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Public Transport

Rapid Transit

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is operated by Singapore MRT (SMRT) and SBST. The system consists of three main lines: the North-South Line, the East-West Line and the North-East Line. SMRT runs the North-South Line and East-West Line.

SBST is the operator of the fully-automated underground North East Line (NEL). The Circle Line (CCL), which is an orbital line, is currently being constructed to link up all the radial MRT lines that run into the city. When completed, the CCL will connect people through some of Singapore’s busiest corridors in the city, residential towns, industrial developments and research institutes.

Retrofitting of existing MRT stations began in 2000 and will be completed in 2006 to enhance accessibility to the elderly and the disabled. Features include ramps, lifts and tactile guidance systems.

There are two Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems at Bukit Panjang and Sengkang estates which serve as feeders to the main MRT networks. The Bukit Panjang LRT network, which commenced operations in November 1999, is run by Singapore LRT, a wholly owned subsidiary of SMRT. The East Loop of the Sengkang LRT network started passenger service on 18 January 2003. It is run by SBS Transit, who also operate the new North East Line (NEL) MRT and the Punggol LRT systems. In playing out its role as a multi-modal operator providing integrated bus and rail services, SBS Transit will also provide buses along the North-East corridor.

Buses

Basic bus services are run by two operators, SBS Transit Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd. Both operators are assigned with separate areas of responsibilities, and each has to plan and put into operation their respective bus network and services so as to meet the mobility needs of commuters.

Complementary non-basic services include express and rapid services, premier services, night services and Scheme B services, which provide additional capacity during peak hours.

A licence from the Public Transport Council (PTC) is required for any bus service that charges fares. Bus fares and routes require the approval of the PTC. In addition, basic bus services are required to meet the Quality of Service (QoS) standards set by the PTC. The QoS Standards comprise 19 parameters which cover 6 essential aspects of service: bus service reliability, loading, safety, provision of information, availability of bus services and integration with other modes of public transport. Penalty may be imposed for non-compliance with the standards.

Taxis

Taxis are operated by seven taxi companies: Comfort Transportation, CityCab, Yellow-Top Cab, SMRT Taxis, Trans-Cab, Smart Automobile and Premier Taxi, as well as a small number of individual driver-owners. Taxi drivers are licensed by the Land Transport Authority, and must have a good knowledge of routes and places, as well as meet requirements on safe driving skills and service standards.

In September 1998, taxi fares were deregulated, allowing the taxi companies to set their own fares. This provides more flexibility for operators to respond to changes in market conditions, to implement differential pricing to balance supply and demand at different times of the day, and to introduce and set prices for innovative services.

The taxi industry was fully liberalised in June 2003, when controls on the number of taxi companies and the fleet size quota for each company were lifted. Operators can now respond freely to market conditions, thereby resulting in a better match between supply and demand. Under the Taxi Operator Licence (TOL) framework, licencees must comply with a set of Quality of Service standards. Three broad areas of taxi companies’ performance are monitored, namely: Availability of Taxis via Radiophone Booking, Safety, and Customer Satisfaction. Financial penalties are imposed if the taxi companies fail to meet the standards in two consecutive months.