Singapore Transport

From what’s happening at Changi’s four (soon to be five!) terminals, to the current cost of a COE for those intending on buying a car, here’s a rundown of the state of play as of June 2018 as far as the island’s planes, trains and automobiles are concerned – and what the future holds. AIR

Whether you’re arriving in Singapore for the first time, or you’re a long-term expat who comes and goes frequently, it’s likely you’ve been impressed at the facilities and operations at Changi Airport – in fact, you really hear a bad word spoken about it. Changi efficiently deals with over 100 airlines flying from 400 cities in about 100 countries and territories around the world. In 2017, almost 7,200 flights landed or departed each week, and more than 62.2 million passengers passed through the airport. It’s little wonder that, in March 2018, the airport was voted World’s Best for the sixth year in a row in the renowned Skytrax awards.

The MRT and LRT (Light Rail Transit) system is Singapore’s efficient train network, offering reliable and cost-effective transport through the city and suburbs in a pleasant, safe and air-conditioned environment.

ROAD

#1 Singapore’s bus system is safe, comfortable, affordable and reliable – BUS better than in many major cities around the world. Some two million bus rides are taken each day on the island, across 300 different services. To help you navigate your way around the city on the bus, use one of the apps we’ve highlighted on page 34.

#2 Most busy areas have a taxi stand, or you can walk out Taxi to a main road and flag one down – except in the CBD where this is illegal. During peak hours, or when it’s pouring with rain, it’s best to call a taxi on the phone or book one on the app – it’s worth the extra fee.

#3 Buying a car in Singapore could be one of the most confusing and frustrating Car things you ever do. The first thing you need to get to grips with is a few acronyms that you will hear time and time again.

OMV – Open Market Value: this is roughly the base value of the car at the time of import. Singapore Customs places an OMV on each vehicle, and this determines many of the additional taxes.

ARF – Additional Registration Fee: On top of the $220 basic Registration Fee (RF), you also have to pay an ARF, which is 100 percent of the OMV and upward (the higher the OMV, the higher the ARF), plus a 20 percent excise duty. In addition, you need to pay a 7 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST), and road tax. Road tax is reduced if you purchase a hybrid or electric car, or a car that runs on natural gas.

COE – Certificate of Entitlement: To own a car, you need a document known as a COE, which is valid for ten years. The government uses the COE system to control the number of cars on the road, and only releases a limited number each year. You can bid for your own COE – tenders are called for twice each month – or you can leave it up to your dealer. The cost of a COE rises or falls according to demand; it can range from a dollar to $100,000!

t curren The as of COE ( for 2018) June ory Categ a e is vehicl A 36,426 $

Although the cost of buying a car in Singapore will initially seem much higher than at home, bear in mind that when you sell, export, or scrap your car, you will recoup the unused portion of the COE. If you sell your car after two years, for example, your COE will still be valid for eight years, and you will recoup 80 percent of its cost. You will also recoup between 50 and 75 percent of the ARF. Financing options can be surprisingly affordable, with typical interest rates between 2.25 percent and 2.75 percent per annum. Loans can be repaid over ten years, with a low deposit, if any, required up front. All vehicles in Singapore must carry at least third-party insurance.

Converting your licence:

If you have a valid overseas driving licence, you can drive in Singapore for up to 12 months before you need to convert your licence. If you become a PR, you need to convert your licence immediately. If your licence is not in English, you must have an International Driving Permit in addition to your licence.

To convert to a Singapore licence, you need to pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT), which involves learning local traffic rules. Your application must be made in person at a driving test centre (see sgdriving.net or ssdcl. com.sg for details).

The processing fee for converting your licence is $50 and the test fee is $6.50 (payable with cash, Cashcard or NETS only). Make sure you buy the basic theory book at a driving centre, bookshop or petrol stations – and do read it!

Cashcards, the ERP and Parking Coupons:

The grey box mounted above your dashboard is the Cashcardreading In-vehicle Unit, or IU. You need to buy a Cashcard from a petrol station or convenience store, which can be topped up at the latter or at top- up machines in most car parks. The cards store value and are used to pay for car parks (the fee is debited automatically at the exit barrier) and Electronic Road Pricing (ERP). ERP is charged on expressways and in the central zones, and rates vary according to the location and time of day.

Parking coupons are used for street parking and HDB (Housing Development Board) car parks and can be purchased at petrol stations and convenience stores. Most residential parking is free. Editors’ tip: If you accidently go through the ERP without enough money on your Cashcard, go to onepay.onemotoring.com.sg and pay your fine online. Also, Motorpay ( motorpay. com. sg) is a system that allows you to pay ERP charges through your credit card, without the hassle of constantly stopping to top up the amount left on your Cashcard. There’s a monthly fee of $1.07 ( subject to changes). You can also renew your road tax online. Off-peak Car Scheme: A red number plate means the driver is part of the Off Peak Car Scheme (OPCS), an initiative to encourage car owners to drive outside peak times. In return, they save on car registration and road taxes. ( Off- peak drivers can drive all day on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and on Mondays to Fridays 7pm to 7am). A $20 e-day Licence is required for driving an off-peak car at any other time.

If your day- to- day routine consists of getting the kids to school and yourself to work, plus fitting a million other things into a short space of time, leasing a car is a great option. We spoke with two expats who have done exactly that through Classic Auto Rental.

I leased a Honda Civic after having my second child, because it just made life so much easier. One thing that impresses me about Classic Auto Rental is that when the car is due for a service, they pick it up from me at school and drop it back to me by 3pm so I can get home. When I’ve had any issues, such as when I stupidly locked my keys in the car or when the wipers needed replacing, they’ve dealt with it really quickly. I would definitely recommend hiring from them. – Alison M

We were immediately struck by how helpful and efficient they were at Classic Auto Rental. Felicia listened to our needs and recommended a Honda Civic to us at first. We’re currently driving a Toyota Corolla. Both cars have been very well maintained by Classic Auto, and, if I ever have a query, I know that they’re just at the end of the mobile and will be out to visit me if the need arises, without any hesitation. I’ve recommended them to friends who have also been happy with the service provided. – Julie D