Public Transport in Singapore

Public transport is one of the pride on Singaporeans. The public transport networks are well planned and organised. One can expect on time bus and train services from Singapore as well as courteous and knowledgable cab drivers to chaffer you around. The main mode of public transport are Mass Rapid Transit (the Singapore subway is also known as MRT), Light Rail Transit (known as LRT), Taxis or Cabs, and public buses. Lets start with the MRT first, then you will find the LRT, public buses, and taxi services in the ensuing pages. 

The subway in Singapore is known as MRT. Singapore MRT corporation operates one of the most efficient, clean and comfortable subway systems in the world.  The MRT system consists of 3 major lines.  The North-South Line stretching from Jurong East to Marina Bay, The East-West Line stretching across Singapore from Boon Lay to Changi Airport.  The most recent addition was the North East Line (NEL), maintained by SBS-Transit, the NEL is the first train system in the world to be completely driver-less.  These 3 lines will bring you to almost anywhere in Singapore with very reasonable fares.

The Light Rail Transit System (LRT) was recently established to enable smaller trains to travel deep into the suburbs.  The use of light rail system brings down the noise level in the residential area, creating an efficient system that links the whole estate together.

LRT

Currently there are 2 LRT systems in Singapore, it is located at the newer residential estates, Sengkang and Bukit Panjang, which was the pioneer project.

Sengkang LRT: 14 Stations, 1 Depot
Punggol LRT: 14 Stations, 1 Depot

PUBLIC BUS

Singapore's bus service is maintained by two companies, SBS-Transit and SMRT (former Trans-Island TIBS).  The extensive network of roads in Singapore is efficiently connected by many different busing routes which brings about 2 million commuters to work and play everyday.

East

Ang Mo Kio Interchange:
22, 24, 25, 73, 86, 130, 133, 135, 136, 138, 166, 261, 262, 269, 169

Bishan Interchange:
53, 54, 55, 56, 410W/G

Serangoon Interchange:
81, 100, 105, 158, 315, 317

Toa Payoh Interchange:
8, 26, 28,31, 88, 90, 139, 142, 143, 145, 155, 157, 159, 163, 231W/G, 232G, 235, 238

Bedok Interchange:
7, 9, 14, 25, 26, 30, 32, 33, 35, 38, 40, 66, 87, 168, 196, 197, 222, 225W/G, 228, 229, 401(SUN), 506, 608, 854

Tampines Interchange:
3, 8, 10, 18, 19, 22, 23, 28, 29, 31, 37, 38, 65, 69, 72, 81, 291, 292, 293

Pasir Ris Interchange:
6, 12, 15, 17, 21, 88, 354, 358, 359, 403, 518

West

Boon Lay Interchange:
30, 154, 157, 174, 179, 182, 192, 193, 194, 198, 199, 240, 242, 243W/G, 246,
249, 251, 252, 254, 255, 257, 405, 502

Bukit Merah Interchange:
16, 123, 131, 132, 139, 153, 198, 272, 273, 274, 275

Clementi Interchange:
7, 14, 96, 99, 147, 156, 165, 166, 196, 282, 284, 285

Jurong East Interchange:
51, 66, 78, 79, 97, 98, 105, 143, 160, 183, 197, 333, 334, 335, 506

Eunos Interchange:
60, 93, 94, 154

Hougang Central Interchange:
51,27, 89, 107, 112,113,132, 147, 151,153, 165, 325,

Sengkang Interchange:
80, 86, 87, 156, 163, 371, 372

Punggol Temp Interchange:
3, 82, 83, 84,136

HarbourFront:
65, 80, 93

TAXI

The taxi is another mode of efficient transport that most travelers can consider.  The taxi fare in Singapore is relatively cheap.  The minimun fare starts from $2.50 for Toyata Crown and Nissan Cedric taxis.  There are various surcharges during peak hours or after midnight.  The fare will be increased to 10 cents for each 210 metres traveled up to 10km. Thereafter, the fare will be increased to 10 cents for each 175 metres traveled  It can be counted by the number of lamp posts you drive past too.  The meter will increase after passing approximately 5 to 6 lamp posts.

There are many different variants of taxis in Singapore, the traditional taxis you see are from companies like Comfort Delgro Pte Ltd.  There are London Cabs and Mercedes taxis too.  Passengers can enjoy the premium taxi services in Mercedes taxis with some perks by paying slightly higher fares. All taxis can be paged for or flagged for anywhere about Singapore. Traveling by taxi is the most convenient forms of public transportation in Singapore as it bring you door to door. The Singaporean cabbies are eloquent lots, and they will initiate conversations with passengers and carry on for the whole journey if the initial response from the passengers are positive. The  Singapore cabbies are very courteous and knowledgable and can be counted on to give valuable information on places of interest, where to shop, good restaurants, and even today's headlines.

Ez-Link Card

The first ever user-friendly card that could be used to conveniently pay your bus, MRT or LRT fare. While boarding and alighting the transportation vehicle, simply tap your ez-link card (you could leave it in your wallet or purse) on the sensor to make the payment.  This is the most efficient form of payment which includes speed, accuracy and efficiency altogether.  Say good bye to heavy coins and tiny pieces of train tickets!

Standard Ticket

The Standard Ticket could be used for single trip travel on the MRT and LRT.  Visitors that too not wish to spend too much (10 SGD) on a standard adult card can opt for this standard ticket for a single trip travel.

The Visitors Card
The Visitors Card is a stored value ticket for tourists who are travelling on buses, the MRT and LRT. Furthermore, the card comes with discount vouchers for a selection of goods and services.