SINGAPORE — The operational capacity of the new train lines, as well as better land use planning, are some factors which should be considered so that the transport network could meet the needs of a projected growth in Singapore’s population in 2030, analysts said yesterday.

The Government’s White Paper on population released on Tuesday said the population could grow to 6.9 million in 2030 as the Government moves to tackle the serious demographic double whammy of a shrinking and ageing population.

While the Government had rolled out plans to double the rail network earlier this month, transport analysts said more could be done to spread out the development of commercial nodes around the island.

“The authorities cannot focus on just figures, it needs to figure out how to accommodate the lifestyle changes of the population and, if land use does not change accordingly, more MRT lines may not help that much,” said transport expert Associate Professor Lee Der Horng from the National University of Singapore.

According to the White Paper, more jobs will be conveniently located near to residential areas, reducing the need to commute.

Besides the maturing of growth areas in Jurong Lake District, Paya Lebar Central and One-North, more space will also be created for businesses nearer to residential areas, such as at Woodlands, Serangoon and Punggol.

Land has also been earmarked for modern industrial parks near residential areas, such as at Lorong Halus and Sengkang, the White Paper added.

Transport economist Anthony Chin, meanwhile, felt that the proposed expansion to the rail network will be able to accommodate the projected growth in population “on paper”. But he added that other factors, such as the timing of the completion of improvements to the rail system and giving priority to buses, would also play a part.

According to the White Paper, more integrated transport hubs will be built over the next decade, as areas such as Bukit Panjang, Hougang and Yishun are redeveloped.

The integrated transport hubs are aimed at enhancing commuter experience by making transfers between rail and bus services more seamless and convenient.