Public transportation is key to and a must-try for anyone living in or visiting Singapore. As an urban city with limited land space, high-rise buildings and a bustling populace, there is a growing dependency on public transport for mobility. On average, there are about 5.8 million trips taken daily across various modes of public transport. Traveling via public transport is often more convenient, faster and cheaper than driving a car. Nevertheless, there are common misconceptions about using public transport in Singapore, such as its accessibility and ease of use for those with no prior experience riding buses or trains elsewhere.
Though a relatively small city, there are numerous types of public transport in Singapore – Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains, Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains, public buses, taxis, and private hire vehicles. This guide will focus primarily on the MRT, LRT and public buses, as these are the backbone of public transport in Singapore. While there is much to share regarding the intricacies of these local transports, the aim of this guide is to assure readers that public transport in Singapore is convenient, fast, and affordable. If anything, Singapore’s public transport system is to be lauded as a model for other cities to follow (Holleczek et al., 2013).
Understanding the Public Transportation System
Singapore is known for its comprehensive public transportation system that comprises Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), public buses, and taxis. This framework is designed to facilitate seamless transfer between various transport modes. In recent years, the public transport system has incorporated improvements and new features such as the Bus Contracting Model and the Bus Service Reliability Framework. Furthermore, the public transport network has been steadily upgraded, and the MRT system has been extended with new lines and stations. The addition of new bus services and re-routing of existing services has also enriched bus service offerings. The MRT and bus systems in Singapore are known for their reliability and punctuality, often ranking among the world’s top public transport systems.
Many infrastructure facilities have also been added to the public transport system to enhance user convenience. This includes the construction of seamless connections with other modes of transport and the provision of real-time arrival information at bus stops and on mobile applications. Advances in telecommunication technology have also been incorporated into the public transport system, such as using contactless smart cards for fare payment and planning public transport journeys through mobile applications. An understanding of the transport network is essential for using public transport in Singapore. This section of the article provides an overview of the public transport system in Singapore (Hale and Charles, 2008).
Types of Public Transportation
Getting around Singapore can be very easy, thanks to its well-developed public transportation system. There are various options available to you, all serving different transport needs. The primary modes of public transportation in Singapore are buses, MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and taxis. Each option has its own unique benefits. For example, buses are great for cost efficiency while MRT is the best option for speed. Taxis, on the other hand, are ideal for convenience. The public transportation network in Singapore is well-covered and easily accessible to everyone. The widely available bus stops ensure that no matter where you live, a bus stop is most probably within walking distance. Also, most transport modes are built to ensure that everyone, regardless of their demographic, is able to get to their destination. Buses and MRT services have low-floor buses and MRT carriages which allow easy access for the elderly and those in wheelchairs. Furthermore, transport modes are frequent, usually not exceeding a 30-minute wait, thus ensuring convenience. Aside from the widely used public transports modes, there are also emerging alternatives such as private hire vehicles and cycling options which have the most flexibility in usage. Nevertheless, this guide primarily focuses on the public modes of transport, providing knowledge on the type of transport best suited for your journey. Understanding the different types of public transports available will also foster a greater appreciation towards Singapore’s diversified public transport landscape. Buses: Singapore’s bus system consists of over 300 bus services that operate all over the island. The buses are air-conditioned and fitted with an automatic announcement system that informs passengers of the next bus stop. Stops are generally installed with an estimated time arrival display panel that shows the arrival time of buses at that particular bus stop. Bus services usually run every 15-30 minutes, depending on the bus service number, where the lower the bus service number, the more frequent the bus service is. MRT: Singapore’s MRT system consists of 6 color-coded lines extending over 200km across the island. Like the buses, the MRT trains are also air-conditioned fitted with an automatic announcement system that informs passengers of the next station. Train services are very frequent, usually arriving every 2-10 minutes, again, depending on the train service number where the lower the train service number, the more frequent the train service is. Taxis: Singapore’s taxi service consists of around 16,000 taxis in total from 7 different companies. Taxis can either be hailed on the streets or booked via mobile applications. Taxi fares are metered, and the fare calculation is based on the distance travelled as well as the duration of travel. In peak hours, ERP gantries may also apply, incurring an additional charge. Mobile applications are also available to provide an estimation of the fare before making the journey. Taxis are usually the fastest mode of transport as no fixed routes are taken, thus arriving directly at your destination. However, like most cities, traffic jams may occur, thus prolonging the journey time (Holleczek et al., 2013).
Fares and Payment Methods
An essential component of the guide is the fares and payment methods of Singapore’s public transportation system. It aims to give a better understanding of the transport system by explaining the fare structure and payment mechanisms clearly and transparently. An important aspect of the narrative is that it discusses how the fares are charged. Generally, there are different tiers of fares based on distance travelled and the type of transport mode used. Readers can gain a good understanding of the costing by public transports after this part (Holleczek et al., 2013).
The other sub-topic is the payment options available. Besides the widely used EZ-Link cards, which is strongly recommended in the guide, readers will also learn that payments can be done with cash and mobile payments. While the convenience of using cash and mobile payments is also mentioned, emphasis is placed on the advantages of being cashless in using public transports, especially in Singapore where cashless transactions are much encouraged. Good practicable knowledge is provided on how to top up EZ-Link cards. It is also worth noting that there are very few cash discount transactions in public transports in Singapore. Other payment mechanisms like using credit cards and mobile payments in transport modes are also hardly seen in practice. Thus, it is advisable to be cashless in public transports.
Finally, potential discounts are discussed in detail as well. Children aged 7 and under travel for free on all public transport modes. Seniors aged 60 and above, and students enrolled in full-time studies, from preschools to universities, are eligible for various discounts on basic fares of public transports. In a bid to encourage and motivate more people to use public transports, various initiatives have also recently been launched. Overall, it is a comprehensive guide to the public transport finances, bringing attention to fare policies that show Singapore’s commitment to accessibility and affordability.
Planning Your Journey
To travel efficiently through Singapore’s public transportation, advanced planning is essential. Familiarizing with the available tools for this purpose will make the overall experience more enjoyable and the journeys less time-consuming. With careful planning, it is possible to save substantial amounts of time throughout the week. Public transportation journeys involve several decisions that affect travel time, including which vehicle to board, which route to take, and which stop to alight. Some less obvious choices may also influence travel time, such as which direction to board a vehicle and the specific service number to choose (Holleczek et al., 2013).
To assist with planning journeys, there are various useful apps and websites. The most important one is the Land Transport Authority’s MyTransport.SG, which offers real-time data on buses, trains, traffic conditions, car parks, and other transportation-related features. Through this service, it is possible to find out the expected arrival time of buses or trains at specific stops, as well as the estimated travel times for different routes. This information is crucial for determining the best route to take. The app also includes a journey planner that suggests routes between destinations. Other non-official apps that utilize data from MyTransport.SG include SG Buses and SG Train. Real-time arrival information can also be accessed on many bus stops and train stations.
In Singapore, buses and trains typically run from about 5.30 am to midnight. Some bus services operate later for specific routes, and there are also night bus services available. Generally, buses and trains arrive more frequently during the interval between 7.30 am and 9 am, which is when most commuters head to work. If avoiding crowds is a priority, it is advisable to plan journeys either before 7 am or after 9 am. Awareness of the operating hours of specific services is critical for having a better travel experience. If unsure about the service hours, this information can often be found online or is detailed in the respective apps. Planning journeys is also necessary when traveling to certain destinations. Malls, schools, and similar places often have time-synchronized services due to high demand. When many people alight at the same stop, it takes time for them to board the vehicles. Therefore, it is suggested to take bus services 62 or 137 instead of 97 when heading to One-North from NTU. With different vehicle options available for the same destination, preferred routes are likely less obvious than alternative options for some destinations. Bus route 66 is preferred over route 87 when heading to Holland Village from NTU, despite the longer route 66 taking about a minute longer. This is due to route 87 using the same stretch of road as the Ayer Rajah Expressway, where vehicles can become stuck in traffic for a longer time.
Route Planning Tools and Apps
Public transportation users can easily find their route thanks to available tools and applications. Key on-the-go route planning apps are user-friendly and enhance the public transport experience. Hence, exploring these helpful apps is worthwhile. With these apps, users can see public transport stops near their location, choose their destination, and find the best route. The plan displays the name of the buses or MRT trains to take, the required transfer, and the estimated time to reach the desired destination. Users can also select which route to take if there are multiple options. Public transport arrival times are displayed in real-time for the selected route. Depending on the public transport mode, one can see when to expect the bus, MRT, or LRT. These applications are excellent tools for public transport users and can be easily downloaded onto mobile devices.
Additionally, the convenience of these applications allows cyclists and pedestrians to view their travel route, taking into consideration the option of cycling or walking paths. The route simply requires entering the starting point and destination, and it displays all possible routes, alongside the estimated travel time for each. All in all, these applications are practical tools in managing travel time and enhancing the overall travel experience. Therefore, it is recommended to take advantage of the technology (Holleczek et al., 2013). For commuting across the city, these applications help find public transport routes alongside cycling and walking routes. On-the-go route planning applications can be accessed using smart devices with an internet connection. For public transport, there are several applications that help plan transport routes.
Transfers and Interchanges
Transfers between different modes of public transportation involve intermodal transfers or mode transfers. Intermodal transfers are essential for effective journey planning and building seamless connections across various public transportation modes (Wardman and Hine, 2000). Mode transfers in Singapore’s public transportation system are mostly worry-free. Transport operators attempt to accommodate commuters making transfers or interchanges, and the design of the interchange stations facilitates the transfer process as much as possible. The station design tries to ensure smooth transitions between different public transport modes within an interchange station. Nevertheless, some interchanges are relatively new and could still be fine-tuned in certain areas. Key public transport interchanges or hubs service multiple transport routes for effective connectivity, and they play a crucial role in the public transport network. Understanding how to make transfers or interchanges is equally important as knowing how to board the right transport service. Steps to consider are transfer timing, same ticketing, or separate ticketing needed. By considering these aspects, commuters can optimize their routes, transfers, and interchanges to minimize waiting times. Signages, maps, and other navigational aids available at the interchange transfers or interchanges assist the public transport commuters in moving around the transfer or interchange. The signs usually indicate transfer or interchange directions. The aim is to provide enough information for readers to understand how to transfer or interchange effectively. In Singapore, the exits at interchanges usually lead exit connections between different modes. Burmese railway station exits lead to public bus interchanges, while MRT exits might have escalators or lifts leading directly up to bus stops. On the MRT network, those interchanges designed to cater for transferring between MRT lines usually have transfers flanking either sides of the train arrival platform. For transfer directions within an interchange station, the signage generally takes the form of a text or pictograph box accompanied by an arrow pointing to the required direction. Mastering how to make transfers or interchanges is the key to a hassle-free public transport experience in Singapore.
Etiquette and Tips for Riding Public Transportation
To help make your rides as pleasant as possible, here’s a quick overview of the social etiquette expected when using public transportation in Singapore. If you’re already used to riding public transportation in major cities, you should be in good shape. However, these tips might help smooth over your experience. First, as a general rule, always give up your seat to those who need it more than you. You’ll notice designated seating on buses and trains that are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and the disabled. If you’re sitting in one of those seats and someone who needs it boards the vehicle, you should immediately give up your seat without hesitation. It’s also good form to give up your seat for anyone who looks like they might need it, even if they don’t explicitly ask for it. Parents with young children may also need special consideration, so make way for them if they look like they’re struggling. Keep noise levels down, whether you’re listening to music or chatting with a companion. Public transportation is usually a quiet affair, so using earphones for your device is a must. If you take public transport, you will see signs reminding you to keep the noise down or risk being fined. When talking with friends, make sure to keep your voices low. Some people are sensitive to noise and appreciate the extra effort to keep the environment tranquil. Mind your personal space too. While it’s common to brush up against someone on a crowded bus or train, do your best not to overcrowd someone’s personal bubble when the vehicle isn’t crowded. Always keep your belongings close by and avoid spreading your things out over multiple seats to hog space. Respect the transport staff, whether they’re bus drivers or MRT staff. They’re doing a job that many wouldn’t want to do but some appreciate, so treat them as you would anyone else in the service industry. Be sure to follow the rules and any posted guidelines. For example, it’s customary to board a bus in front of the queue and alight at the back of the queue to keep things moving smoothly. Riding public transport with safety and security in mind is more about common sense. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. If you wear earphones while using public transport or walking through a station, make sure you keep the volume low so that you can hear what’s going on around you. If possible, avoid sitting in the corner of a bus or train where it’s easy to zone out and not be aware of anything around you. To avoid accidents, don’t run when you’re entering or exiting vehicles. When alighting from the bus, always wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting up from your seat. It’s perfectly acceptable to exit through the back doors even if you’re sitting near the front. Simply press the “stop” button, and the bus will stop at the next bus stop. If you need to secure your belongings, bags should be placed on your lap while seated rather than on the seat beside you. Never keep your phone or other small items in your back pocket. If you have to carry a bag, it’s better to carry it over your body than on one shoulder. When riding the escalator, keep to the left if you’re standing still and allow others to walk on the right. If you’re using the stairs, it’s good form to keep to the left regardless of whether you’re going up or down. One of Singapore’s long-standing traditions is to keep the environment clean. As such, littering is strictly prohibited, with fines imposed for those who break the rule. Commuters are expected to keep the environment clean when riding public transport. If you have any trash, dispose of it in a bin rather than on the floor. Food and drink are generally not allowed on public transport for this reason, and you might be fined if you’re caught with them. If you do finish a drink, don’t leave the cup on the bus; instead, toss it out at the next available trash bin. Taking care of the environment is a norm, not a rule, so you won’t frequently see “no littering” signs around. As such, help foster a spirit of cooperation and respect among commuters by doing your best to keep everything clean (Bandyopadhyaya and Bandyopadhyaya, 2022).
Accessibility Features for Persons with Disabilities
Singapore inspires developing countries striving to improve public transport accessibility. Its robust public transport network seamlessly integrates Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains, public buses, and taxis, providing excellent coverage and affordability. The public transport system accommodates persons with disabilities (PWDs) through dedicated facilities like taxis and other vehicles. Buses and MRT stations utilize ramps and elevators, while bus operators conduct staff training to assist PWDs, ensuring travel with minimal hassles. Public buses, MRT trains, and LRT trains strictly comply with the Public Transport Council’s “code of practice” to enhance accessibility features for persons with disabilities. New buses are equipped with accessibility features, including a wheelchair ramp, priority seating, non-slip flooring, and a bell alert system for stopping requests. The rail system has barrier-free boarding at all MRT and LRT stations with priority seats for PWDs and elderly persons requiring assistance. MRT stations feature tactile guiding paths for the visually impaired, station staff assistance, and a lift system for barrier-free travel. Hearing-impaired persons can identify train services through LED displays indicating waiting times at stations (Sri Wahyuni et al., 2016). On 1 July 2016, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) unveiled plans to improve accessibility across the public transport system, including enhancement works at bus stops, bus interchanges, and MRT stations. The LTA will invest SGD 300 million in upgrading more than 1,000 bus stops with improved accessibility and safety features, including wheelchair-accessible paths, bus bays at level, angled kerb edges, and bus shelters fitted with overhead covers. Trains will need to comply with the code of practice within 18 months of the announcement (R. García et al., 2015).