Singapore to replace all 11,500 pedestrian push buttons with touchless sensors to reduce touchpoint and improve hygiene

After a two-year trial, Singapore is set to upgrade all signalized pedestrian crossings with touchless buttons that feature braille text and emit sound, enhancing accessibility for all.

Unlike the old buttons that would require one to press the button, these new touchless buttons can be activated with a simple wave.

In a Facebook post on Sunday (Oct 20), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced the transition to touchless buttons at pedestrian crossings. Unlike push buttons, which pedestrians often press repeatedly in hopes of speeding up the light change, the new system will eliminate wear and tear from excessive use.

Trials for Touchless Buttons Began in 2022

The trial for these buttons commenced in 2022, with both infrared and microwave sensors being tested at four crossings. A second trial followed in August 2023 at four more locations. LTA revealed that while both types of sensors met reliability and performance standards, microwave sensors outperformed infrared ones, with the added ability to adapt to environmental changes.

LTA further revealed that the new touchless buttons will be easy to use, featuring a clear hand-waving logo and a message instructing pedestrians to “Wave For Green Man.” When activated, a red light will flash to confirm the signal has been registered.

For visually impaired pedestrians, the buttons will include braille text and emit a sound once activated, ensuring accessibility for everyone.

Six-Year Timeline for Full Upgrade

The upgrade process will begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is expected to take six years to complete.

It is estimated to take six years to replace all of the mechanical buttons as there are a total of 11,500 push buttons at roughly 2,790 traffic junctions across Singapore.

Reactions to the news

Reactions to the news of the change were mixed.

Those who preferred mechanical buttons felt that they served as stress relievers for pedestrians, while others said they would rather press than wave their hands as the tactile nature of physical buttons provided clear feedback that their intentions were registered with the device.

Those who preferred sensors noted that they are becoming more widespread and are increasingly used in many other places, such as lifts and access doors.