Transportation System in Singapore (Part 1) - Bus

Singapore prides itself on having one of the most modern and best public transport systems in the world. The public transport system in Singapore is considered convenient, comfortable, safe, reliable and affordable.

Singapore has been voted by the World Bank as the most ideal destination for business for 10 consecutive years. In addition to preferential tax policies and government support for businesses established in Singapore, the infrastructure and transportation system is a factor that the Singapore government always pays great attention to developing.

The Singapore Ministry of Transport aims to build an integrated transport system to create a seamless transport network - a well-connected network of MRT, buses and taxis, which meets the travel needs of the people and is also a strategic reason for business and environmental development. As a result, the public transport system in Singapore has been constantly improving, both in terms of infrastructure and customer service quality. This is evidenced by the Mercer city infrastructure ranking, Singapore ranked highest out of 49 cities worldwide, and a Gallup report in 2008 also announced that Singaporeans were more satisfied with public transport than citizens of 20 other famous cities worldwide. Therefore, getting around the city in Singapore is very easy.

This series of articles by GLA is divided into 3 parts, which will provide information about the bus, MRT and taxi systems in Singapore as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type of transport, to help make traveling in Singapore easier and more convenient.

Traveling by bus in Singapore

Bus travel is very popular in Singapore. It is much cheaper than taxis and has more stops than trains. Buses go to most tourist attractions in Singapore, so it is not too difficult to travel around the city by bus. And this is also the most effective way to travel if you want to see the daily life of the people. 

1. Bus companies

There are two main bus companies in Singapore: SBS Transit (red and white buses) and SMRT (yellow buses). Both have their own routes and bus stops are located all over the city.

1.1SBS Transit

Holding over 75% of the bus market share in Singapore, SBS Transit is the largest bus operator in the island nation. SBS Transit's bus network is very convenient, with buses running routes to the most difficult to reach locations, such as areas far from the city center and the central business district.

SBS Transit also has special night bus services called the Nite Owl service, which operates on Fridays, Saturdays and public holiday evenings to cater to customers who need to travel at night with a fare of SGD4 (for both Ez-link and cash payments).

Most of the company's vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and provide services such as trunk, feeder, express, townlink and premium.

SBS Transit's Iris NextBus app (Iris Journey Planner) helps passengers estimate bus arrival times in real time and offers bus travel options based on the cheapest fare, closest walking distance or shortest travel time. You can use this service by visiting www.sbstransit.com.sg, via GPRS and SMS on your mobile phone.

1.2SMRT

SMRT is Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train operator, but also provides bus services. SMRT operates mainly in the north of Singapore.

Like SBS Transit, SMRT operates both terminal and airport services, express services and premium services.

SMRT also has a popular NightRider service, which is a safe and convenient option for those who like to party on weekends or work late at night. SMRT operates seven night routes each week from 11:30 p.m. to 4 a.m., from the city to outlying residential areas.

 2. Bus services

In addition to regular bus services, the bus system in Singapore also has some special services such as:

Feeder bus services: transport passengers from the train station, airport to their home. These buses operate regularly with fixed fares.
Express Services: This bus service has fewer stops, thus saving travel time.
City Shopper: This bus service connects nearby residential areas with shopping areas in the central business district such as Orchard Road and Suntec City.
Premium service: this type of bus specializes in transporting office workers from home to central business districts during peak mornings on weekdays with fixed fares.
Fast Forward Service: These buses operate during peak hours every morning and every evening, with fewer stops, thus saving travel time.
Night Service: Operates only on Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays, from 6pm to 7am the following morning (SMRT Night Rider) or 11am to 30am (SBS Nite Owl)
Stadium direct: These buses are usually available after concerts and major events, running continuously from the Singapore city stadium to certain nearby residential areas with flat fares.
Free Shuttle: SMRT link has a free shuttle service from the city centre (Dhoby Ghaut) to Little India and Chinatown on weekends and public holidays

3. Operating time and frequency of movement

Regular buses will operate from 6am to 12am every day.
During peak times, bus frequency is 5-8 minutes/trip, normally 15-18 minutes.

4. Payment methods and ticket prices

Whether choosing to travel by SBS Transit or SMRT, passengers have two payment options:

4.1 Payment by card

Ez-link card:

This is a prepaid, multiple-use card that can be purchased from any Transitlink ticket office at selected SMRT stations. The initial cost of the card is SGD 15, which includes SGD 10 top-up value and SGD 5 non-refundable cash.

With an Ez-link card, passengers can board any bus and swipe the card into the automatic fare box mounted on the front and rear doors of the bus for the system to automatically deduct money. Note that when swiping the card on the bus, you must also swipe the card when getting off, otherwise it will be considered as having traveled the entire distance from the first stop to the last stop and will be charged for this distance.

Top up (minimum SGD10 and maximum SGD100) can be done at Transitlink ticket offices or via top-up machines located at MRT stations, 7-Eleven stores or SingPost locations. Refunds can be obtained at SingPost counters if funds are not used up.

Singapore Tourist Pass (STP)

If you are only in Singapore for 3 days or less but travel a lot, you can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) for unlimited travel on the MRT and buses.

There are 3 types of Singapore Tourist Pass prices: 8 SGD (1 day), 16 SGD (2 days) and 24 SGD (3 days). The condition is to deposit an additional 10 SGD when getting the card, return the card within 5 days after the expiration date and get the deposit back.

This card is sold at ticket counters at major MRT stations including Changi MRT, Orchard, Chinatown, City Hall, Raffles Place, Ang Mo Kio, Harbourfront, Bugis and Lavender.

4.2 Buy regular tickets with cash

Tickets are valid for one trip, and can only be used for bus services.
Be sure to prepare exact change for the ticket price, as no change will be given.
Fares depend on distance travelled, ranging from around 67 cents to 1,58 SGD
If you are not sure how much the fare is, you can ask the driver or refer to the fare board on the bus.
Tickets must be kept during the trip for staff inspection.

5. Characteristics of buses in Singapore

Singapore is a sunny island nation with a tropical climate, so most buses in Singapore are equipped with air conditioning.
Some SBS Transit buses are equipped with TVs that provide information to passengers, thus enhancing their travel experience.
Double-decker buses have a seat access system for passengers to know if there are seats available on the upper deck.
Some buses have wheelchair ramps to make it easier for people in wheelchairs to get on the bus.

6. Some notes when taking the bus in Singapore

No smoking, eating, pets and durian (a tropical fruit with a very strong smell)
Bus only stops to pick up/drop off passengers at the stop
If you want to catch a bus, you must wave when the bus is approaching the stop. If you want to get off at a certain stop, you must press the button to signal that you want to get off, and you must notify before the bus arrives at the stop.
Have to queue at bus stops. Buses in Singapore do not have conductors, everyone is self-conscious and agile when getting on and off, moving.
Passengers often give up their seats to the elderly, the disabled, people with children, or people who need a seat more.
It is not allowed to stand on the upper deck of double-decker buses.

As one of the countries with the greenest and cleanest living environment in the world, along with a stable and developed economy and politics, Singapore is a top choice for foreigners to live, work and settle.

However, penetrating a new market is not always easy. GLA, with experienced consultants and a network of reputable partners in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New Zealand... will actively support businesses wishing to invest - do business and establish companies abroad.