Global InformationTransport in Singapore information
Transportation in Singapore is predominantly land-based, with a comprehensive network of roads making many parts of the city-state, including islands such as Sentosa and Jurong Island, accessible. The road network is complemented by a robust rail system consisting of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT), which cover the length and width of Singapore and serve a few neighbourhoods respectively. The main island of Singapore is also connected to other islands via ferryboat services. Furthermore, the city-state maintains strong international connections through two bridges linking it to Malaysia – the Causeway and the Second Link – and the Singapore Changi Airport, a major aviation hub in Asia.
Singapore's transport system is globally recognized for its efficiency and effectiveness. According to McKinsey’s Urban Transportation report, it ranks as the world's best overall, excelling in five criteria: availability, affordability, efficiency, convenience, and sustainability.[1] A study by London consulting firm Credo further highlights the cost-efficiency of Singapore's public transport networks,[2] with integrated multi-modal (bus and train) single-journey regular trunk adult card-based fares ranging from S$0.99 to S$2.26. The Monthly Travel Pass, offering unlimited bus and train rides, is set at S$128 per month.[3]
Public transport, encompassing public buses and the MRT and LRT rail networks, is the most common mode of transportation within the city-state. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) fully integrates public transport, with state ownership and public financing of the public infrastructure and public capital assets of railways[4] and buses.[5] The operation and maintenance of these systems are tendered to bidding operator companies on contract.
Private transport, including cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles, is less commonly used due to the country's limited land space and dense population. The LTA has controlled and limited the private vehicle population through the Vehicle Quota System (VQS) ownership market-based license auctions since 1990. High taxes, such as the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) and Additional Registration Fee (ARF), make private vehicle ownership prohibitively expensive, leading to Singapore's reputation as the most expensive country in the world to own a car.[6]
In recent years, Singapore has emerged as a preferred location for the testing and development of autonomous vehicles.[7]
- ^ Wong, Derek (23 August 2018). "Singapore public transport system tops global list". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
- ^ Sim, Royston (2 June 2014). "Study: Singapore's public transport system one of world's most efficient". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
- ^ "Fare Structure". ptc.gov.sg. Public Transport Council. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
- ^ "New Rail Financing Framework". lta.gov.sg. Land Transport Authority. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
- ^ "Bus Contracting Model". lta.gov.sg. Land Transport Authority. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
- ^ Descalsota, Marielle (28 June 2022). "Cars in Singapore cost on average 5 times more than they do in the US. Here's a breakdown of what 5 popular cars would set you back in each country". Business Insider. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
- ^ Umar Zakir Abdul, Hamid; et al. (2019). "Current Landscape of the Automotive Field in the ASEAN Region: Case Study of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia - A Brief Overview". ASEAN Journal of Automotive Technology. 1 (1). Retrieved 5 October 2019.