Visitor's Guide to Getting Around in Singapore

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Getting around in Singapore is easy thanks to a series of well-planned roads and expressways. Buses and trains quickly shuttle residents between outlying areas and larger cities. As with many popular tourist destinations, the area also has a thriving and highly regulated taxi industry.DrivingDriving in Singapore is serious business. Roadway construction started in the early 1800s featuring a simplistic grid-like system and paving to facilitate carriage passage. Many considered Singapore roads advanced for their time and the city continues to utilize advanced technology for a more effective commute. Drivers began paying tolls via electronic road pricing in 1998 to alleviate congestion. Cars attach a device and sensors deduct fees each time vehicles pass through toll areas.As a reminder, cars drive on the left side of the road. Visitors in the country less than six months may drive on their original license. A simple test grants access to a Singapore-issued document. 11 expressways provide fast transport from surrounding satellite towns to larger cities as of January 2013. Purchasing a vehicle in Singapore can be a complex procedure but car rental facilities are plentiful throughout the area.Public TransportationSingapore boasts one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system features scenic views of the surrounding area. MRT destinations include Woodlands, Jurong, Sengkang and downtown Singapore. Light Rapid Transit (LRT) transports passengers between satellite cities and MRT stops. All trains are handicapped accessible and accommodate all passengers, from families with strollers to travelers burdened with large packages.Passengers pay LRT and MRT train fares using ez-link cards. Card types range from one-way fares to 30-day re-loadable devices. Fare cards are available at ticket offices and platform vending machines.There are two types of bus service operating in Singapore. Singapore's Bus Services (SBS) transport passengers from MRT stops to surrounding areas. Northern sections of the country use Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT). As of January 2013, buses operate between the hours of 5:30 A.M. and midnight from Sunday to Thursday. On weekends and holidays special night shuttle provide extended service from midnight until 6:00 A.M.Passenger ticket levels include trunk, express and premium services. Travelers should inquire with local ticket offices regarding service levels. Buses accept cash or ez-link for fare payment.TaxisEight taxi companies provide service throughout Singapore. Availability becomes extremely limited between the peak hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:30 A.M Monday through Friday. Evening rush runs from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday. Passengers are subject to additional surcharges for rides between midnight and 6:00 A.M. Travel experts recommend arranging taxi services well in advance to avoid problems.Delicious cuisine, excellent shopping and extensive culture continue luring visitors to Singapore. Advanced transportation methods make exploration a simple, hassle free process. In many cases, getting around in Singapore is exciting as the actual destination.