Singapore Transport System

Singapore’s public transport system is made up of an extensive network of buses and trains, taxis and private hire cars. However, service disruptions, long travel durations and crowds are just some of the concerns raised by Singaporeans. How does our transport system fare in the hearts of Singaporeans and how does it compare to the systems in other countries? Let’s take a journey, through our own transport system’s history, growth and development as well as what the future holds for it.

STARTING POINTS

Singapore’s transport system first comprised buses and cars, but by the 1970s, traffic congestion was becoming a problem. To meet the rising demand in transportation, the government decided to build the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) System in 1982. This would form the backbone of Singapore’s transport system.

Officially launched in 1988, the MRT system started with only three lines: the North-South Line from Yishun to Marina Bay; the East-West Line from Pasir Ris to Boon Lay; and the Western Line between Jurong Town and Bukit Panjang.

Today, the MRT system has four lines: the North-South, East-West, NorthEast and Circle Lines. The rail network was just 67 km long when it was first launched, but has more than doubled to about 149 km long today. The network of bus systems has also grown since it started, reaching more places around the island and connecting many residential areas to the city. The number of travel options has also increased since the introduction of taxis and private hire cars.

OVERCOMING ROADBUMPS

With the increasing population size, it was getting more crowded on public transport services. In 2017, new 3-door buses were released for a 6-month trial on the roads, with the new door design and other features put in place, the goal was to improve the flow of commuters getting on and off the buses. That same year, a discount was extended for commuters who started travel on trains before 7.45am on weekdays; this was introduced to help ease the congestion during peak hours.

Apart from the crowds, train service disruptions were also experienced. Passengers’ travel time and route planning were affected and many commuters raised concerns over the recurring disruptions. However, alternative travel options were quickly made available to ensure that commuters were able to get to their destinations smoothly.

Servicing and repair works have also stepped up. By December 2017, selected stations along the East-West Line and North-South Line have shorter operating hours over the weekend and full closure on some Sundays to allow more time for resignalling works, and alternative transport arrangements were offered for affected commuters.

HOW DO WE FARE?

In 2016, a study was done to compare the fare prices in countries across the world, and Singapore’s train fares ranked amongst the lowest, comparable to major cities such as Hong Kong and Taipei. In that same year, a survey done by REACH, or Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry @ Home, showed that 8 in 10 Singaporeans gave a thumbs-up to the transport system. In order to keep improving, Singapore’s transport system would need to be compared with other countries for its efficiency, affordability and sustainability.