|
 |
| Singapore
Travel - Internal |
|
 |
| |
Public
Transport
Public transport in Singapore is efficient, ultra-modern,
clean, cheap and mostly
air conditioned. TransitLink Hotline (tel:
1800 767 4222 or 6767 4333) is a new one-stop number set up by all
the major transport providers to help co-ordinate people’s
transport needs.
The train system is operated by Singapore
Mass Rapid Transit (tel: 6336 8900; fax: 6334 8051). The MRT
system extends north–south and east–west
with trains every three to six minutes 0530–2430 daily.
Fares range from S$0.80 to S$1.80.
MRT also operate the Light
Rapid Transit System (tel: 6893 6455/6; fax: 6762 6732). There
are currently 14 LRT stations – the system runs from Bukit
Panjang New Town to Choa Chu Kang in the suburbs. Each
trip costs S$0.80–1. Trains run every three to five minutes.
The bus system is operated by the Singapore
Bus Service (SBS; tel: 1800 287 2727 or 6284 8866; fax: 6282
5204; e-mail: sbscrc@sbs.com.sg)
and Trans Island
Bus Service (TIBS; tel: 6482 3888; fax: 6482 3842; e-mail: webmaster@tibs.com.sg).
SBS buses run 0600–2400 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
(tel: 6481 0166; fax: 6484 0129) service, which operates
during peak hours to shuttle passengers between residential areas
and MRT stations or the Central Business District. Fares are S$3.50–5.
Night buses operate after these have finished, until around 0400,
and cost S$3.
Electronic passes, known as ez-link
cards, are available from 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 in
every station, which makes the fares slightly cheaper. Any remaining
value left over may be redeemed at stations.
Taxis
There are more than 18,000 cheap, metered,
safe and air-conditioned taxis
in Singapore. However, their convenience and reasonable price means
that they can be difficult to find during
peak hours, especially in the Central Business
District (CBD) – and during a downpour. Taxis can
be hailed 24 hours a day on the street, as well as at well-marked
stands outside most shopping centres and hotels. Fares vary slightly
between companies, usually starting at S$2.40 for the first kilometre
and rising in increments of S$0.10. They are subject to a number
of surcharges – most commonly advance booking fees. Again,
different companies vary slightly, but example surcharges are S$1
during peak hours or S$1 for a pick-up in the CBD. There is a 50%
surcharge daily 0000–0600, as well as a S$5
surcharge 1700–2400 Friday, Saturday or Sunday. There
may also be surcharges for driving along certain highways at certain
times.
Despite (or perhaps because of) all the surcharges, it is not
customary to tip taxi drivers. Visitors should also note
that drivers changing shifts will only take passengers heading in
their direction – the red board on the dashboard or windscreen
indicates the destination. Although there is no longer a bell that
rings if the taxi breaks the speed limit, most drivers adhere strictly
to the 80kph (50mph). Taxi firms include CityCab
(tel: 6552 2222), Comfort (tel: 6552 1111) and
TIBS Taxis
(tel: 6555 8888; website: www.tibstaxis.com.sg).
Limousines
More a taxi with style than a limo, TIBS
Taxis (tel: 6555 8888; fax: 6368 2232) offers Mercedes
or London Black Cabs that can be booked for any
journey. For example, the journey from the city centre to the airport
costs S$39.
Driving in the City
Singapore’s highways are all designated by acronyms
– AYE, ECP, CTE, AMK, PIE, ORR and CBD. Various tolls are
levied in morning and evening peak hours to relieve congestion on
expressways and busy roads, using the Electronic Road Pricing
Scheme (ERP), which automatically deducts tolls from the
In-Vehicle Unit or IU. This is
fitted in all Singaporean vehicles and drivers purchase a rechargeable
Cashcard and insert it in the IU. Vehicles that are not fitted with
the IU must rent one. This can be done from petrol stations and
other outlets, at a cost of S$5 daily, minimum of two days (plus
a S$120 deposit).
To help traffic flow in the Central Business District,
all vehicles entering between 0730 and 1900 are also expected to
pay a toll, which varies depending on the time. More information
is available on the website (www.lta.gov.sg),
including where and when the ERP system operates.
The highways are easy to negotiate and traffic generally moves smoothly
thanks to the ERP. Wearing seat belts in the front and back is mandatory
and it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. Offences
are treated seriously, with tough fines and even jail sentences.
Singaporean drivers have a habit of lane drifting but otherwise
traffic flows with very few abuses of etiquette.
Parking
is cheap and easily available
all over the city, especially in hotel basement car parks. Rates
vary depending on location, management and timing but public car
parks cost around S$0.50 per half hour, more inside the Central
Business District.
Car Hire
A valid national driving licence is required, although
an International Driving Permit (IDP) is preferred
and is mandatory where the driver’s national licence is not
in English. Drivers also require a passport
and credit card to hire a car.
Minimum third-party insurance is compulsory and can be extended
to cover Malaysia. The minimum age limit for hiring
a car is 25 years.
Major providers include Avis
(tel: 6737 1668; fax: 6235 4958; e-mail: avissg@singnet.com.sg)
and Hertz (tel:
6734 4646; fax: 6733 0466; e-mail: reservation.hertz@simedarby.com.sg).
Official rates start at around S$170 per day, with an extra S$40–90
per hour for a driver (minimuim three hours). However, prices vary
hugely depending on the time of year, while special offers, corporate
accounts, AA membership, even certain credit cards can often bring
the official price down considerably.
Bicycle
Hire
Cycling in Singapore tends
to be restricted to public parks,
with East Coast Park a popular
venue for cyclists and rollerbladers.
Bicycle hire is available at several
outlets in the park, from about S$1.50 per hour. Bicycles can also
be hired at Sentosa, Pasir Ris
and Bishan parks. The island of Pulau Ubin
(see Excursions) has mountain bike facilities, with many
hire shops near the jetty. |
|
| |
|
|
|
