Singapore’s Fantastic Mass Transit

One of the worlds truly great subway systems is the Singapore MRT and it is a solid innovator. Many of their systems are recognized and implemented worldwide. If you are lucky enough to get to Singapore for a visit you must use the MRT to get around the city. From the time you arrive at the airport you can take advantage of this remarkable transportation system.

First thing you need to know is one of the official languages of Singapore is English and virtually all signage here is in English. So not understanding the language is not an excuse. Second, the MRT is spotless as is all of Singapore. Saying a place is so clean you can eat off the floor is a common expression but it might actually be true in the MRT.

The Singapore Tourist Pass is a special ez-link card that offers tourists unlimited travel on Singapore’s basic bus services, MRT and LRT trains for the duration of the days purchased. You can now take in the sights and sounds of Singapore in the comfort of the island’s extensive MRT system and public bus network. If you are going to be in Singapore for a day or three you need a Singapore Tourist Pass. You can purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass at “Changi Recommends” counters at all Changi Airport terminals, SMRT Passenger Service Counters, and TransitLink Ticket Offices at Changi Airport or HarbourFront and all 7-Eleven stores. Be sure and have your passport.

TOURIST 1-DAY PASS $10   2-DAY PASS $16   3-DAY PASS $20

The pass also requires a $10 rental deposit that is refunded when you turn in the card. You can collect your deposit at the airport before flying out.

If you don’t have a chance to get your ez-Link card the system offers an all-day ticket from the vending outlets in the stations. They are easy to understand and accept major credit cards. Since we were in Singapore three different times in some cases we found it cheaper to purchase one-way or roundtrip fares to specific destinations but in any case the fare on the MRT is a truly great deal.

With the MRT, even if you haven’t mapped out where you want to go it isn’t hard to figure out. The popular destinations are clearly named on the route map, like the Botanic Garden, Chinatown, Little India, Marina Bay, Bayfront, Promenade, HarbourFront and central Downtown.

Sentosa Island is a popular destination because there’s so much to do like special events, themed attractions like Universal Studios, spas, a rainforest park, and beautiful beaches. To get there take the MRT to Harbourfront stop and then either take the mono-rail train (follow signs) or take the popular walkway to Sentosa Island. You can also access the Singapore Cable Cars from the same HarbourFront MRT station. For the Singapore Cable Cars head towards Exit B that goes to the HarborFront Centre. Once there, cross the link bridge in order to reach the Singapore Cable Car station at HarbourFront Tower II.

A final thought about the MRT and Singapore in general; the people are great. They are always trying to be helpful and friendly. While riding on the MRT young people kept insisting we take their seats (and I didn’t think I looked THAT old). Even the train kept telling us to “mind the gap and have a happy happy”…