MRT: The Lifeline of Singapore

The MRT is the equivalent to the tube, tram or train that you may be used to in your home country. But a lot cleaner, more reliable and probably faster. With a network spanning the entire island, hopping on an MRT train is the easiest and fastest way to get around. You can find a map of the whole MRT system here.

Navigating the MRT

• EZ-Link Card: Your ticket to MRT (and bus) bliss! Grab an EZ-Link card from any MRT station, load it up with credits, and you're good to go. Just tap in and out at the gantries. EZ-Link can be cheaper for students to use as there are special plans, more information can be found here. Contactless card payment also works!
• Colour-Coded Lines: Don't stress about getting lost. Each MRT line has its own colour and name, making navigation a breeze - from the East-West line to the Downtown line. The whole system is also a lot smaller than any other big cities you may be used to, such as London. You'll be zipping around like a pro in no time. 
• Peak Hours: Brace yourself for the morning rush! Weekday mornings and evenings can get crowded (again, not as bad as you might be used to). If you can, try to avoid these peak hours - your trip will also be cheaper. That being said, public transport is a lot more affordable than other cities in Europe! If you want to calculate how much your typical commute to work would be, check out the fare calculator here!

Buses: Your Flexible Friend

When you need to reach places off the MRT grid or explore the nooks and crannies of the city, buses are your go-to option. Especially in the East Coast and West of Singapore busses are a lot more convenient to use. Singapore's bus network is extensive, covering virtually every corner of the island.

Mastering the Bus System

• Bus Numbers: Each bus route is assigned a number, so keep an eye out for your desired route. Don't worry; the buses also announce upcoming stops and display them on screens inside. Side note: each of our homes have the nearest bus stop indicated on the home description - you can use the stop ID to figure out your best commute.
• Bus Stops: Look out for the big blue signs indicating bus stops. They're everywhere! Just wait patiently (Singaporeans love a good queue) and hop on when your bus arrives.
• Night Riders: Need to venture out after dark? No problem! Singapore's NightRider buses operate late into the night, ensuring you can explore the city's nightlife without worrying about getting stranded. More information can be found here!

LRT: A Neighbourhood Affair

For those living in the heartlands (local speak for residential areas), the LRT is a convenient way to hop between neighbourhoods. These smaller trains complement the MRT and bus network, making intra-neighbourhood super easy.

LRT Lowdown:

• Feeder Service: LRT lines primarily serve as feeder services to connect residents to nearby MRT stations. If you're living in a Housing Development Board (HDB) estate, chances are there's an LRT station nearby.
• Scenic Rides: Some LRT lines offer scenic routes through lush greenery and quaint neighbourhoods. It's like a mini adventure on your daily commute!

Grab, Gojek, Tada; the Ubers of Singapore

While public transport in Singapore is top-notch, sometimes you just need the convenience of a door-to-door ride. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are readily available and offer a comfortable alternative for when you're in a hurry or travelling in a group. They are also a lot cheaper than Ubers :) Downalod Grab here, Gojek here and Tada here!

Pro Tips for Seamless Travel

• Plan Your Route: Use apps like Google Maps or City Mapper. They provide real-time updates on routes, timings, and even alternate options in case of disruptions. 
• Stay Connected: Follow official social media channels or sign up for alerts to stay informed about any service disruptions or changes. Singapore's transport authorities are proactive about keeping commuters in the loop.
• Apps: To check timings of buses, we’d recommend downloading apps like SG Bus or SBS Transit App so you can view the timetables straight from your phone!

So there you have it - armed with this guide, you're ready to conquer Singapore's public transport system like a true local. Whether you're zipping through the city on the MRT, exploring hidden gems on the bus, or enjoying a scenic ride on the LRT, transportation woes will be a thing of the past. Get ready to embark on countless urban adventures in the Lion City!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the MRT and why is it important in Singapore? The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is Singapore's equivalent to the tube, tram, or train, offering a clean, reliable, and fast way to get around the island. It is the backbone of the public transport system, making it the easiest and fastest way to navigate the city. You can find the map of MRT here.
2. How do I use the MRT in Singapore? To use the MRT, you'll need an EZ-Link card, which you can purchase at any MRT station. Load it with credits and tap in and out at the gantries. Alternatively, contactless card payment also works. Each MRT line is color-coded, making navigation simple and intuitive.
3. What are the peak hours for the MRT in Singapore? Peak hours on the MRT are typically weekday mornings and evenings. During these times, trains can get crowded. Avoiding peak hours can make your trip more comfortable and cheaper.
4. How can I calculate my MRT commute fare? You can calculate your typical MRT commute fare using the fare calculator available online. This tool helps you estimate the cost of your daily travel and plan your budget accordingly.
5. How do I navigate the bus system in Singapore? Singapore's bus network is extensive and covers almost every corner of the island. Each bus route is assigned a number, and buses announce upcoming stops. Look for the big blue signs indicating bus stops and use bus stop IDs to figure out your best commute.
6. What are NightRider buses and how do they work? NightRider buses operate late into the night, providing transportation options for those exploring Singapore's nightlife. These buses ensure you can venture out after dark without worrying about getting stranded.
7. What is the LRT and how does it complement the MRT and bus network? The LRT (Light Rail Transit) serves as a feeder service connecting residential areas (heartlands) to nearby MRT stations. It offers convenient intra-neighborhood travel and scenic routes through lush greenery and quaint neighborhoods.
8. What ride-hailing apps are available in Singapore? Ride-hailing apps like Grab, Gojek, and Tada offer convenient door-to-door rides in Singapore. These apps are a great alternative to public transport when you're in a hurry or traveling in a group, and they are generally cheaper than Ubers.
9. How can I plan my route and stay updated on public transport in Singapore? Use apps like Google Maps or City Mapper for real-time updates on routes, timings, and alternate options. Follow official social media channels or sign up for alerts to stay informed about any service disruptions or changes.
10. Are there any apps for checking bus timings in Singapore? Yes, you can download apps like SG Bus or SBS Transit App to check bus timings and view timetables straight from your phone. These apps help you plan your bus journeys efficiently.