Introduction to Singapore's Public Transport

Introduction to Singapore's Public Transport

History | Milestones | Present


History
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is a constitutional board under the Ministry of Transport in Singapore that heads land transport developments. It plans the long-term transport needs of Singapore, taking care of those who drive as well as those who take public transport. The LTA was established on 1 September 1995. It was formed through the merger of four public sector entities, namely:

    * Registry of Vehicles
    * Mass Rapid Transit Corporation
    * Roads & Transportation Division of the Public Works Department
    * Land Transport Division of the then Ministry of Communications

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Milestones
1970
The first major re-organisation of the bus system was made by the Government. This involves the combination of ten Chinese bus companies into three.

1973
The three bus companies were further merged to form Singapore Bus Services (SBS) which later evolved to become what is now known as SBS Transit Ltd.

1974
To improve travel time on buses, left-most lanes on major roads were designated for exclusive use by buses during peak hours. Designated bus lanes have improved bus speeds by at least 15%. This means commuters can get to their destination faster.
Over the years, the use of this cost-effective measure has been extended. As at 2000, 120km of bus lanes were in operation.

1976
Radio phone service for taxis was introduced.

1977
Double-decker buses were rolled out.

1982
The green light was given to build the MRT system which marked the beginning of a long-term strategy to use the more reliable and efficient MRT system to serve heavy transit corridors.

1983
Trans-Island Bus Services Limited (TIBS) became Singapore's second public bus operator. It is now known as SMRT Buses Ltd.
The basic bus services operated by SBS Transit and SMRT Buses Ltd forms the backbone of Singapore's bus network.
The basic bus services are supplemented by express and rapid services, premier services, night services and Scheme B services. These services help to meet commuting demands during peak hours.

1984
Air-conditioned buses were introduced for the first time in Singapore.

1985
Most buses converted to one-man operated (OMO) fare collection system.

1987
On 7 November, the first section of the MRT system, running from Yio Chu Kang to Toa Payoh, opened for service.
The Public Transport Council (PTC) was also established to balance the need to safeguard public interest and the financial viability of public transport operators.
The task of the PTC include endorsing bus routes, regulating bus service standards and approving fares for scheduled bus services, the MRT and LRT services.

1989
TransitLink was set up as a service company by SBS Transit, SMRT Trains Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd to develop an integrated public transport system by bringing buses, the MRT and the LRT together as one comprehensive network.

1990
The North South and East West MRT Lines extending from Yishun to Marina Bay and Pasir Ris to Boon Lay and Choa Chu Kang respectively were completed.

1991
TransitLink launched a common stored-value farecard for use on both bus and MRT. The card also allowed commuters to enjoy rebates when making transfers.
This marked the start of an integrated ticketing system for Singapore¡¯s public transport network. Commuters need just one single stored-value card to travel on different public transport modes.
The magnetic fare card also paved the way for the introduction of transfer rebates. Commuters get to enjoy fare discounts when they transfer between bus and rail, and between different buses.
Premier taxi services, using Mercedes and Londoncabs, were added to the taxi stable in the same year.

1996
The MRT network was extended to link up Yishun and Choa Chu Kang with the Woodlands Extension.
Woodlands station is even integrated with Singapore's first underground interchange. This allows commuters to zip from one transport mode to another seamlessly.
SMRT Buses Ltd added bendy buses to its fleet which have an additional exit for faster and more convenient alighting. Its carrying capacity is 144, highest among the fleet of all public bus operators.

1998
PTC capped the annual fare increase using the formula CPI + X.
With this formula, PTC helps ensure fare increases are done in small and regular steps. This is to avoid having sudden large increase in fares, which has a more adverse effect on commuters.
CPI refers to the change in Consumer Price Index, while X is the small percentage to account for various cost factors such as wage changes and productivity gains that will influence fares.
X has been fixed at 1.5% for 5 years from 2001 to 2005.
Taxi fares were also deregulated, which allows taxi companies to set their own fares. This gives operators more flexibility to respond to changes in market conditions.

1999
Bukit Panjang LRT system, Singapore's 1st feeder rail system, commenced operations.

2000
SBS Transit and SMRT Buses Ltd introduced late night bus services.

2001
The 1st MRT station to be built on an operating line, Dover MRT station was opened.

2002
Magnetic farecards were replaced by contactless EZ-Link cards.
This system caters for the more complex requirements of an expanded public transport network.
The system automatically calculates and deducts fares from the card's stored value, and enables commuters to board the buses and pass through MRT fare gates faster.
Changi Airport MRT station also commenced operations.
Branching off from the East West Line, the MRT extension to Changi Airport provides commuters with a quick and convenient passage to the Singapore Expo.
Singapore's first air-conditioned bus interchange opened at Toa Payoh.
Toa Payoh bus interchange does more than just let commuters wait for buses in air-conditioned comfort. It is also integrated with the underground MRT station and nearby shops and offices.
This allows commuters to zip from different modes of transport to and from home, office or shopping malls.
Five older MRT stations were upgraded with disabled-friendly facilities.
Fitted with barrier-free facilities like lifts and ramps, Dhoby Ghaut, Outram Park, Somerset, Novena, and Tampines MRT stations are now more accessible to the disabled and the elderly.
Upgrading works for the rest of the older MRT stations have started and are expected to complete by 2005.

2003
The North East Line (NEL) and the Sengkang LRT opened for service.
The NEL and SKLRT bring the rail network to the north-eastern corridor of Singapore. It now only takes 20 minutes to travel from Sengkang to Orchard Road.
The launch of NEL and SKLRT also marked the introduction of SBS Transit as a new rail operator.
The Art in Transit programme on the NEL marked the 1st time artworks are integrated as architectural finishes for MRT stations.

2004
Milestone in integrated planning was achieved; Atrium@Orchard, the first commercial development to be fully integrated with an MRT station.
Building Atrium@Orchard directly above Dhoby Ghaut MRT station optimizes land use, and increases the convenience and accessibility of public transport.
Station entrances come up directly into the large open lobby of the Atrium@Orchard. This grand lobby facing Orchard Road conveniently serves pedestrian traffic as well as commuters at the bus shelter.
Taxi operator licenses were granted to three new players, bringing the total to seven.
With three new companies vying for a market share in the taxi industry, commuters are assured of better services.
The seven companies are:

    * Citycab Pte Ltd
    * Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd
    * Premier Taxis Pte Ltd
    * Smart Automobile Pte Ltd
    * SMRT Taxis Pte Ltd
    * Trans-Cab Services Pte Ltd
    * Yellow-Top Cab Pte Ltd

A set of Quality of Service (QoS) standards were introduced for taxi companies.
The QoS standards specify the taxi companies' performance in three areas, namely, the availability of taxis through radiophone bookings, safety, and customer satisfaction.
With the introduction of QoS, taxi commuters are made aware of the minimum level of service that they can expect from the taxi companies. If the companies are unable to meet the QoS, they will also be penalised accordingly.

2005
The 10.3-km 15-station Punggol LRT commenced operations, providing residents with quick access to NEL.

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Present
At present, Singapore has three MRT lines, with one under construction. They are the North South Line, East West Line, North East Line and the Circle Line (under construction). Three LRT lines have been built, namely the Bukit Panjang LRT, Sengkang LRT and Punggol LRT. Singapore's rail network is set to expand in the future, with some projects in the planning stage.
Bus and taxi services are not going to develop further, with 2 bus companies and 7 taxi companies competing for market share.
Singapore's public transport network is one of the best in the world, and with the Circle Line and the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway being constructed, it would be even better.

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