Buses, taxis and trains are clean and accessible, efficient, inexpensive and frankly a pleasure to ride. The sooner you discover the public transport system in Singapore, the sooner you will reach your destination in air-conditioned comfort and in a timely manner.
In Singapore, public transport is your friend. Many expats will agree that public transport can be more effective and quicker than to drive yourself. The time you spend in transit can also be used to de-stress from the daily grind of living the expat life and working long hours. Enjoy listing to music, catch up on social media or just take in the sights and engaging in people watching when you access the public transport system.
You will need to purchase a fare card to tap in and out at subway entrances and when getting on and off buses. When you ride the bus or subway system, you will be accessing the MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit) system. You can buy a fare ticket with a stored value and add funds, as and when by "topping up" the card value at any of the MRT stations across the island, 7-Eleven stores, NETS Kiosk or on the EZ Link website. Most popular cards are the EZ-Link or NETS Flashpay. You can also use your NETS Flashpay card to purchase goods and pay for your taxi.
The Bus system is brilliant in Singapore. Basically the MRT train system will get you to the right part of town that you wish to visit and then you can jump on a bus that will literally deliver you to your desired door.
You can pay by coin on buses - but the exact amount must be presented, so avoid this form of payment. When the bus is arriving at your pick up stop, be mindful to put your hand out to indicate you want to get on the bus, or the driver will continue on without stopping.
Public transport is extremely efficient in Singapore and it is believed that bus drivers are paid a small incentive to keep their bus schedule on time. Parents with small children and strollers will in effect be better off if you stay with the MRT train system, as accessibility is better for strollers than trying to navigate getting on and off a bus.
The MRT will only accept card payment (no cash) so you must ensure you have your pre-paid card at the ready. You will tap into the station and tap out of the station at the turnstiles. Taxis are plentiful in Singapore and the rate of charge is relatively low in comparison to the cost of living in Singapore.
It is best to book a taxi in advance, as to hail a taxi on the street can become annoying to say the least, Drivers tend not to pick up on the street. There are also plenty of taxi stands across the island, and in Singapore it is customary to queue. Be patient - your turn will come in all good time.
Most drivers know the street names and also the expat Condo names when it comes to driving around the Island. You will be surprised how often a driver will know your exact street location. Drivers are generally caring (be polite and gracious is our motto), but do remember - you are not at home any more, and you may need to speak clearly and articulate your directions to ensure your driver understands where you want to go.
A great trick to have up your sleeve is to add in the word (LAH) after you give the location such as.... Chinatown Lah!, Raffles Hotel Lah, Club Street Lah....The driver will instantly understand what you are saying.
Here are a few helpful resources to get you up to speed
Fare Cards
Bus Apps
Taxi Booking Apps
Public Transport Directions
General information
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