Whether going to Singapore on holiday or for business, one common question arising is a fairly straightforward one. How good is its transport system? In fact, Singapore has a fully-integrated internal and external transportation network that is renowned.
Because Singapore itself lies on an island surrounded by more than 60 islets, the network utilizes road, rail and water services. One major method of moving smoothly from A to B is Singapore's rail system, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). Opening in 1987, this metro system, South East Asia's second oldest after the LRT system in Manila, Philippines, has become the backbone of public transport in the metropolis.
(Note the image is from Japan.)
The average number of MRT passengers reached an incredible 2.6 million in 2012. Travelrs speed between 102 stations across 148.9 kilometres of track. Unlike other urban centres that are focused on functionality, the MRT is known for much of its quirkier station architecture. The artwork that is used in each station is specifically designed to reflect some aspects of its identity. For instance, the Expo Station, serving the Singapore Expo exhibition facility, boasts a sleek, ultra-modern titanium roof, resembling something from a science fiction film. Changi Airport station, the easternmost point of the network, has the widest platform of any of Singapore's stations. It has also been rated tenth out of the 15 most beautiful subway stations in the world.
Travelers wishing to take the short hop over to Sentosa or Jurong Island can make the most of Singapore's regular ferry services. In addition to internal links, Singapore has bridges spanning the short distance into neighbouring Malaysia: the 1,056-metre Causeway, and the 1,920-metre Second Link.
Singapore was one of the first countries in the world to pioneer the use of toll roads, a development that became more necessary as the city grew ever congested. The toll is collected electronically. There are nine expressways traversing Singapore, allowing traffic to run smoothly across the city state. It is worthwhile noting that as with most Commonwealth countries, traffic in Singapore drives on the left-hand side.
Singapore also boasts a popular cable car system, running between Mount Faber on the main island and the Sentosa resort (site of two golf courses, five-star hotels, Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios Singapore).
There are two bus networks: SBS and SMRT. The larger one, SBS, plies over 300 routes, with a fleet of more than 3,000 buses. SMRT run 900 buses over 100 routes. In addition, Singapore is well served with taxis. At least half the population of Singapore use its public transport system on a daily basis.