Public transportation
Public transport in Singapore is efficient, extremely modern, clean, affordable and mostly equipped with air conditioning.
The TransitLink hotline (Tel: (65) 67 67 43 33) provides information about all important means of transport in the city and the best connections around the clock.
The subway is operated by Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) (Tel: (65) 63 10 00 or hotline in Singapore (1800) 336 89 00. Internet: www.smrt.com.sg). The trains run every two to eight minutes, from 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., from north to south and east to west. MRT also has bus routes within the city and beyond the center.
LRT (Light Rail trains) run from around 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Segkang East and West routes and on the Punggol East route.
The bus network is managed by the two companies Singapore Bus Service (SBS) (Tel: (65) 63 83 72 11. Internet: www.sbstransit.com.sg/) and SMRT (Internet: www.smrt.com.sg) . The SBS buses run from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.
During rush hour, SMRT also operates the Bus Plus buses, which run between residential areas and MRT train stations as well as the central business district. You can also use the Singapore Trolley red minibuses (tel: (65) 63 39 68 33).
Night buses ( Nightowls) are used from 00.00-04 o’clock, they leave every 20 minutes.
Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) also operates a shuttle service from Tanah Merah to Changi Airport, which runs on weekdays from 5:19 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. and on weekends from around 5:30 a.m. The cost depends on the route.
MRT and LRT hotline: (1800) 767 43 33.
The EZ-Link Card (Internet: www.ezlink.com.sg) is an electronic multi- trip ticket for subways and buses, which can be bought at MRT stations and later upgraded at any station using the TransitLink machines.
There is also the Tourist Day Ticket, a day ticket that can be used to make up to 12 subway and bus trips. These are available at all MRT train stations and bus hubs.
Visitors Cards (which include EZ-Link cards) are available for 3/7/14 days and include a book and discounts on sightseeing tours, shopping, restaurants, hotels, museums and attractions (Tel: (65) 67 34 88 29, Internet: www.thevisitorscard.com).
Taxis
The more than 15,000 taxis equipped with air conditioning and taximeters are inexpensive and safe, but since they are such a practical means of transportation, it is often difficult to get one at peak times, especially in the business district.
Taxis can be hailed at any time on the street or at the taxi ranks of most shopping centers and hotels.
The first kilometer costs a basic fee, after which the fare increases in stages. There are also a number of surcharges, especially if you book a taxi in advance.
A surcharge of 50% is required after midnight, and although you can see many empty taxis at this time, they are usually pre-ordered after 11.30pm. Before changing shifts, taxi drivers only accept passengers who want to be driven in their respective directions – this is indicated on the red dashboard on the dashboard or on the windshield. Tipping is not permitted at the airport, and it is also unusual in other respects.
The taxi companies include:
SMRT (Tel: (65) 55 58 88. Internet: www.smrttaxis.com.sg) as well as
Comfort and CityCab (Tel: (65) 52 11 11. Internet: www.cdgtaxi.com.sg).
Some companies offer sightseeing tours with English speaking drivers. CityCab also offers an airport shuttle service that runs from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Driving in the city
All highways in Singapore are abbreviated – SLE, TPE, PIE, CTE, AYE and ECP.
In order to reduce the traffic congestion on the expressways and other busy roads, a toll is levied between 7.30 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. IU, is subtracted. Motor vehicles must be equipped with this card, which can be purchased from petrol stations and other sales outlets. It can also be installed permanently for a fee.
It is easy to find your way around the highways, and there are hardly any traffic jams thanks to the ERP.
It is mandatory to wear seat belts and the use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited. Violations of these laws are punished with heavy fines, even prison terms.
Drivers in Singapore tend to change lanes frequently, but otherwise the traffic runs smoothly and without aggressive driving behavior.
In order to reduce traffic in the central business district, a toll must be paid for all vehicles between 7.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. when entering this inner city area.
Parking is cheap and you can easily find parking anywhere in the city, especially in the underground car parks of many hotels.
Car rental
Although only a driver’s license from the country of origin is required, an international driver’s license is preferred.
You have to take out liability insurance, which can also be extended to Malaysia .
You have to be at least 25 years old to rent a car.
The following major rental car companies are represented in Singapore:
Avis (Tel: (65) 67 37 16 68. Internet: www.avis.com),
Budget (Tel: (65) 67 42 01 19. Internet: www.budget.com) and
Hertz (Tel: (67) 35 75 66. Internet: www.hertz.com),
Sintat (Tel: (65) 62 95 22 11).
Bicycle rental
In Singapore you can i. General only ride bicycles in public parks.
The East Coast Park is popular with cyclists and inline skaters alike. There are several bicycle rental companies, including the East Coast Recreation Center (Tel: (65) 64 49 05 41), where a variety of bicycles can be rented.
Bicycles can also be rented in the Sentosa, Pasir Ris and Bishan parks, and mountain bike rentals are available on the island of Pulau Ubin.