Singapore is perhaps best known for its superb transportation systems featuring a 3,260-kilometre network of paved roads, a highly advanced and efficient subway and train system, buses, taxis, and an award-winning international airport.
Private transport
It’s a good thing that the public transport system in Singapore is so good – the cost of private transport is staggering. Being such a small country goes a long way in reducing the needs for a car.
COE
COE, or Certificate of Entitlement, is a permit required for every private vehicle on Singapore’s roads. While it is nothing more than a piece of paper, the cost is based on the demand and supply of the highest price. As recently as January 2013, the price of an EOC was around 96,000 Singapore dollars.
The cost of the COE is on top of the already high purchase price of a car, as well as insurance and gasoline.
public transport
The Singapore government offers excellent land, air and sea transportation services that have consistently and faithfully served the country over the years. Due to frequent traffic jams, the government discourages private transportation through permit rationing (the aforementioned COE).
the MRT
The Mass Rapid Transit System is one of Singapore’s proud creations. A highly advanced and efficient metro-rail system connects the city with all residential areas, as well as the international airport at Changi Airport.
It serves 40 stations along its route.
Plans are underway for a high-speed train to connect Singapore to the southern Malaysian state of Iskandar (in Johor Bahru), which will have significant consequences for the real estate market in Iskandar.
Standard and ‘ez– Boarding link’ cards are readily available with prices ranging from $10 to $100, all activated by a refundable deposit ($0.10).
bus transportation
SBS Transit is the main operator of excellent bus service in the country, particularly during the day. The IRIS NextBus service may include information on the cheapest fares, shortest walking distance, and shortest travel time.
There is also a night service through the Nite Owl service, which tours the island in search of the lively nightlife on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.
The economy fare adds to the enjoyable journey of discovery starting at SGD$4.00, but the tour is located within the city area, the fare is only SGD$1.50
taxi service
Taxi ranks are everywhere, especially in hotels and shopping malls. Most taxi companies also allow you to order a taxi, book in advance, or even have mobile phone apps that can direct an available taxi to your location.
The ability to idle or stop in certain areas is strictly limited.
For people traveling in a group, advance reservations are necessary for fast and efficient transportation.
Although comparatively affordable, fares include administrative fees, occasional road taxes (depending on the route) and ‘peak’ fare surcharges.
From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 4 p.m. to about 7 p.m., it can be difficult to find a taxi, even if you call for one.
Most drivers are honest and use the meter.
Marine transport
Singapore also has an excellent port that has been rated as one of the busiest and most sophisticated in the world. It comprises 6 terminals, a container port and deep-water docks serving the needs of the island’s population.
air services
To meet the needs of air travelers at home and abroad, Singapore Airline operates a hub at Changi Airport which has 3 runways with a fourth planned.
The airport is located 20 kilometers from the city of Singapore and is well connected for fast and efficient travel to the city.
SilkAir provides regional air services to secondary cities.
Changi Airport is one of the most internationally renowned airports in the world, having won several awards in 2011. It is almost a tourist destination in its own right.
