Transportation in Singapore

Assalamualaikum and hello peeps!

I hope everyone in a good state of health. Guess what? Today I will share with you guys public transportation in Singapore. Curious enough? Let's read today entry!

Travelling from one part of Singapore to another is a breeze thanks to a highly penetrative public transport system. The three main modes of public transport in Singapore are the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), buses and taxis.

Buses are, by far, the most common form of public transportation in Singapore, followed by the MRT and taxis respectively. Public buses serve almost every part of Singapore, making it the most extensive form of public transportation, while the MRT provides speed and efficiency, especially during peak hours.

1. Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) was launched in 1987 and has grown continuously to cover most parts of Singapore, from its residential suburbs to its business and heritage hotspots to Changi Airport.

Five lines and some 120 stations snake throughout the island. Each of the stations has a name based on the line and a sequential number: the North-South Line’s Orchard Station, for instance, bears the station code NS22.

Interchanges throughout the MRT network allow travelers to change lines without exiting the paid area, though some of the more recently-built crossings force commuters to walk long distances from one track to another.  

• Hours: The MRT operates from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, but operating hours are usually extended during holidays and other special seasons. The MRT’s train frequency varies, generally arriving in 2-3 minute intervals during peak hours from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., to intervals of 5-7 minutes during the rest of the day.
• Fares: Prices are based on the distance covered, ranging from 0.83 to 1.25 Singapore dollars (around 60 to 90 cents). Use the Singapore Land Transport Authority Fare Calculator to estimate fares between stops.
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• Ticketing: Both train and bus fares use a stored-value, contact less smart card called the EZ-Link Pass. To enter and exit the paid area, tap the card on the gantry; a screen will show the EZ-Link Pass’s remaining value.
• Accessibility: MRT stations have been designed from the ground up for accessibility, with ramps, elevators and barrier-free access; wheelchair-accessible toilets; and trains with wheelchair-accessible carriages. 
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• 2. Taxis
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Singapore has more than 15,000 air-conditioned taxis, available even on the road throughout the day and night, at surprisingly affordable prices. All taxis run on the meter, but there are surcharges applicable when using the expressways and also if travelling within the Central Business District from 7.30am-9.30am and 5.30pm-7pm on weekdays.

Taxi fares are SG$ 2.40 for the first 1.5km, and then 10 cents for each additional 240m. However, there are quite often extra charges - such as for entering the CBD area at peak hours, travelling from the airport, or travelling after midnight - so your final charge can come to more than what's indicated on the meter.

Taxis are also available from the airport, with a levy surcharge of SG$3. Take note that if a taxi displays a red sign on its dashboard, the driver is changing shift and will only pick up customers going in his direction.

3. Public Bus

Public buses are cheap, easy to take and cover virtually every corner of Singapore. They operate from 6am to midnight every day and fares are often the cheapest mode of transport. There are also several bus routes especially useful to sightseers. Singapore has 2 main bus companies plying its roads – the Trans-Island Bus Services and the Singapore Bus Service.

Most fares depend on distance travelled and range from SG$.80 for a non-air-conditioned bus, and SG$ 1.50 for air-conditioned routes. There are also buses charging a flat rate to the destinations displayed on the front of the bus. For a comprehensive guide on bus time-tables, routes and fares it's a good idea to buy a copy of the TransitLink Guide, which is sold for SG$ 1.50 at most bookstores. Like travel on the MRT, you can buy tickets for each individual journey or get a stored value card, allowing you to make multiple trips.

That's all for my today entry. Thank you so much for reading my blog :) Have a nice day everyone.

See you in the next post!