenious.
I would keep it on a lanyard around my neck if accessing pockets was an issue
of course there will be pranksters , card is mandatory
That's mostly for the elderly or the peoples who cannot move fast.
The oldies always bring the card everywhere, many hang over their necks. They'll have to take it out everytime they use public transport, as well as to enjoy discounts in supermarket and foodplaces.
It's pretty much what I found in Singapore. In my experience, it was by far the easiest city to get around. You pretty much don't need a car. Many things are accessible by walking (known as "Bus 11" in Singaporean slang) and their EXCELLENT bus and metro train (MRT)/light rail (LRT) system.
I do love the idea of extra time to cross for the elderly and disabled people by showing their ID cards, only issue with the system is elderly/disabled foreigners are pretty much SOL.
Agreed. Like Japan too. I love Japan's public transport.
Love the Singapore content! I live in Melbourne but am going to Singapore next month, definitely will keep an eye out for these innovations along the way!
from a SG local. welcome to Singapore! Dont forget to stuff your face with food when you are here :D
Spore is hot.. So do dress light. I m a sporean in sydney, enjoying the cool weather here.
Yup.. Do explore our local food centres . Its cheap n good. I really miss that.
Would advise you to not bring long sleeved clothes if ur looking for cheap and nice food go to hawker centres craving for late night snacks? Go down to 7-eleven they have alot of stuff dont sell gum here it's illegal and do follow the laws as it is strict here would want to come to Singapore just to pay fine or go to jail do explore the various parts
Welcome :D
In here it's quite hot or rainy most times it's hot.. So uh bring short sleeved shirts and long-sleeved shirts.
Ive lived in Singapore for so long but did not notice alot of these small little touches! Great video!
0:28 Here in Singapore I don't think I've ever seen the straight arrow variant. It's like always the side arrow
Heaven crossing
@@kalmdwn7711 You press the button so a car will come and run you over, which takes you directly to heaven.
There is one near downtown east
@@isaaclim8645 Good to know
It’s a vintage version 😆
Nice improvement on the Aussie design. I really like the raised zebra crossings because they will also help slow any vehicles down, making crossing the road a much safer experience.
Really good to have you back uploading Julian!
I’ve lived in Singapore all my life, about twenty years and this has been a constant in my daily life. Never really thought much of it, but certainly have never or will ever take it for granted
While I’m not a senior, I’ve had the pleasant experience of experiencing the accessibility that Singapore has. While facing some walking issues in the past it never got in the way of me getting to my destination due to all the ramps around. Also crossing the road felt really safe; on top of the break we could take in the middle of it, drivers in Singapore are really courteous and will patiently wait even after the light turns green for them. In areas with no traffic light the pedestrians always come first. I think this is one cultural aspect I will never stop appreciating.
99% are patient, it's always that 1% that cause problems for others.
There are a number of systems that are in use in Australia at certain intersections that are similar to what you have shown (I know most states have rolled at different systems but I have seen systems in Melbourne and Brisbane). The system uses optical based cameras to detect pedestrians crossing the road, if it detects people slowly crossing then additional time will be given to the pedestrian phase. Using countdown timers like what is shown in your video actually limits how quickly the system can respond and give additional pedestrian crossing time as the card will need to be swiped before the traffic signal controller enters the pedestrian phase. The systems in use in Australia where a countdown timer is not used dynamically extend the pedestrian crossing timer without any intervention by the end user.
On a side note, it isn't just the pedestrian push buttons that are Australian. The traffic signal controllers used are Australian made as well (at least the vast majority are)
Thank you for highlighting this! Too often something works and we don't really give additional thought to it.
This is fantastic. Very informative and entertaining. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
I used to live there and I had no idea. When I go back to my parents I will keep an eye on that city. It's clever, I didn't know about the raised crossing I thought it was just another speed break. Also the buses have a platform which opens and turns into a ramp if a person in a wheel chair needs to get on. This button is on a another level tho.
As a Singaporean living for 14 years, I’ve never known the function of those utilisation till I watch this videos.
Hi from Singapore, thank you so much for sharing this =)
I always look forward to your videos, Julian. You are personable and well spoken, and I enjoy learning new information about my favourite Australian city.
I appreciate that! Thanks, mate.
Although the senior traffic timer extension system was made accessible and available to the public awhile back, I’ve yet to see one taking advantage of it.
That's true, all these years and I haven't seen anyone use it yet.
I did ask my grandad about it before, and he mentioned that it was too troublesome to take out his senior card to tap it, and then put it back into his bag.
I did pester him to try it before, and it does work :)
i saw an older gentleman use it once, but he strode across the 4 lane road in like 6 steps and reached the other side before everyone else. so it was completely unnecessary for him, he just made the cars wait longer lol
@@Juliana-qe2th Chad move lol
@@Juliana-qe2th based ah gong
I stay in Singapore and I will agree! These are amazing!
Thanks for another great video Julian.
Thanks for featuring one of the most useful features of the Singapore roads!
Great vid as usual. I believe Japan is also innovating in ways to help their aging populating. Eg, the restaurant of mistaken orders... FWIW, I love these PB5s and recently made one into a guitar pedal!
That’s a cool project. Nice.
@@JulianOShea Cheers. The button looks simple, but inside, the mechanism is ridiculously complex...
What's also pretty important to mention is the road etiquette here, drivers usually always stop for pedestrians to cross first before proceeding themselves
Always look forward to your videos! Cheers
Much appreciated!
Love your videos Julian, thanks so much for making them.
Glad you like them! Cheers.
I was confused I just saw our normal looking Aussie crosswalk buttons, but the longer time really is amazing, I’m young but I am not fast and have issues with speed walking so it really is cool and I hope one day we might get that available where I live.
I've never been more proud to live in singapore
Yes loyal citizen gander at the roads the trees the boat building the damn traffic pole buttons eat boot
This is 👌. I also can’t help also noticing the shade structure above the crossing too. A ++
Thanks mate.
Started the video around for 10sec and I subbed you instantly just because your videos are really interesting and the presentation of yours is outstanding!
What a fabulous addition! All they need to make it perfect is another button and a bench to rest on in the middle for those who are really slow.
Haha I must have taken something I use every day for granted! I never expected something as simple as the pedestrian crossing button could be made into a detailed video. :)
But do be careful when you are crossing the roads in Singapore. Drivers can be very reckless and inconsiderate. There have been many accidents, some of which fatal, all because drivers simply think they own the roads.
The problem becomes really big when drivers feel pedestrians should give way to them!
For example, when I was in Europe, I noticed cars would automatically slow down to let me cross even though the drivers had the right of way. That was really a culture shock me. But I really like the safety and considerate behavior.
On the contrary, in Singapore, you may sometimes experience nasty shocks from drivers honking at you, or even accelerating after seeing that you are trying to cross the road.
Come experience KL City, you'll return home a grateful citizen. :)
@Junhao Phua Same for me. I migrated to Australia and drivers slow down. SG has its wacky bits lol
here, the infrastructure is made for driver, even if they throw certain bread crumbs to make life better for peds. cos by law it's almost made for drivers. so the infrastructure here is more of better than most of the world but when comes to it driver has priority .
Lol the government is doing stuff but I guess one still can't change how the people acts huh....
On the other hand along zebra crossings, in Europe I saw that cars will stop only if you're already crossing by the time the cars reach there, while in Singapore if you're waiting by the side of the crossing to cross, oncoming cars will stop, & then you'll feel its safer to cross
What a great idea to have special raised crossings and green +. My inlaws would be very appreciative if the same systems were here. Great vid mate.
Love this - such a great idea! :)
The irony in this video being about safe crosswalks and the man jaywalking at 0:05. Loving the SG content!
I love the singapore videos... I haven't been able t o go back in years.
Travel is starting to come back. Exciting stuff.
Great to see you on the news, we need a video about the bike
What a great design and system. Thanks for the intro.
I moved to Singapore from Melbourne about 3 years ago and I am constantly frustrated by the crossings. Although the button systems are the same they rarely have the audio during a crossing cycle. Growing up in Melbourne I didn’t realise how reliant I was on the audio side of the crossing system.
My favourite city to visit. This is just one reason why.
I live here in Singapore and I have learned several fun fact about this humble button from your video! Good job!
i honestly love these vids! What a cool design
Thanks, Allanah!
The buttons in my town, Ireland, are like the basic one you showed but since covid they now have a sensor that you wave your hand in front of. No need to press the button now.
Doesn't really make it more accessible but its something.
OMG YOURE IN SINGAPORE???? AYYYYY hey from singapore
I *was* in Singapore! - Back in Oz now. Had a great time though. Quality infrastructure.
Very good system. You have done very good as well educate people when didn't knew much. Hope my country adopt this system.
Amazing videos! Always look forward to them! I think they should import the card thing into Australia, would love to see them in Melbourne!
Inn NZ you just push and hold the button and it will give a longer crossing time, These are usually used in areas where vulnerable people are more likely to be
Will have to do a NZ episode…
NZ .
Children Are Encouraged To Push And Hold The Button For A Longer Duration .
thanks for the video! Tbh Singapore has an ageing population and the govt had been moving towards a more inclusive society in SG. SG had no natural resources whatsoever except for its own citizen.....so by investing in her own people....the resulting dividends are paying off since we could survive the Asian Financial Crisis and many other global downturn, etc. SG is not perfect but it is home.
Great explanation, thanks pal
It's missing one part.
We have these buttons in Wellington NZ, and years back the two screws were removed, with a piece of unistrut placed across them. Just a little bar of metal 20mm in width that sits between the button and the blue part.
It stops people from kicking out and damaging the part with the blue arrow, when they try to press the button with their foot and miss (mostly drunks).
The amount of damage these have prevented is over $100k after they were put on in the mid 2000s. A fraction of the failures.
Don't worry. That'll never happen in Singaporean culture. You'll be fined to jail for vandalising govt property first.
Meanwhile here in greater Jakarta, most crosswalk buttons don’t even work 😂.
Anyway, great content!
Julien, the god honest truth is, when I'm doing deliveries In Suburbs with trams, each time I hear the ding I don't hear A tram. I hear THE tram from your intro. You made an everyday sound a audible brand awareness/familiarity marketing tactic for locals. It's a slight piece of genius.
I love your videos Julian, they are short but very informative
Thanks, Andrew!
👍👍wow👍👍biggest double thumbs up👍👍excellent presentation👍👍explanation very sharp, short and straightforward to the point👍👍thanks for your useful tips and new information👍👍I salutes to you many times👍👍
I think they’re also currently trialing a new type where you don’t have to press the button and just have to wave your hand in front of it.
The waving hand system can already be found in London. Love it when you don't need to touch the button due to personal hygiene or just the convenience.
They need to make the pedestrian crossing times longer in general at least in Melbourne cause on some of the large you need to run if you wanna make it before it goes red
There are some that you need to go real fast.
Especially the one at the top of Spring St crossing Victoria St... that one definitely needs more time.
Great work Julian
I watched your video and learned that the design is originally from Australia. I find it really cool and super useful. Enjoy your stay in Singapore!
Cheers!
Hey mate, Victorian here. I'm curious is this youtube thing you're full time gig? I'm impressed at your ability to travel around and capture this nuggets of wisdom. How do you support yourself if you don't mind me asking
Nah, still a fun hobby for now. I work at a uni as my main gig.
@@JulianOShea Ah thanks for the quick and speedy reply. Fun fact, the apartment building I live in appears in the background of your "Swanston St" video. Hopefully at some point I'll get to shout you a beer for all your awesome work 😀
In the UK they have puffin crossings that have sensors detecting pedestrians, so hold the light red for as long as the pedestrian needs.
It also doesn't stop traffic if there is no pedestrian.
I'd they merged that with the button of the Australian system, it would be the perfect crossing.
Will have to do a UK episode…
Isnt the sensors detecting system easy to misuse?
@@euphisa8127
Don't know, but don't see how it would be.
As the is a sensor looking across the road and one looking down at the people waiting.
Puffin crossings are great, but I remember when they were introduced, some people didn't like them because the green man is only shows on the box at the side of the road. So, you can't see the green man while you're crossing the road. It's not needed because the light will stay red for the traffic as long as someone is crossing. But some pedestrians like to see this as some sort of visual feedback.
@@NigelGentry
Yeah that is a problem with crossings in the UK.
Along with most don't make a sound.
So you stand their waiting to cross not knowing the light has gone green.
Fantastic! I also admire their traffic systems! Thanks 👍
Nice to see a video in my country! I never knew how those card sensors on top of the buttons worked. I thought they functioned more like a bus card reader, haha!
I do think the need for a specific card to get the extra time could possibly be gatekeeping this access from those who don’t have a card or can’t get one or are only temporarily disabled etc it’s a great idea, and hopefully will be improved in the next versions
Yeah - I’m not exactly sure what the requirements are to get one. Fair point.
Yup, cars need to learn to wait for pedestrians. What a silly overly expensive system
Its not a specific card for this though, its a card the elderly already need to use while out and about anyway, so your issues are moot
@@Saintphoenix86 I’m thinking of course of those who fall through the cracks. Those who may be disabled but unable to access the appropriate card due to pitfalls of bureaucracy or perhaps those who are injured, not normally disabled or elderly, yet still require access to the additional time. So not moot. I think it’s a great initiative, but can be improved.
@@theonlyenekoeneko So the whole system should be scrapped because of maybe a handful of people?, again this isnt a specific card just for this, its an aged like pension card, i doubt many people if any wouldnt have it
I wish Singapore was as progressive with other enhancements for the non-driving population. The Green Man+, road crossings in general etc are great. But there are plenty of examples where vehicles have a clear benefit that is difficult for non-drivers to comprehend. As an example: around the Clementi area there are plenty of AYE crossings, but very few of them are wheelchair/pram accessible. This has improved in recent years but when my kids were in prams it wasn’t an option. Today they cycle but not on bikes that belong on the roads, so I still keep track of the few lifts.
This is a fantastic initiative, but it doesn’t go far enough. The goal of a “car lite society” so far is but a dream. There are plenty of building blocks but we lack a bit of Integration.
How dare the government not build a special lane just for your family and your kids! They need to consult you and make sure to know your routine and build roads and pathways according to your commute habits and your family only! Totally unacceptable. Vote them out!
@@Thekidisalright criticism should at all times be respectful and constructive. I made an observation and provided an example. The criticism I brought forward isn't relevant to me personally anymore, but I said that already in my first post. There are however other new parents, wheel chair users, families who wish to cycle to the public pool with their kids etc. who have to take significant detours into account to cross the expressway. And it's sensible to assume that what we see in Clementi is the case in other towns as well.
Oh, and yes, if you disagree with your elected representatives than it is your right to vote for someone else next time. That is how democracy works. Mind blown, I know!
NGL this is a REALLY good idea to have added!
Your and guide is really so wonderful, factual and simple to understand
Great job !
Thanks a lot!
I'm a "weird" Local Singaporean who had an interest to different countries cultures.
Once again thank you for the great "dinkie die" [ inside information]
So I picked up a lot of Aussie lingo 😁
The people who are so privileged to have it and don't make use of it are really " a sandwich short of a picnic" or " a pint shot of a six-pack", a kangaroo loose in the top Paddock "&" not the sharpest tool in the shed" 🤣
I'm not so sure I agree that this is a good thing. This requires people with disabilities and elderly to always carry their concession card, essentially meaning that if they just go out for a walk and/or forget it, they will have a hard time crossing streets. If the time added to crossing times is between 2 and 13 seconds then just prolonging the standard crossing time wouldn't create a massive disruption to traffic flow, while it would send a clear message to motorists that pedestrians are prioritised.
The concession card has more uses than you think. It is actually a public transport card and can be used for payment at any store that provides contactless payment. While the system may have a flaw, thankfully, most Singapore drivers are considerate enough to let pedestrians cross the entire length of the road, and even help the disabled or the elderly cross.
Here in Theremouth we have a second “secret” button on the underside of the pedestrian button box. That supposedly works like the green man without any cards at all.
Does Singapore have trust issues about “not eligible” people using this feature?
These senoir citizen cards are usually doubled as identification cards as well, its unique to each person.
Yup Singapore doesn't trust people to use it correctly
You dont want kids to spam the button right?
Also, the one with the secret button seems like they have more trust issues
Really cool that there are crossing buttons that have card scanning, I had no idea!
There are actually buttons near my house that were installed that vibrate when it's crossing time. And sometimes when it's sunny, I look at the red light on the button to see if I have to keep waiting. It's nice to know I can also rest my hand on the button and feel a vibration. I usually just look at the traffic lights though in this case. The buttons in these traffic lights are just sheet metal I think, so not nearly as fancy.
Singaporean here! Great video!!!
And another function about this button is that some locals believe that pressing it continuously will actually make the green man appear faster.
That's not just a local thing, it's a global thing!
Meanwhile I live in Sweden. A country where pedestrian crossings have had a slow ticking sound to enable vision impaired people to know where the button is, but the ticking is also made so that one can hear what direction the crossing is in. For people bad of hearing there is also a raised arrow on top of the box housing the button.
Each of these boxes also has 2-3 buttons. 1 for normal crossing time, 1 for a longer crossing time, and occasionally one for cyclists that is quite short. (all three of course are of an appropriate duration for the specific crossing.) That Singapore requires a card to access the longer crossing time is stupid, if a normal person hurts themselves or otherwise finds themselves in a situation where their walking speed is decreased, then they too might need the extra time to safely cross. (though, the drivers of the cars should also pay attention and notice this, but some don't.)
On top of this, when it is time to cross the ticking goes from the occasional once every few seconds to a few times a second instead. This makes the box for the button slightly vibrate giving haptic feedback to those in need of that. (the sound of the ticking is also a bit louder during the crossing time) When the crossing time is soon about to end, the ticking starts to go in bursts instead, half a second on, half a second off.
Our traffic light assisted crossings have had everything here above for the last couple of decades. Singapore though comes decently close to a perfect system, just ditch the card and add a second button, preferably bellow the normal one since elderly people can have a hard time reaching up. (shoulder height is too high...)
But out of all the different pedestrian crossing solutions I have seen, Singapore is the best second place contender I have seen so far, but they do have a few major issues.
And the heavy use of medians to let people cross the street in two or more separate steps has also been exceptionally common here for a long time. Same thing for raised crossings, though this is a bit newer but still over a decade old here. (And Singapore made a beginner mistake on the one shown in the video, the yellow checked area should form a platform at the median to allow more room for people to stand. Or rather not stumble down into what effectively is a ha ha, also known as a tripping hazard...)
The only thing shown in the video I wished we had a long time ago is the non straight roads to slow down traffic.
So I suggest going and taking a look at Sweden next.
I’m convinced - Sweden, here I come. 🚀
@@JulianOShea I forgot to mention that the red/green walking sign also starts to blink green in synch with the ticking when informing of the last couple of seconds, helping people with reduced hearing.
And if there is a median, then there is always another set of buttons there so that people don't get stuck. (I have seen some places in the world forget that...)
Though, a lot of places here try to avoid crossings all together. Either having pedestrian streets, raised regular crossings sometimes with speed bumps, foot tunnels/bridges. So traffic light assisted crossings is dwindling in more semi-rural areas. After all, a well made crossing doesn't suffer technical failures if it doesn't have any lights.
Wow, really informative vid! Living the whole of my 30yo ass in SG and only just learned about the use of elderly concession card to extend road crossing time.
APS (US/CA) is also pretty good. It has a big button with a tactile arrow, it also makes a small locator sound periodically. If you hold the button down for 3 seconds, it will make a sound when it’s time to cross, sometimes with voice guidance telling you the specific street, and often have a longer crossing time. It will also vibrate the button. During the clear phase, it will speak out how long you have til the light is handed over to the cross traffic. It’s definitely a more recent invention than this, as many crosswalks do not have this yet, but it’s great to see accessible crosswalks popping up.
Do they really need a card for verification that the cross walk user is disabled? Couldn't the same thing be accomplished by adding an "extra time" button? If the absolute maximum is 13 extra seconds, how much chaos could someone really create by using the feature when they don't need it? Just kind of sounds like some extra complexity and another point of failure. I just don't normally think of accessibility infrastructure as needing a verification system. I'm sure there will end up being people who could benefit from extra time but either don't have the card on them or never received on to begin with, no matter how simple and easy the distribution program is.
At any rate, great video. They recently added some pedestrian crossing signal buttons like this (I think everything but the tactile arrow) to some crosswalks in my hometown. I am big fan. These buttons look a lot nicer to press though. Ours basically don't give way at all and almost feel more like a big piece of metal with capacitive touch than a real button.
Its actually quite a genius idea, not everyone needs the extra time, and by making it only togglable, it could help with traffic and time is only added when needed.
I believe an extra time button that anyone could press would be abused, especially younger people who would like to do it just cause they can. Making it only if you have the concession card/greenman+ card, it makes it that only people who really needs it, gets it while preventing abuse from other people who might want to take advantage of it
The card used in the video is actually a “concession card” used for public transport, epayments, and even personal identification. It is differentiated based on age range/institutions, mainly (primary school, sec/HS, military, elderly). Every one who are eligible for the card WILL go and get the card, since it is used so widely in Singapore.
Most people will hence keep the card on them somewhere accessible, hence it is actually quite convenient.
Yeah, because kids wouldn't exploit that to hold up traffic for fun.
Problem with the extra time button people will just push it, many reasons too, some a selfish, some a dicks, some dont pay attention, and as people said its not just a card for that, its a travel card they use a lot already and will have it on hand when out and about anyway
I’ve personally never known a driver who’ll take off at a green light, even when there’s an older person still crossing directly in front of their car, but hey maybe Singapore works differently.
Exactly. Looks like they invested a lot in a problem that didn't exist. I woder how many people actually use it.
Forty years ago crossing a road in Singapore was only for the brave. You had to bluff the drivers that you weren't going to flinch first. It's come a long way.
Drivers in S'pore do wait for the odd slow old/handicapped person who's not safely on the other side. The problem is more of the elderly/handicapped who is crossing - *they feel stress* when the number starts counting down and know that they are not able to reach the other side before the light turns red for them. They will try to walk faster - but may stumble & fall instead in their haste. The extra 5-10 (or 15 secs), allows them to cross with the knowledge that it will still be green by the time they reach the other side.
@@idontthink - it's not a problem; it's a Safety first prevention and yes - elderly * handicapped people with the issued card uses it. Mostly in the heartlands area.
@@acooi1 Who ever heard of a government department that cares about people's feelings - especially the elderly. Singapore, well done!
All these things pretty much exist in the UK, but most crossings have sensors, so the crossing waits until there is no-one in the road, and then turns the light green, and it will only allow people to cross when it senses no cars approaching. This system allows people as much time to cross as they need, but the least wait time for cars as possible, and also prevents people being run over when crossing as the light doesn't change in the middle of a stream of cars, opposed to a timer system.
The other clever change they made was previously, at a traffic light junction, all the lights and pedestrian crossings were in sync eg. If it changed from red to green light, the green man pedestrian crossings would also change. This was still dangerous as cars have the tendency to dash out once it turns green in their favor. So nowadays, they activate the green man first so that pedestrians can cross first and then activate the green light change for cars. This would actually alert the driver beforehand that there are pedestrians going to cross, so wait before you start to move your vehicle.
That’s awesome - Kaizen!
Take the best. Make it better.
amazing video mate :)
Thanks, mate! More on their way.
Thanks for visiting...?
I live in the central region, which is unfortunate because those buttons don't exist. But they did change out the buttons at the residential part, but it does not include the card tapping part. I've seen all of them before.
it's so heartwarming to see someone speak so proudly of singapore :")) I'm very proud of this feature too hehe
1:38 omo your glasses fogged up, is it the humidity HAHA
Enthusiastic thumbnail! I'll watch this during my break :)
It’s 4 minutes and 10 seconds well spent.
@@JulianOShea Indeed! Found your channel from some of your other SG videos a while back, they are interesting!
What an excellent idea. Thank you for sharing. The more people who know , the more engineers and planners can implement. :)
I noticed in Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Kyoto that each intersection has a different crossing sound for each direction. For example, north-south crossings at the intersection have one specific tone sequence, and the East-west crossings have a clearly different tone sequence.
Because crossings in high urban areas are reasonably close together and the sounds can each off the buildings, the nearby crossings in any direction have their own unique pair of crossing sounds.
This helps the blind to know exactly where they are.
The side benefit, is the cities sound less jarring as the tones are pleasant and not as irritating as they are not all the same.
That is overthought engineering.
Here in the UK, we have a sensor which detects people and doesn't time the red light out until the crossing is clear.
They also have audio and visual signals that it's safe to cross and a little knob under the butten which rotates when it's safe to cross.
No cards to remember, no nonsense. They just work
Very cool! You've got yourself a new subscriber! 👌
Welcome aboard!
As a Singaporean I'm proud that there are simple details like this to be proud of living in Singapore ☺️ Thanks for this video!
Good video, I am glad that u have featured our special mode of this crossing for our senior citizens as not many other video sources have showcase these beside from our LTA videos. Are u still in Singapore right now?
Thanks, mate. Back in Australia now.
I am a local Singaporean, I had no idea about the thoughts that went into the traffic crossing. Thanks for the info :)