What is Singapore's public transportation system like?

Question

Reliability, coverage, prices, state of the trains, etc.

Answer 1

Singapore's public transport network is pretty well established. They are:

1) MRT (subway)
2) Bus
3) LRT
4) Taxi


Breakdowns are rare occurrences and the vehicles are generally well kept. This may be largely due to the hefty fines and punishments for littering and vandalism.

In terms of costs, the price is generally affordable (about S$1 - S$2.60 per trip). However, taxis are a little more expensive, largely due to taxes and charges (e.g. ERPs - eletronic toll system and peak hour charge). ERPs are located on every expressways and in CBD areas.

Bewarned costs can be shocking when compiled....prepare about S$10 - S$15 to travel around Singapore daily...

Cheers n have a nice trip......

Answer 2

Hi I'm English and I was in Singapore for close to a year. From an outsider's point of view, I'd say the transport system is excellent. Buses and trains are very frequent and reliable (don't remember any breakdowns at all). If you take the trains (it's called the MRT), the station tells you precisely how long the train will take to arrive (usually less than 5 minutes). Prices are reasonable too. For a bus and train ride, the fares range from about S$0.80 (£0.30) to about S$2.50 (~£0.80).

In addition, Singapore is a very small city and it is easy to get around most, if not all, places. Cleaniness is not a problem too, and the same goes for the rest of the city. Crowdiness on trains and buses might pose a problem during the peak hours but in London it can be much worse. I had no problems with the taxis as well; in fact, the taxi-drivers are generally very friendly and helpful. They go by a meter and a 20 minutes ride usually cost about S$10 (£3.50).

The only complaint I have is perhaps the poor attitude of most bus-drivers. Many of them appear extremely unfriendly. I still remember there was one occasion when this bus driver kept pressing on his horn and cursing loudly at the morning jam, which at any rate, was not even a horrible jam!

Answer 3

Singapore is linked to Johor, Malaysia via a causeway and bridge, as well as a railway line operated by the KTMB of Malaysia. The Singapore Changi Airport, comprising two terminals and one of the most important air hubs in the region, is situated at the eastern most tip of the main island, and serves 167 cities in 53 countries. When construction of the third terminal is completed in 2006, Changi will be capable of handling 64 million passengers every year.2

Within Singapore, there is a well-developed system of expressways and public transport roads. Prominent expressways include the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), the Central Expressway (CTE), the East Coast Parkway (ECP).

In addition, Singapore has a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rapid Transit (LRT) train system consisting of five lines. There is also a well-worked system of bus routes throughout the island, most of which have air conditioning due to Singapore's yearlong sweltering heat. Buses without air conditioning will be gradually phased out. A contactless smartcard (EZ-link) is used to pay bus and subway fares.

The Port of Singapore, run by the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), is the world's busiest and ranks second globally as a center for containerised transhipment traffic.

Answer 4

One of the best in terms of cleanliness and reliability though the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is getting a bit crowded with too many passengers. The last time I was there, I preferred to take the bus just to see more sights and ensured a sitting place. Hopping onto a taxi is good and you do not have to worry about being taken for a ride as most of the taxi drivers have good work ethics.

Answer 5

I've been to other Asian countries and I would say that Singapore's transportation is very good. It's very reliable and the trains are always kept clean. The price is also very reasonable, despite the recent price hike

Answer 6

singapore's public transportation is quite reliable, but we get the occasional breakdowns. Its price is quite affordable though some would beg to differ.
The state of the vehicle is most of the time in great shape, and fully air-conditioned.

Answer 7

basically, it is possible to survive in Singapore without owning your own car. MRT travels to all areas, where you can get buses that travels everyway, and if that fails, its never hard to call a cab.

cost wise, everything is reasonable. sure some ppl complain that its too expensive, but $2.50 can bring you across the island, so i think its okay.

most of the buses, trains and cabs are fairly new, and all in great working condition with little screw ups.

Answer 8

Not too bad actually, quite efficient, fast, clean, etc.
Prices vary from location to location & depending on number of passengers travelling/ distance.
A word of caution though, if possible try to avoid catching a cab.
Cabbies I believe are pretty much the same globally in that they rip you off whenever & any chance they can get especially if you're a tourist.

Answer 9

One of the finest in Asia - reliable, clean, pleasant, easily accessible terminal/stations; enjoyable 'lifestyle' at key underground stations (MRT) - dining, shopping etc.

Answer 10

local public transport:
-MRT (mass rapid transit)
- taxi
- bus

safe, clean, hassle-free and extremely affordable (if you compare to nyc, thailand, taiwan, hong kong, malaysia etc )...
all of the drivers understand basic english.