Singapore’s public transport system is well-developed. The network of MRT (subway) trains, buses and taxis serves to shuttle its population of over 4 million across the city state every day, at relatively inexpensive fares.
According to the Public Transport Council, which regulates transport fares in Singapore, bus and subway fares here are lower than in Hong Kong, London and New York City. In a 2006 report, average bus fares in Singapore were a little more than half that of Hong Kong, and subway fares averaged at less than one-third of London’s.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit):
Getting around Singapore is a breeze with the MRT.
SMRT operates three main rail lines; the North-South Line which runs from Marina Bay to Jurong East via Woodlands, the East-West Line which runs from Pasir Ris to Joo Koon, and the circle line which run from Harbourfront to Dhoby Ghaut.
If you wish to connect to the North-East Line, which is run by SBS Transit, simply change trains at Dhoby Ghaut or Outram Park.
For travellers bound for Singapore Changi Airport, hop on board the Singapore Changi Airport Express which calls at Tanah Merah Station.
LRT (Light Rapid Transit):
Residents in Bukit Panjang or Choa Chu Kang use the Bukit Panjang LRT to connect to the main MRT line or travel to other parts of the neighbourhood.
All stations on the Sengkang LRT and Punggol LRT lines are within walking distance of most apartment blocks in the Sengkang and Punggol New Town areas. Both lines also provide a seamless transfer to the North-East Line.
For MRT and LRT train routes, fares, and schedules, visit Transitlink Electronic Guide.
Rail Developments:
The Circle Line (CCL) is an underground, fully automated rapid transit system with 29 stations. It will run from HarbourFront to Dhoby Ghaut, and help commuters transfer between existing lines without the need to travel to the city centre. Sixteen stations connecting Marymount station to Dhoby Ghaut interchange station are currently in operation. The remaining 13 stations, which will extend to harbourfront interchange, are slated to open in October 2011. To enhance the accessibility of the Marina Bay area to the rest of the island, LTA will also build and open the Marina Bay station as part of the CCL extension beyond Bayfront station in 2012.
Using the CCL, you will be able to bypass City Hall or Raffles Place stations. This way, you can cut travelling time and avoid transfers at the busy interchanges. At 33.3 km long with 29 stations, the CCL will interchange with the North-South Line, East-West Line and North-East Line.
The Downtown Line (DTL) will be built in three stages, with Stage 1 to be completed in 2013, Stage 2 to be completed in 2015 and Stage 3 in 2017. When completed, the DTL will enhance the connectivity of the Rapid Transit System network and facilitates direct travel from the northwestern and eastern areas of the island to the Central Business District and the Marina Bay.
Buses and Taxis:
SBS Transit runs 248 bus services with a fleet of more than 3,000 buses. Daily ridership stands at an average of 2.9 million rides (SBS Transit, December 2011). For bus routes and timetables, go to www.sbstransit.com.sg
However, if you prefer to take the taxi, just flag one down by the road (or at any taxi-stand if you are in the Central Business District), call 6-3425-222, or tap out the alphabetical prompter 6-DIAL-CAB.
Source: Public Transport Council, Land Transport Authority, Singapore Department of Statistics
Images courtesy of Yoursingapore
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