Transport and Driving in Singapore

Getting around Singapore is generally stress-free. The city-state is very pedestrian-friendly, paved sidewalks can be found on most streets, and crossing even the busiest of roads is easy to do via overhead bridges, underpasses, and crosswalks.   However, walking is not always the most efficient mode of transportation. For being such a small place, things in Singapore are not all that close together, and the heat, humidity and surprise rainstorms will also probably play a part in limiting the time you walk around Singapore. 
 

The good news is that expats will find several options for getting around Singapore besides walking. The bus and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines can take you just about anywhere you need to go (or at least pretty close by), and cabs are abundant and inexpensive; flagging down a cab is often as easy as waving your hand. 
 

 

If you plan on using public transportation regularly, it would be a good idea to buy an EZ-link card. These cards can be bought at most MRT stations and 7-11 stores. The cards are "topped up" with funds, and bus and MRT fares are debited from the balance.

 

EZ-link cards can also be used to pay for purchases at some places. You will need to tap your EZ -link card when boarding a bus or entering an MRT station. Fares for buses and MRT rides are distance-based. For example, a 6-mile (10-km) bus ride will be 1.31 SGD if using an EZ-link card, or 1.70 SGD if paying cash.

The mode of transit you choose is most often related to the amount of time you have to get from Point A to Point B, and what entities service your area. Buses tend to make frequent stops and often get caught in traffic, the MRT is fast and efficient, but only services particlar areas, and taxis are more expensive and also subject to the perils of congestion. 
 

The MRT in Singapore has four lines: North South Line, North East Line, Circle Line, and East West Line. Trains are clean and air-conditioned. The distance between stops is about two minutes. Trains run from about 5.30am until midnight, with extended service on holidays and during special events.   Peak usage of the MRT is typically during the morning and evening rush hours, with most people heading into or out of the CBD. MRT stations have helpful location maps that expats can use to orientate themselves. Different exits are labeled with different building names or landmarks to guide you to your destination. There are usually station employees to help you with any questions, too.  
 

 

There are over 300 bus routes running throughout Singapore, operating from about 5.30am to midnight. These routes tend to go farther into the residential areas than the MRT lines, and are often used by those who live in the heartlands to connect with a nearby station. 

There are also some bus lines which operate only at night.

Bus stops have helpful signs that display route information for all routes servicing that particular stop. These signs also tell you which roads the bus route will travel on, and if the bus stops at any MRT stations. Most bus stops are named after the building or landmark they are closest to.
 

When you see your bus coming, flag the driver down so they know to stop. 

 

If you don't have an EZ-link card to pay for bus fare, simply ask the driver how much it would be to your destination and they should be able to tell you how much to pay. Make sure to keep the ticket issued to you.  

►Tip: Download the Iris NextBus app for your smart phone for free from the Apple Store or Android Market. This app tells you how long until the next bus arrives.  
 

Taxis are a comfortable and convenient way to get around Singapore. Most cabs have a light on their roof: red indicates they are hired already, green means they're available. 

 

Head to the closest taxi queue to wait for a cab. These are often located near busy areas, like shopping areas or hawker centers. If you don't see a taxi queue, simply stand along the curb and flag the next available cab down by waving at them.   Another way to book a taxi is to call one. Taxi cabs have the number to their booking centre posted inside the car. It's a good idea to save a few different cab companies' numbers in your phone just in case.

►Tip: A good (and free!) taxi booking phone app to download is "ComfortDelgro Taxi Booking" which works really well if you need to book a cab.  
 

 

Cycling in Singapore is growing in popularity, and drivers are slowly but steadily getting used to sharing the road. There are no bike lanes, but cyclists are expected to ride 1.5-m from the curb if they're riding on the street. Not all drivers are considerate of this, however, and unfortunately accidents do happen.  

For cyclists who would rather avoid the roads, there are two options: riding on sidewalks or using Park Connectors. Riding a bike on sidewalks is common; just make sure you ring a bicycle bell to alert pedestrians of your approach. Park Connectors are a series of wide walkways for pedestrians and cyclists which link public parks together. These cut behind neighborhoods, along waterways and sometimes connect with major roads and MRT lines too. Park Connectors are scenic and sometimes faster than using roads. 
 

 

Owning a car in Singapore isn't necessary. Public transportation is extensive, efficient, and affordable. For some expats though, buying or leasing a car or motorcycle is a preferred (albeit expensive) form of transportation.

Whether leasing or buying, you will have to pay for a Certificate of Entitlement, or COE. Essentially, you bid on a COE which lets you own a car in Singapore for 10 years. This system was created to try and limit the amount of cars on the road in Singapore. The price of a COE depends on the size of the engine of the vehicle you want.  

There are other costs involved, too. Parking is almost never free, insurance prices are high, and ERP fees can quickly add up. Imported cars are taxed a customs tax of 41 percent, along with steep registration fees and road taxes.