Population = 13 million (around 3 times Singapore
population)
more workers come in from neighboring districts to work in
Tokyo
the city and its metropolis is bigger than Singapore.
They have an amazing network if over and underground trains
(which was my earlier point). Metro frequency is 2-3 minutes (def
not 30 sec or even a min), Yamanote comes every 3-4 mins, commuter
trains depends can be between 10-15 mins.
before my current job, I was responsible for Asia Pacific
including Japan, and if you have any question of how to get
anywhere within Tokyo metropolis, you can ask me.
I have to say as a proud Singaporean, the public transport is
better here than Tokyo... You find every train crowded at all times
of day, just not peak, and it is not fun traveling in them. But
cars are out of question, so you don't have a choice.
Okay I ask you simple question.
Tell me how to get to Ikebukuro from Shinjuku station.
Rail only. Besides time, I dont care about anything
else.
Singapore is nowhere far from the situation. Look at the lasting
consequences of having 3-car trains running at 4-7 mins freq on the
CCL, causing catastrophic crush loads during peak where people
along Paya Lebar - Serangoon and Buona Vista - Bishan could not
board. Buses come and travel at a duration that felt like ages.
Hope the new CCL trains would help (even during off peak)