How to navigate Singapore’s public transportation system

Getting about in Singapore is child’s play and given that the country’s public transportation is interlinked where buses or taxis can be easily hailed from train stations, one will find such encounters a truly satisfying and stress-free experience. For first-timers intending to visit Singapore in the not-too-distant future, here is a detailed take on how to enjoy the perks of public transport.

Use the subway

Singapore’s extensive subway system or the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) will come across as a worthy inclusion in your travel itinerary and that too for good reason. Not only is the MRT the most convenient but it is also the Lion City’s most reliable and cost effective means of accessing a plethora of destinations that will have you dropped off within a hop, step and jump of sought after tourist landmarks. Presently, there are 6 lines that the MRT functions along that are easily identified by a distinct colour. For example, the North East Line bears a purple colour while the Downtown Line and Circle Line showcase blue and orange respectively. Further, each station has been assigned its own number and for greater convenience, signage and announcements are made in Chinese, English, Tamil and Malay. The value of boarding the MRT includes being able to beat rush hour traffic but be mindful that platforms tend to crowd up during the morning and evening hours. What’s more? Travellers can expect an unsurpassed level of convenience and comfort as the Thomson East Coast Line (grey) is scheduled to include 9 new stations in 2024 and 2025 that will cover Singapore’s East Coast while the Jurong Region Line (teal) will be fully operational from 2029 onwards that will utilise smaller trains in order to accommodate between 150 – 200 passengers.

Board the driver-less LRT

Though smaller in size when compared to the compartments that you will be privileged to ride in the MRT, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) can be made excellent use of in the event you see a need to explore the residential neighbourhoods. With regards to the available options, the Sentosa Express can be accessed if one wishes to move off from the offshore island of Sentosa in the direction of Harbourfront’s Vivocity Shopping Centre.

Go sightseeing while commuting on the bus

For the budget-hungry vacationer, the country’s bus system will be the perfect tonic for you not to have to pocket large amounts of money to get from Point A to Point B. However, understand that there are pros and cons to travelling on the bus as you can risk getting stuck during peak hour traffic that can throw a spanner in the works for you. On the flip side, bus travel presents scenic commuting and more importantly, will afford direct connections across routes where the MRT will force you to make multiple changes that can disrupt your day to a certain extent. On average, buses in Singapore operate in intervals of between 10 – 20 minutes while a majority of bus stops will contain information on routes.

Avail of the free shuttle bus service

Reputed for being a step ahead of the public bus in terms of convenience, the free shuttle bus lines can be factored into your thoughts while mapping out your future travel plans. For example, if you reach the Khatib MRT Station then you will be well placed to board the Mandai Khatib Shuttle that will whisk you off and have you dropped off at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Further, for those yearning for the allures of the Kranji countryside, then the Kranji Farms Shuttle will be your best bet.

How do you pay?

Purchasing an EZ-Link Card will be the easiest way forward that does away with the need for physical notes and coins. These stored value cards can be obtained from all bus interchanges and MRT stations including the Rochor MRT Station which is found near Hotel 81 Rochor which is a hotel Bugis Singapore has to offer. Also, a Singapore Tourist Pass carries considerable value with every purchase for it allows users unlimited rides on buses and the MRT for between 1 – 3 days.