7.5M DAILY riders for a population of 5M? Winston Toh on Singapore’s Miraculous Transit Model

This week on Transit Unplugged:

We head to Singapore, where public transit covers every inch of the island—and carries an astonishing 7.5 million riders daily.

Host Paul Comfort sits down with Winston Toh, Managing Director of Tower Transit Singapore, one of four operators under the Land Transport Authority (LTA). With 800 buses across 60 routes, Tower Transit is at the center of a system designed with precision—and powered by centralized planning.

Winston shares:

• Why bus ridership (3.8M daily) surpasses rail (3.4M) in Singapore
• How LTA ensures full national coverage and low fares (as little as $0.69 for seniors)
• Why “every inch of the land is covered” with integrated bus and rail systems
• The role of AI-enabled safety tools, including fatigue detection and driver incentive programs
• How Tower Transit fosters a people-first culture, with 80% staff engagement and Singapore Best Employer status
• The company’s goal to become “the Singapore Airlines of the bus industry”

Whether you’re an operator, planner, or policymaker, this episode offers a blueprint for equitable, efficient, and tech-forward mobility.

Creator, Host & Producer — Paul Comfort

Executive Producer — Julie Gates

Producer — Chris O'Keeffe

Edited and Mixed by — Chris O’Keeffe + Patrick Emile

Associate Producer — Cyndi Raskin

Special thanks to:

Brand Design — Tina Olagundoye

Social Media — Tatyana Mechkarova

Got a question or comment? Email us at [e-mail]

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual-property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.