LTA Plans to Introduce Microwave Sensors for Improved Hygiene and Efficiency
By the fourth quarter of 2025, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) will begin replacing the country’s 11,500 mechanical pedestrian push buttons with touchless microwave sensors. These sensors will detect hand movements to activate the green-man signal at traffic junctions, eliminating the need for physical contact.
The move aims to reduce touchpoints and enhance hygiene, following successful trials in 2022 and 2023. The microwave sensors, which operate by emitting electromagnetic waves and detecting changes in frequency, will be preferred over infrared sensors due to their superior performance in varying weather conditions.
LTA expects the transition to be completed by 2031, with the new system providing improved reliability, reduced maintenance costs, and increased accessibility for the visually impaired, as the sensors will include Braille and auditory feedback. This development is part of ongoing efforts to modernize Singapore’s traffic management systems while ensuring inclusivity for all pedestrians.
