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City Guide - Singapore - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public Transport Public transport in Singapore is efficient, ultra-modern, clean, cheap and mostly air conditioned. The train system is operated by Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (tel: (1800) 336 8900; fax: (65) 334 8051; e-mail: pubaff1@smrt.com.sg ; web site: www.smrt.com.sg ). The MRT system extends north-south and east-west with trains every two to eight minutes 0530-2430 daily. Fares range from S$0.70 to S$1.60. Train times and information can be obtained from the TransitLink Hotline (tel: (1800) 779 9366). The bus system is operated by the Singapore Bus Service (tel: (1800) 287 2727; fax: (65) 282 5204; e-mail: ; web site: www.sbs.com.sg ) and TIBS (tel: (65) 480 6294; fax: (65) 482 3842; e-mail: trans-island@tibs.com.sg ; web site: www.tibs.com.sg ). SBS buses run 0600-2400 with fares between S$0.60 and S$1.20 for non-air-conditioned buses and between S$0.70 and S$1.50 for air-conditioned buses. TIBS also runs a Bus-Plus service, which operates during peak hours to shuttle passengers between residential areas and MRT stations or the central business district. Fares are between S$3.20 and S$3.70. Passes known as Farecards (covering both the MRT and buses) are available from MRT stations for a deposit of S$2 with an initial value of S$10. These can be topped up at TransitLink machines in every station. For S$10, a Tourist Day Ticket entitles passengers to up to 12 rides a day on the MRT and all SBS and TIBS bus services. These are available at MRT stations and bus interchanges. Taxis: Taxis are cheap, metered and safe, and because they are so convenient can be difficult to find during peak hours, especially in the central business district. Fares start at S$2.40 and are subject to a number of surcharges - most commonly advance booking fees, and there is S$3 charge for taxis hired at the airport. After midnight there is a 50% surcharge, which means that although there may be many empty taxis cruising around, they will be hard to flag down after about 2330. Drivers changing shifts will only take passengers heading in their direction - the red board on the dashboard or windscreen indicates the destination. Tipping is not expected. Taxi firms include CityCab (tel: (65) 553 3880); the Comfort (tel: (65) 552 1111) and TIBS (tel: (65) 481 6648). Limousines: Chauffeur-driven cars and limousines are available for tours around the city. Operators include Presidential Pacific Limousines (tel: (65) 337 8891) and CityLimo Auto Services Group (tel: (65) 665 1818). Driving in the City: Singapore's highways are all designated by acronyms - SLE, TPE, PIE, CTE, AYE and ECP. The busiest routes operate an Electronic Road Pricing system during peak hours, which automatically deducts tolls from a rechargeable card inside the car. The highways are easy to negotiate and traffic generally moves smoothly thanks to the ERP. Wearing of seat belts is mandatory, and it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. Singaporean drivers have a habit of lane drifting, but otherwise traffic flows without too many abuses of etiquette. Parking is cheap and easily available all over the city, especially in hotel basement car parks. Car Hire: A valid national driving licence is required, although an International Driving Permit is preferred. Minimum third-party insurance is compulsory, and can be extended to cover Malaysia. The minimum age limit for car hire is 25 years. Major providers include Avis (tel: (65) 737 1668), Budget (tel: (65) 532 4442) and Hertz (tel: (1800) 734 4646). Bicycle Hire: Cycling in Singapore tends to be restricted to public parks with East Coast Park a popular venue for cyclists and roller-bladers. Bicycle hire is available at several outlets in East Coast Park including East Coast Recreation Centre (tel: (65) 449 0541), which offers a range of bikes from S$1.50 per hour. |