Public
Transport
Public transport is systematic, ultra-modern,
clean, cheap and mostly
air conditioned. TransitLink Hotline (telephone:
1800 767 4222 or 6767 4333) is a one-stop number, set up by all
the main transport operators to help co-ordinate people’s
transport requirement.
The train is run by Singapore
Mass Rapid Transit (telephone: 6336 8900; fax: 6334 8051). The
MRT system operates from north to
south and east to west,
departs every 3 to 6 minutes from 5.30 am to 12.30 am daily. Fares
are from S$0.80 - S$1.80.
MRT also operates the Light Rapid Transit System
(telephone: 6893 6455/6; fax: 6762 6732). Currently, there are 14
LRT stations. The system operates from Bukit Panjang New
Town to Choa Chu Kang in the suburbs.
Each trip costs S$0.80–1.00 and runs every 3 to 5 minutes.
The bus system is run by the Singapore
Bus Service (telephone: 1 800 287 2727 or 6284 8866; fax: 6282
5204; e mail: sbscrc@sbs.com.sg)
and Trans Island Bus Service (telephone: 6482 3888;
fax: 6482 3842; email: webmaster@tibs.com.sg).
SBS buses operate from 6.00 am to 12
midnight with fares costing S$0.70–1.40 for non-air-conditioned
buses and S$0.80–1.70 for air-conditioned buses. TIBS
also runs a Bus-Plus (telephone: 6481 0166; fax:
6484 0129) service, which runs during peak hours to shuttle passengers
between residential areas and MRT stations or the Central Business
District. Fares are S$3.50–5.00. Night buses run after these
have finished, until around 4.00 am, and fare is S$3.00.
Electronic passes, known as ez-link
cards, are available at MRT stations (covering MRT, LRT and
buses) and cost S$10 plus a deposit of S$5. Once the initial value
of S$10 has been used up, the cards can be topped up at ATMs at
all stations, which makes the fares slightly cheaper. Any remaining
value left over can be redeemed at stations.
Taxis
There are more than 18,000 metered, cheap, safe
and air-conditioned taxis in Singapore. However,
they can be difficult to find during peak hours,
particularly in the Central Business District (CBD),
and during a downpour. Travellers can catch taxis 24 hours a day
which are available on the street, and at well-marked stands outside
most shopping malls and hotels. Fares are varied according to companies,
and normally start at S$2.40 for the 1st kilometre and rise in increments
of S$0.10. They are based on a number of surcharges, the most commonly
advance booking fees. Example surcharges are S$1 during peak hours
or S$1 for a pick-up in the CBD. There is a 50% surcharge
daily from 12 midnight to 6.00 am, as well as a S$5
surcharge from 5.00 pm to 12 midnight on Friday, Saturday
and Sunday. There can also be surcharges
for driving along some specific highways at some specific times.
It is not usual to tip taxi drivers. Visitors should
note that drivers changing shifts will only take passengers heading
in their direction. The red board on the dashboard or windscreen
indicates their destination. Though a bell that rings if the taxi
goes over the speed limit, is not used anymore, most drivers adhere
strictly to the 80 kilometres per hour (or 50mph). Taxi companies
include CityCab (telephone: 6552 2222), Comfort
(telephone: 6552 1111) and TIBS Taxis (telephone:
6555 8888).
Limousines
More of a taxi with style than a limo, TIBS
Taxis (telephone: 6555 8888; fax: 6368 2232) offers Mercedes
or London Black Cabs that can be booked. The journey
from the city centre to the airport costs S$39.
Driving
in the City
Singapore’s highways are
all designated by acronyms – ECP, AYE, CTE, PIE,
AMK, ORR and CBD. Tolls are levied in morning and evening peak hours
to reduce congestion on expressways and busy roads, using the Electronic
Road Pricing Scheme (ERP), which electronically takes tolls
away from the In-Vehicle Unit or IU.
This is suitable in all Singaporean vehicles and drivers buy a Cashcard
that can be recharged and insert it in the IU. Vehicles that do
not have the IU must rent one and this can be done from petrol stations
and other outlets, costing S$5 a day, minimum of 2 days plus a S$120
deposit.
To ease traffic flow in the Central Business District,
all vehicles entering from 7.30 am to 7.00 pm pay a toll, which
varies relying on the time. Additional information is on the web
site (www.lta.gov.sg),
including where and when the ERP system operates.
The highways are easy to drive and traffic moves smoothly because
of the ERP. Wearing seat belts in the front and back is the law
and it is unlawful to use a mobile phone while driving. Driving
offences are treated severely, with tough fines and even prison
sentences. Singaporean drivers have a habit of lane drifting but
traffic flows with very few abuses of etiquette.
Parking
is easily available and cheap throughout Singapore,
particularly in hotel basement car parks. Rates vary relying on
location and timing but public car parks range about S$0.50 for
30 minutes.
Car Hire
A valid national driving licence is needed, even
though an International Driving Permit (IDP) is
preferred and is obligatory where the driver’s national licence
is not in English. A passport and credit
card are required to hire a car. Minimum third-party insurance
is obligatory and can be extended to cover Malaysia. Drivers must
be a minimum of 25 years to hire a car.
Major companies include Avis
(telephone: 6737 1668; fax: 6235 4958; email: avissg@singnet.com.sg)
and Hertz (telephone:
6734 4646; fax: 6733 0466; email: reservation.hertz@simedarby.com.sg).
Bicycle Hire
Cycling in Singapore usually tends to be restricted
to public parks, with East Coast Park
a popular venue for cyclists and
rollerbladers. There are bicycles for hire at outlets
in the park, from about S$1.50 per hour and some other bicycles
can be hired at Sentosa, Pasir Ris
and Bishan parks. The island of Pulau Ubin
(see Tours - Excursions)
offers mountain bike facilities, with many shops near the jetty. |
